The event was a disaster from the moment you set foot in the place. People everywhere, the unbearable noise of overlapping conversations, the flashes of cameras. You had managed to keep your composure for the first few minutes, but now you felt the tension building up in your body.

The worst part was that no one seemed to remember or care that you hated physical contact. A hand on your shoulder, a sudden hug, even a pat on the back. It all made you want to run away. Your hands were cold, your muscles tense, and your eyes darted around, searching for an escape.

"You alright?" a voice asked beside you.

It was Noel, watching you with a frown.

Before you could respond, Liam appeared behind you, placing a hand on your head and playfully messing up your hair.

"What's wrong? Are they touching you without permission?" he said with a look of disgust.

Noel crossed his arms and muttered, "What kind of idiot doesn't respect that?"

"Alright, then let's do something about it," Liam announced.

Before you could react, both of them positioned themselves at your sides, forming a barrier with their bodies. Noel handed you a drink (which was probably his) and gave a warning look to anyone who got too close. Liam, for his part, crossed his arms with a look of annoyance that made it clear no one should bother you.