Truly Madly Deeply

Chapter 2: The Diva Takes the Spotlight

The Doncaster High talent show was the social event of the year, and everyone in the school knew it. But while most students were nervously practicing in their bedrooms, Louis Tomlinson was busy doing what he did best: talking a massive game.

"Savannah, love, you're going to want to remember this day," he declared, flopping dramatically onto her bed. "In a few hours, I'm going to set that stage on fire, and when I'm famous, you'll be able to say, 'I knew him when.'"

Savannah rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Set the stage on fire? You're going to sing one song, Louis. It's not like you're headlining Glastonbury."

Louis gasped in mock horror, clutching his heart. "One song? ONE song? Oh, darling, it only takes one song to launch a legend." He smirked. "And this voice is about to make school history."

"Please, spare me the self-love speech," she shot back, smirking. "You're unbearable."

"I'm iconic," he replied, inspecting his nails with an air of exaggerated boredom. "Unbearable, iconic—tomato, tomah-to." He shrugged. "But don't you dare look away when I'm up there, love. This face? This voice? They're gifts. Gonna do the world a favor and share them."

Savannah laughed, but the truth was, she didn't doubt Louis one bit. Sure, he was full of himself—she'd known that since they were kids—but he also had the goods to back it up. Even as he prepped for the show, she could see that spark, that natural charisma that made him impossible to ignore.

The school auditorium was packed, buzzing with the usual blend of excitement and nerves. As each act took the stage, Savannah could feel Louis fidgeting beside her, shifting in his seat and muttering under his breath.

"Can't believe I have to follow this," he mumbled, casting a scathing look at a classmate attempting an awkward magic trick. "This is going to be like watching Mozart go on after a bloody kindergarten recital."

Savannah tried to stifle her laugh, nudging him. "Calm down, Mozart. You're not up yet."

"Oh, but I will be," he replied with a smug grin. "And when I am, they'll all remember the name."

The announcer finally called his name, and Louis sprang out of his seat, winking at her. "Don't miss me too much while I'm up there."

"Just get on with it, Tomlinson!" she teased.

With a confident strut, Louis took the stage, a cocky grin plastered across his face. He grabbed the mic, staring out at the crowd as if they were already his adoring fans. "Hello, Doncaster!" he shouted, holding up his arms to bask in the nonexistent applause. "Hope you're ready to be wowed."

A few snickers echoed in the audience, but Louis was unfazed. He shot a wink at Savannah, then launched into his song—a rendition of Hey There Delilah that, for all his attitude, was mesmerizing. His voice was strong, clear, full of that emotion he rarely let show. The room fell silent, spellbound by his performance.

Even Savannah was taken aback. She'd known Louis could sing, but she'd never heard him like this. His voice filled the entire auditorium, holding everyone captive with every note. It was as if he'd been waiting his whole life for this moment.

When he hit the final note, the crowd erupted into applause, a few people even standing up. Louis took a bow, soaking in the attention like a seasoned performer, and threw Savannah a triumphant grin as he walked offstage.

Back in their seats, Savannah shook her head, still in awe. "Alright, I'll give it to you—that was incredible."

Louis waved a dismissive hand, pretending to be modest. "Oh, I know. This voice doesn't happen by accident, you know."

"Shut up, diva," she laughed. "Can't you just take a compliment without turning it into your own personal TED Talk?"

"Savannah, darling, the world doesn't need more false modesty. They need honesty. And honestly?" He leaned in close, whispering as if revealing a deep secret. "I'm a bloody star."

Savannah rolled her eyes, but she was grinning. "And so humble, too."

"Please," he said, flicking his wrist. "Humility is for people with average talents. I, on the other hand, am exceptional." He leaned back, smirking. "And speaking of exceptional, I'll take my victory now, thank you very much."

As the judges announced the results, they crowned Louis as the winner. He stood up, bowing grandly to the audience as if accepting an Oscar.

"Thank you, thank you," he said with a dramatic flourish. "I'd like to thank... well, mostly myself. Oh, and my best mate Savannah, of course." He blew her an exaggerated kiss.

Savannah, laughing and a bit red-faced, waved him off. "Alright, alright, superstar. Let's get you back down to earth before you float off."

He gave her a look, full of mischief and confidence. "Back to earth? Not likely, love. I'm only going up from here."

On the walk home, Louis was still on a high from his performance. He walked with a bounce in his step, replaying every moment in his head, every applause, every cheer.

"You know, I'm telling you, Savannah," he said, gazing up at the stars. "One day, it'll be the world that's clapping for me. And you'll be right there, laughing at me like always."

Savannah smiled, bumping her shoulder against his. "You're a pain in the arse, but yeah, Lou... I think you're going to do exactly that."

"Damn right I am," he replied with a grin. Then, he looked at her with a serious glint in his eye. "Promise me, yeah? No matter how famous I get, or how unbearable I become, you'll still be my best mate. Even when I'm off doing sold-out tours."

"Fine," she said, rolling her eyes with a grin. "I promise. Though if your head gets any bigger, I might just start charging you rent for it."

Louis burst out laughing. "Keep dreaming, Sellers! You're lucky to even know me." He struck a dramatic pose, as if he were already onstage again. "Louis Tomlinson, superstar! Remember the name!"

And as they walked off into the night, laughing and teasing each other, neither of them could know just how true those words would turn out to be.