SIX - One Direction

32

The after-party was in full swing at this sleek downtown club, lights flashing, bass vibrating through the walls. Outside, fans lined up to catch even a glimpse of the band as they piled out of their car, the cheers hitting them like a wave.

Inside, the energy was off the charts. Louis, of course, led the charge, hauling Niall toward the bar the moment they got through the doors. "C'mon, drinks are on me!" he shouted, already flagging down the bartender with a grin.

Harry hung back for a second, eyeing Alex. "You alright with all this?" he asked, voice low.

Alex rolled her eyes, laughing. "Yes, Harry, I think I can handle a bit of noise. Let's go!" She tugged him toward the bar, letting the party atmosphere take over.

They were quickly caught up in it all, sharing stories and laughing over tour mishaps as they passed drinks around. It was like they'd finally had a chance to breathe after weeks of rehearsals, and everyone was just cutting loose. Before long, they were out on the dance floor, Louis and Niall taking turns goofing off while Liam tried to keep everyone from spilling their drinks.

Alex was caught up in it all, feeling like she belonged. But after a while, she noticed a guy on the edge of the dance floor, staring at her just a little too long. He was tall, maybe a bit attractive, but something in his stare set her on edge.

She nudged Harry, who'd clearly noticed too. "Who's that?" she asked, nodding subtly in the guy's direction.

Harry's jaw tensed. "Dunno, but he can jog on if he thinks he's getting anywhere near you," he muttered, eyes locked on the guy. Sure enough, the guy edged over, flashing a grin that was more cocky than charming.

"Hey there! I'm a big fan of yours," he started, leaning in closer. "Mind if I join?"

Alex started to respond, but Harry was already stepping in, blocking the guy's view. "Actually, mate, she's here with us," he said, tone polite but firm enough to make a point.

The guy took the hint, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Didn't mean any trouble," he said, looking between them. "Just wanted to say hi."

"Message received," Harry replied, watching as the guy slipped away into the crowd. He turned back to Alex, a cheeky grin finally breaking through. "See? Told you I'd keep you safe."

Alex rolled her eyes, nudging him. "Alright, my hero," she teased, but there was something warm in the way she looked at him.

They got back to dancing, and despite the noise and crowd, Alex found herself catching Harry's gaze across the floor again and again, like they had their own bubble amidst the chaos.

But just as everything was getting good, a bit of drama broke out. Over by the bar, Zayn and Niall had started bickering—Zayn getting on about staying focused, and Niall pushing back, saying they were just there to have fun.

"We're here to celebrate!" Niall shot back, looking frustrated. "Doesn't always have to be serious, mate!"

Zayn crossed his arms. "Yeah, well, we're still on tour. No harm in staying a bit sharp, is there?"

Alex exchanged a look with Harry, who sighed. He slid in between them, clapping both on the shoulders. "Come on, lads, let's keep it cool, yeah? We're all on the same team."

Louis chimed in, already reaching over to grab them both in a playful headlock. "Harry's right; we're meant to be having a laugh tonight. Let's all chill and get back to it!"

The tension finally eased, and soon they were back to joking around, the argument forgotten. But Alex couldn't shake the feeling that she was getting a deeper glimpse into what held the group together. They might argue, but at the end of the day, they were solid—like family.

As the night started to wind down, Alex caught Harry's eye from across the room, and he raised his drink to her in a little toast. It was one of those unspoken moments, a reminder that they had each other's backs no matter how wild things got. With one last grin, she raised her glass back, feeling that strange, electric connection between them stronger than ever.