[3] how did we end up here ;; nh

47 » Never Enough

Los Angeles, California, United States of America, 11 December 2023

After a brief, messy conversation about the future of One Direction, the four of us decided to go back on hiatus and focus on our individual solo projects. After talking it through with my fiancée, we agreed that I should fully commit to my solo career—just like I had dreamed of doing since 2010.

Our tour ended last October, and not long after, I took on the role of one of the judges on The Voice America for the 2024 season. We've already started off-air filming—backstage releases, interviews, casual chats between judges. From morning until night, we audition and select contestants. And when that's done, we don't really stop—we move straight into backstage recordings.

And so here I am, opening the garage door that leads inside my house.

Usually, I come home to an empty place, with no one waiting for me. But now, this house feels warm in a way it never did before—because someone is finally waiting for me, welcoming me home with open arms. Despite how hard I work—being a judge, managing Modest! Golf, keeping an eye on several companies I've invested in.

Oh—and let's not forget; I'm also in the middle of working on my third album.

It feels like I might go crazy sometimes. But thank God, I have my fiancée.

Shit. I love calling her my fiancée. I'm proud of it—despite the fact that I acted like a complete idiot two months ago when I proposed and earned the warmest smack on the back of my head from Jo—her brother—for kissing her right in front of their parents.

Her very old-school Indonesian parents.

I step into my home tucked in the quiet curve of the Hollywood Hills. It's modern but warm, with tall glass walls, lots of wood and greenery around. You can see all of LA from the backyard infinity pool. Inside, it's minimalist—earth tones, vinyl records on display, guitars on the wall, and plants in every corner.

I head straight to the master bedroom upstairs. But when I walk in, my fiancée is not on the bed like I expect her to be. I feel dead tired. I drop my jeans right away at the bedroom floor, leaving just my boxers on, shirt off, and make my way to the bed.

The sound of rushing water echoes from the bathroom. Shower's running. Probably my fiancée. She's probably getting ready for one of her meetings today. If I remember right, she plans to visit one of her dream wedding dress designers here in LA this morning. Not sure what time the meeting is exactly, but judging by the excitement she had yesterday, I'm guessing it's early enough for her to already be up and showering at this hour.

My fiancée. God, I love calling her that more than using her actual name.

I lay back on the crisp white sheets, staring up at the ceiling with a soft smile. I still can't believe I get to call her mine—my fiancée.

Then I hear her voice.

"You're home already? I thought it'd be like last night," she says as she steps out, wrapped in a fluffy white robe, her hair half-wet and messy in the cutest way possible. "Why didn't you text me on the way back? I could've made you tea."

I chuckle. "No need, lover," I say. "The kids weren't that chaotic today, so I got to head home earlier."

She nods and walks over to sit by the bed. "Then go rest, okay? No need to drive me today."

With her this close, I catch that familiar sweet scent—strawberry. Avril is obsessed with anything fruity, especially strawberries. She hoards strawberry-scented soap like she's prepping for the end of the world.