Walking in the Wind One Direction EDITING

24. Tea Girl and the Culprit

"Good morning, and congratulations! You've made it to the third day of bootcamp!" Simon's voice booms across the room. The energy instantly shifts, a mix of anticipation and nerves crackling in the air. "Today, you'll practice and perform your final duet. You'll choose the song yourselves, I'm looking for ambition and stage presence."

There's a murmur among the contestants, excitement and anxiety blending in equal parts.

"That's it. Apart from one more thing..." Simon anticipates, "There's somebody else here today to help us judge you."

The room gasps collectively, and before anyone can guess, Simon steps aside. "Nicole."

Nicole Scherzinger strides in, radiating confidence and warmth. The room erupts into cheers as she waves, flashing her signature dazzling smile.

"Hi, everyone!" she greets enthusiastically, stepping onto the small stage where the judges sit. "I'll be helping with the duets today. This is where we separate the boys from the men and the pussycats from the dolls." A playful wink follows her words. "Let's have some fun!"

She claps her hands together. "I'll also be the one assigning your duet partners. I've already made the pairings with a little help from John Modi."

"We'll leave you all in her hands for now. Be good." Simon and Louis excuse themselves, leaving Nicole in charge. She moves closer to the group, scanning the faces in the crowd. "Let's start pairing you up. I've got my list right here." She retrieves a notebook from a nearby assistant, flipping it open. "Let's see...The first one I've written down is.. Oh I know!"

"Okay," she begins, scanning the crowd. Her gaze locks onto me. "You, Tea Girl," she says with a grin, pointing at me.

I blink in surprise as several heads turn my way.

"And you'll be paired with... The Culprit." She gestures toward Liam.

Liam. I am partnered with Liam?

Liam's lips twitch into a smile as he steps forward. "The Culprit?" I mutter under my breath as he joins me.

"Should I start calling you 'The Culprit' now?" I tease, linking my arm with his.

"It's better than 'Teabag,' but I bet you can come up with something better, Teacup," he fires back, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Louis and Katie." Nicole continues calling out pairs, but her voice fades into the background as Liam leans slightly closer. His arm brushes mine, a casual touch that shouldn't make my heart flutter—but it does.

"Told you you'd get a better partner this time, didn't I?" I say, forcing a light tone to cover the sudden intensity I feel.

"The best partner," he replies, his eyes softening as they linger on mine for just a beat too long.

"Laelynn and Zayn." Nicole continues, "Harry and Jade."

Laelynn will be good for Zayn, she's got the same mysterious vibe but she's really confident maybe it will rub off on him a little bit.

"Okay, and we'll end off with Daisy Mae and Niall. That's everyone." She puts the notebook away.

Daisy and Niall are both just the sweetest bubbliest people here. Even though I haven't spoken to Niall yet, I know he's just jolly and sweet. Nicole really did think this through.

Nicole finishes the pairings and steps off the platform. "Backstage, you'll find your practice schedule and room assignments. Either John or I will check in to discuss song choices."

"Come on," Liam says, taking my hand without hesitation. His grip is firm but warm, and I can't decide if I want to let go or hold on tighter.

We grab our schedule and head to our assigned practice room. It's a small, mirrored dance studio, the same as the one where I practiced with Harry. Liam opens the door, gesturing for me to go first.