The "Biggest" Fan (EN)

20.

How nervous was I? Just an average healthy dose of panic, I'd say. My legs were shaking like I'd guzzled five espressos, and I kept clearing my throat to keep my voice from cracking.

"Dude, look at the crowd out there!" Jake gawked, wide-eyed. The arena was really packed.

"Yeah, well, they're not exactly here just to see us," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. But I couldn't fully believe it myself. We were really going to play for this crowd. Holy shit.

I scanned the backstage area for Lottie. She had to be here somewhere. And... Will Harry show up?

When it was finally time to go on stage, I paid extra attention to where I was stepping this time. Success: I didn't trip. Small victories, right?

Skylar introduced us, and the applause was instant. Sure, they probably clap for anyone, but hey, a confidence boost is a confidence boost.

We started playing, I was still a little tense but doing my best to keep my voice steady. My gaze drifted over the crowd; people were actually enjoying our cover songs, and some even sang along.

And then I saw him. Sunglasses couldn't hide those green eyes I knew all too well. Harry was there, standing next to Lottie with that smile of his. I wondered how long it'd take before someone in the crowd recognized him under that hoodie. But for now, he was just there, low-key, with a bodyguard standing by. I might have even seen a hint of appreciation in Bob's face too.

Seeing Harry made something in me light up. I couldn't stop smiling. He was here. For me.

A surge of bravery hit, and suddenly, I felt completely at ease. I knew I had to do something — something a little crazy.

After our last song, I shot a look at Skylar. She understood without words, giving me a smile and a nod before stepping back a bit.

Alright, here goes nothing... I muttered to myself. We hadn't rehearsed my song. I'd play it alone. Was this really what I wanted to do? The crowd was buzzing, and I could feel my legs start to go numb again. But one look at Harry, and it was like everything around me quieted down.

"Okay, so this is probably the worst idea I've had all week, but tonight, I'm feeling extra brave," I started, immediately regretting it, but the audience seemed interested.

"The next song is one I wrote myself and not even my bandmates have heard it." I glanced back at them — Skylar looked intrigued, eyebrow raised, while Jake was caught somewhere between impressed and ready to strangle me, "They're giving me some very interesting looks right now as I speak," I said, and the crowd laughed louder. "So... Keep your expectations low, yeah? And if it's rubbish, just clap extra hard anyway. Make me look good!"

People whistled and cheered as I took a deep breath. I looked down at Lottie in the crowd, her mouth hanging open, clapping like her life depended on it. And Harry... He raised his sunglasses, and it was obvious now that he was watching me, right at me. Even from this distance, I felt the intensity in his gaze — full of interest, maybe a little worry, and something else I couldn't quite place. He was trying not to smile, making it almost impossible for me not to smile back like an idiot.

I started singing, voice shaky at first, fingers brushing the guitar strings softly. Harry knew the words — he'd read them before. But no one else knew. I felt exposed, vulnerable, but at the same time... Calm and happy?

As the song ended, applause erupted. People screamed, Lottie looked like she was ready to launch herself onstage, and I heard some girls shriek with excitement.

"What the actual fuck, man!" Jake clapped me on the back as we left the stage. "We could play your stuff — they're solid songs."

"Right?!" Skylar agreed, laughing. We stood near the stage as the main act took over.