the one that got away, zayn malik

chapter seven

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
CHAPTER SEVEN
20th of april 2014

THE bright studio lights buzzed overhead, illuminating the faces of one direction as they settled into their seats for the promotional interview about their where we are tour. olive sat between zayn and niall, her stomach knotting slightly at the prospect of what lay ahead. there was a palpable tension in the air, a silent acknowledgment that this interview would be anything but straightforward.

the interviewer, a sharply dressed man with a confident smile, leaned forward, exuding a casual air that belied the condescension lurking beneath the surface. "welcome, one direction! exciting times ahead with your where we are tour, right? it must be a thrill to be back on the road again."

harry, ever the charismatic spokesperson, nodded enthusiastically. "absolutely! we love connecting with our fans, and touring is always a highlight for us."

the interviewer turned his gaze to olive, his expression shifting subtly. "and olive, being the only girl in a group full of talented guys, does that make your experience unique? or maybe a little...challenging?"

olive forced a smile, feeling the familiar tension rise within her. "not really. we're all here for the same reason—our music. it's a team effort."

"of course," he replied, his tone patronizing. "but with such a talented group, do you find it hard not to be overshadowed? i mean, let's be honest: you're quite the standout, and not just for your voice."

niall's brow furrowed, sensing the direction of the conversation. "we all bring something different to the table. it's not about overshadowing anyone; it's about making music together."

the interviewer waved a dismissive hand, brushing off niall's comment. "right, but let's be real. there's a reason the fans might be more drawn to...let's say, your visual appeal, olive. does that ever feel like a double-edged sword?"

olive took a deep breath, focusing on her composure. "i believe our music speaks for itself. it's not just about looks; it's about what we create together."

the interviewer smirked, leaning in as if he were sharing a secret. "but do you think that's enough? i mean, it must be hard to be labeled the 'eye candy' of the group. how do you cope with that?"

zayn shifted in his seat, a flash of anger in his eyes. "olive is so much more than that label. she's an incredible artist, and that's what really matters."

"of course, of course!" the interviewer responded, feigning agreement. "but let's face it: fans have a tendency to focus on the glamour, don't you think? it's part of the job. you must feel some pressure to maintain that image."

olive could feel the heat rising in her cheeks but kept her voice steady. "i appreciate the support, but i prefer to be recognized for my talent rather than just how i look. the music is what connects us to our fans."

"interesting perspective," he replied, his voice dripping with condescension. "but let's be honest, it must feel like a lot of pressure to balance both your artistry and that image. it's a tough line to walk, especially in a boy band, right?"

louis interjected, trying to steer the conversation back to safer waters. "we all work hard, and olive's contributions to our music are invaluable. she deserves recognition for that."

the interviewer chuckled, clearly unfazed. "absolutely, but let's not ignore the reality of the industry. it's about the package, and you're part of that. it must be a lot to handle sometimes."

olive's frustration simmered just beneath the surface, but she maintained her poise. "i think it's important to remember that we're all here for the same purpose—sharing our music with the world. that's what truly matters to us."