Walking in the Wind One Direction EDITING

28. Saying something stupid...

"Shit, still forgot the popcorn," Liam says with a dramatic facepalm, chuckling as he takes a seat next to me.

I raise an eyebrow, already pulling out my phone. "I think Louis is probably done with his performance. I can text him to bring some snacks?"

'Hey Lou, are you coming up to the ring?'

'Yeah, I'm on my way to you now'

'Cool Liam wants popcorn can you bring us some?'

He sends me a picture of himself smiling holding a big box of popcorn and a bottle of coke. 'I read his mind.'

I laugh and show the photo to Liam. "Look, Louis already got the popcorn."

"He knows me like no other." Liam grins. "That's friendship right there."

Just as I turn to respond, Zayn and Laelynn step onto the stage. Zayn's holding his mic a little awkwardly, one hand tucked into his pocket, looking far more nervous than I'm used to seeing him. Laelynn takes his hand, giving him an encouraging smile. Liam and I both wave at them, offering thumbs-up gestures.

Aww poor baby. Hope Laelynn can drag him through.

"Did I miss anything?" Louis says, plopping down next to Liam.

"Eyyyy you brought the popcorn!" Liam cheers, immediately grabbing a handful.

I shake my head at the two of them. "Shh, they're about to start," I murmur, trying to focus on the stage.

The music kicks in, and Laelynn takes Zayn's hand, drawing him into the song. His voice starts soft, a little hesitant. "I can open your eyes, take you wonder by wonder..."

I smile, watching as Laelynn's presence seems to calm his nerves. "Over, sideways and under, a magic carpet ride..."

"They're so cute!" I squeak, my heart swelling

Zayn lifts his gaze to the judges and belts, "A whole new world! A new fantastic point of view."

Louis leans over to me and whispers, "This is the first time I'm really paying attention to him, but damn, he's got something."

I can barely respond, because Laelynn's voice rings out next, bright and clear. "A whole new world! A dazzling place I never knew..." She gestures widely, arms outstretched, then turns toward Zayn, her face lighting up with joy. "But when I'm way up here, it's crystal clear..."
She gets closer to him. "That now I'm in a whole need world with you."

"Now that I am in a whole new world with you." Zayn and Laelynn are now inches away from each other.

"They're in sync," Liam comments, tossing a handful of popcorn into his mouth. The crunching is loud in the quiet moment.

"Shh!" I snap, turning to him. "You're distracting me."

Liam freezes, a piece of popcorn halfway to his mouth, and mutters an embarrassed "Sorry." He chews quietly, though his eyes are wide with mock innocence. The sight makes me chuckle.

"Unbelievable sights, indescribable feeling." Laelynn cups Zayn's cheek. "Soaring, tumbling, free willing."

Louis raises an eyebrow, leaning in with a grin. "Are they about to kiss right now?"

"I hope so," I say, shifting on the edge of my seat. Without looking, I grab a handful of popcorn from Liam's lap.

"Ey!" Liam protests. "No fair. I can't chew, but you can?"