SIX - One Direction

44

With the album launch just around the corner, One Direction had announced a special, exclusive concert in London to celebrate the upcoming release of Four. Word had spread like wildfire, and fans had flocked from all over, buzzing with excitement. As the lights dimmed and the band took the stage, the energy in the venue was electric, the crowd erupting into cheers and applause as the first notes rang out.

Alex stood on the left of the stage, Niall by her side, waiting for her turn to sing with her arms folded, watching the lads work their magic on stage. Harry, with his curls bouncing as he moved, had taken center stage, his natural charm and charisma radiating across the crowd. She couldn't take her eyes off him, the way he commanded every note, every glance, every cheeky grin tossed out into the sea of adoring fans. Her heart raced as she watched him, a mix of pride and admiration blooming in her chest. All their hard work was paying off, and it was clear tonight meant the world to all of them.

Once the final song ended, the lads took their bows, breathless but beaming as the cheers filled the hall. They hurried offstage, the adrenaline still coursing through them as they exchanged high-fives, hugs, and wide-eyed looks.

"Mate, that was unreal!" Niall shouted, slinging an arm around Alex.

"Nothing like a London crowd, eh?" she said teasingly to Niall "Couldn't have asked for a better night," she replied, grinning from ear to ear.

When they'd caught their breath, Louis clapped his hands together, the mischief in his eyes unmistakable. "Alright, who's up for a cheeky night out? One gig's not enough, we're due a proper celebration!"

The group barely had time to change before piling into a cab that whisked them off to one of London's buzzy, low-lit pubs tucked away on a cobblestone street. Inside, it was all laughter and music, and soon enough, the lads were gathering at the bar, pints in hand.

"Cheers to us!" Louis shouted over the music, raising his glass. "And cheers to Four!"

"Cheers!" they all echoed, clinking glasses, grins wide as they knocked back their first sips.

The night was a blur of toasts, stories, and laughter. They reminisced about the wild times they'd had on tour—the mishaps, the unforgettable nights, the unforgettable mornings after. Alex couldn't help but notice Harry's eyes glancing her way every now and then, a flicker of something deeper behind his easy grin. They'd shared countless late nights and inside jokes, but tonight, something felt different.

At one point, Harry leaned over, nudging her gently. "Alright, Alex? You've been pretty quiet tonight."

"Oh, just taking it all in," she replied, giving him a sidelong glance. "It's not every day we play a show like that, is it?"

He grinned, his gaze softening. "Nah, it's not. But it's nice having you here—wouldn't be the same otherwise."

She felt her cheeks heat up, hoping the dim lighting would hide it. She brushed it off with a playful nudge to his arm. "Well, you'd be lost without me, wouldn't you?"

He let out a low chuckle, raising his pint to her. "Absolutely hopeless."

As the night wore on, the others began to trickle out, one by one. Niall had started nodding off in the corner, and Zayn had already called it a night, heading off with a sleepy wave. Before long, only Harry and Alex were left, the atmosphere between them charged with a gentle intensity.

"You wanna head back?" Harry asked, nodding towards the door.

"Yeah, might as well," she replied, slipping on her jacket. They made their way out into the brisk night, walking shoulder to shoulder along the emptying streets, laughing softly at nothing in particular.

When they finally reached the house, Alex fumbled with the keys, both of them stifling laughter as she struggled to get it into the lock. Once they were inside, they found themselves alone in the quiet kitchen, the buzz of the evening still lingering in the air.

Harry leaned against the counter, hands in his pockets, giving her that look—soft, a bit mischievous, like he was in on a secret he hadn't quite shared. "Tonight was... something else," he said softly.

"Yeah," she replied, mirroring his tone. "Feels like we're just getting started, doesn't it?"

His gaze held hers, and she felt her heart begin to pound in her chest. They'd had moments like this before—little glances, touches, things that left her wondering. But tonight, there was something different in the way he was looking at her, as if he was finally ready to bridge that gap.

"Alex..." he started, his voice low, almost hesitant. He took a small step closer, his hand brushing against hers. "I don't know if... if you've felt it too, but..."

His voice trailed off, and she felt the warmth of his hand as he gently held hers, fingers lacing together. She looked up at him, heart racing, and managed a small nod. "Yeah," she whispered, barely trusting her own voice. "I think I have."

Harry's gaze softened, a little smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Slowly, as if testing the waters, he reached up, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. The touch was so gentle, so simple, but it sent a shiver down her spine.

"You're alright with this, yeah?" he asked softly, his eyes searching hers.

She nodded again, feeling her pulse quicken. "Definitely."

For a moment, they just stood there, the world falling away until it was just the two of them, locked in this quiet, shared space. Then, with a soft, tentative movement, Harry leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. It was light, a soft exploration, but even the gentleness of it made her stomach flip.

The kiss deepened naturally, slowly, both of them savoring the unhurried moment. His hand found her waist, pulling her closer, and she melted against him, her fingers resting against his chest, feeling his heartbeat under her touch.

When they finally pulled apart, Harry let out a breathless laugh, his forehead resting against hers. "Blimey," he whispered, a grin spreading across his face. "Did that just happen?"

"Yeah, it did," Alex replied, breathless herself, a giddy smile on her lips. She looked up at him, feeling a rush of joy, excitement, and a hint of disbelief all at once. "And I'm definitely not complaining."

They stood like that for a moment, arms wrapped around each other, letting the reality of the night settle in. There was a warmth, an ease between them, but also a thrill—knowing they'd finally crossed that line, and that everything felt... right.

They drifted over to the living room, sinking into the couch, where they spent the rest of the night talking and laughing, sharing little glances and touches, basking in the newfound intimacy they'd just discovered. For the first time, it felt like the future held something they hadn't expected—something real and shared, with a promise of more nights just like this one.