Our Little Secret {One Direction}

Chapter 39

Does it ever amaze you how quickly things can change? How one moment you could be laughing along with your mates and the next they're not laughing with you but at you? Or how one day you can be snuggled up to your partner and yet the following day you're completely stripped from them as if the relationship never existed? Well, that's how Niall felt. It was rounding up to the last few minutes of the boys' show and they were each taking their turn to thank the crowd. Niall was used to this. In fact, by now he had gathered a common order to his speech of which each night he knew exactly what sentence was coming next. It wasn't planned, just something that occurred after the repetitive speeches. It'd formed on its own.

Niall waved out to the thousands of smiling faces, feeling a real adrenaline kick as they all cheered in response. The band began the ending call and just like that he was being ushered offstage, the miniscule mics being ripped from his ears and the small packs unclipped from the back of his pants. It was hard to process, everything flashing around him. People hustled about, each busy in their own set jobs that they'd practiced and routined for ages. The crew would be here for a good few hours - packing up the soundboards, stage sets, and instruments before loading them into the trucks so they can all move on to the next venue. Though, unlike the crew, Niall and the boys were done for the night. Niall nodded thankfully as a security guard came to lead him through the building. It's not like he needed it, he well knew his way around by now - the boys always liked to explore the arenas prior their shows. But, Niall understood the precautions. It was just to be safe. Just in case.

Louis cheered as Niall entered the caff, standing up to pat him on the back as they all congratulated each other on their well-performed show. "AMAZING SOLO TONIGHT LAD!" Zayn grinned, slapping Niall on the shoulder. "TOOK IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL!" Niall smiled in appreciation, joining his bandmates at the table as they all waited for Riley to be brought to the cafeteria.

"You know, I reckon that was our best show yet." Liam sighs, leaning forward in his seat and resting his chin against his palms. The boys all nodded in agreement, before a comfortable silent hum gathered around the table.

"So... what exactly's happening with Riley tonight?" Harry interjects, waving his hand about in his usual way of over-the-top hand gesturing.

Liam shuffles back in his chair, bending his back as he rests his head against the table. "She's sleeping in the bunk opposite Zayn, the bottom one."

"Yeah but when's she coming?"

"Now." Liam adds tiredly, "That's why we're still here!" he yawns.

"Oh," Harry chuckles, surprised that he himself hadn't yet connected the dots, "Yea, that'd make sense," he giggles.

"Is that her?" Zayn awes, staring out dumbstruck at the petit brunette being led into the caff by their main bodyguard, Paul.

"Yep," Liam nods, popping the 'p'.

"Damn. She's gorgeous..." Harry mumbles, earning a subtle grin from Niall. "Is she dating anyone?" Harry mutters, not taking his eyes off of the pretty girl.

Liam shrugs, "Not that I know of."

"RILEY!" Niall shouts, leaning forward in his seat as he cups his hands around his lips to echo his voice.

Riley spins around on her heel with a grin, her eyes lighting up as she spots the group on the opposite side of the dining hall. "HEY!" She calls out, waving her hand around frantically before prancing over and pulling Niall into a giant hug. "Oh my gosh I've been dying to meet you!" she squeals, squeezing him tight.

Harry coughs throatily into his fist, drawing Riley's attention back to the rest of the table. "Nice to meet you, Riley." He smirks, pushing his fringe to the side and standing up to embrace her.