The "Biggest" Fan (EN)

32.

I paced around the VIP lounge, trying to look busy rather than awkward. I tested the champagne, my eyes flickering to the giant TV screen mounted on the wall, where Harry's interview played.

I scoffed under my breath, though it wasn't meant to be mean. Harry was talking about his songwriting process and it was just wild how he made it look so effortless.

"So, why aren't you out there too?" Richard asked, chewing on his third pastry.

I shot him a sharp glance, "What do you mean?"

"You're his friend, right? Wouldn't it make sense for you to be on stage with him?"

I frowned, but Richard really did look curious, "I was with him. Now he's alone because it's about him, not me," I said, stating the obvious, "It's his album. His moment."

"Ah, okay. Sorry, I just have no idea how anything works here," Richard said, giving an awkward smile.

I didn't say anything. I knew perfectly well how he felt — this luxurious celebrity life was total chaos.

My phone buzzed.

Lottie: I'm sorry I couldn't make it because of this damn job. But I'm watching it live! 

Her message hit me like a gut punch. I wanted to bang my head against the wall. I didn't know how much longer I could keep lying to her since my guilt was boiling more and more. At least she wasn't here today to see me up close.

"Look who we found!" Someone shouted, and I turned to see Theo. His hair was an untamed mess, but he wore a suit. Damn, I hadn't seen him since the night Harry and I first made out in his bedroom. Oops. "Didn't expect to see you here! Wait, no, I did expect — you're supposed to be here. Anyway, hi!"

Liv, who came alongside him, rolled her eyes, smiling, "Theo, you're shouting. Again."

"I am not," Theo shot back, his voice still inexplicably loud, "Okay, maybe a little. But come on, it's Louis. The Louis."

I couldn't help the grin tugging at my lips. Was Harry really talking about me so much with his friends? "Alright, calm down. I'm not handing out autographs or anything," I joked.

"Good," Liv said dryly, "Because Theo would ask for about eight. One for every room in our house."

Theo shot upright, "We do not have eight rooms!" He paused, tilting his head. "Although that would be cool. Can you imagine?"

I listened to them bickering, trying to imagine how they managed to live together.

"Anyway, back to Louis. You're working on some new music, right? Tell me you're working on something," Theo asked, turning to me again.

"Not much time for that," I said, shrugging, "It's all concerts and interviews lately."

"Ah, but I swear we'll come to your next concert, right, Liv? Your music is awesome!" He grinned, and I felt a bit flattered, even though I wasn't sure if he was that passionate or if he was like that with everyone. But who cared?

Before I could respond, I felt a familiar presence — a warmth at my back and the faintest brush of hair against my neck.

"Having fun?" Harry's voice was low, teasing, and far too close.

I twisted slightly, fighting the urge to lean into him, "Not here," I murmured under my breath, my eyes darting towards Victor. He stood across the room, arms crossed, looking like he wanted to end me with a glare.

Harry sighed but stepped back, turning his attention to Theo and Liv.

They greeted him with enthusiastic hugs, the kind that lasted long enough to make my chest ache. It wasn't fair.