The "Biggest" Fan (EN)

40.

"Is this really necessary?" I asked, glancing at Harry as he leaned casually against the side of the couch, scrolling through his phone like it was a normal day.

He barely glanced up, voice calm but tired, "Yes, Lou. It's the easiest way to shut those talks."

I tugged at the zipper of my jumper, narrowing my eyes, "Right, so what's the plan? You're going to act all 'in love' in front of camera while I just stand there and clap?" I muttered, just loud enough for him to hear.

I hated everything about this idea. Lottie coming to Madrid because Harry needed to show how badly they'd 'missed' each other seemed not only unreasonable but utterly pointless. At least Ashley was coming with her, though I couldn't help but feel a sting of betrayal. They'd been talking behind my back, becoming friends. Great.

"Louis, please stop," Harry sighed, finally looking up at me properly, "You know it's not real, and I'm doing it only because I have to..."

"Doesn't mean it doesn't sting," I mumbled.

There was a beat of silence. He reached for my hand, but I shifted away slightly. The lobby was too public for any kind of affection, no matter how much I wanted him to hold me.

"Maybe this will be your chance to make up with her?" He asked hesitantly.

I let out a dry laugh, "Oh, absolutely. Because she must be thrilled to be summoned to Madrid for your tragic long-distance romance headlines."

"Lou..." He started, but he was interrupted by the ding of the elevator.

The doors slid open, and there they were.

Ashley came out first, her suitcase trailing behind her like an afterthought. Her grin lit up the lobby, "This place is ridiculous!" She exclaimed, throwing her arms out, "Do they pump perfume in the air in here, or am I hallucinating?"

"It's probably rose-scented," Harry said, smiling.

Ashley gasped theatrically, clasping her hands together, "Oh my god, Harry Styles just spoke to me."

I groaned and buried my face in my hands. Of course. She had been harassing me for weeks to introduce her, and now she was about five seconds away from passing out. The obsession was real, but I couldn't blame her, honestly.

Harry, clearly amused, offered his hand, "Nice to meet you too, Ashley."

She grabbed it, still beaming, "Louis talks about you all the time..."

"No, I don't," I interrupted immediately.

Ashley rolled her eyes, "Please. As if Harry doesn't already know you're a terrible liar."

Harry made a 'hmm' sound like he was considering it, which was deeply unhelpful. I pretended not to hear any of it, mostly because Lottie was standing right behind Ashley, her movements slow and deliberate, like she was trying to become invisible. It wasn't working.

I cleared my throat, "Hey." Casual. Normal. Cool.

"Hi," she mumbled, turning her eyes away, but she couldn't possibly hide anywhere. Now Harry shifted his attention to her too.

"Lottie," he smiled, "Thanks for coming."

"Sure," she shrugged.

Ashley, apparently unfazed by the tension, turned to her with a dramatic sigh, "Can you believe we're living here for a few days? This place is insane."

"It's nice," Lottie nodded.

"Nice? Babe, this is what I'd imagine heaven looks like if God had a Gucci sponsorship."