if i believe you ✓

→ THIRTY-ONE

"THANK YOU, NEW YORK!"

To the sound of cheering and clapping, Calum, Ashton, and Michael walk off stage, leaving Luke stood alone in the centre of the stage, looking both worried and confident at the same time.

"OK, don't worry, I'm not going to guilt-trip you all again. But it's been a year, and that's crazy."

The crowd are silent now, hanging off every word from Luke's mouth.

"A year ago, I was in a terrible place. Some days I just wouldn't get out of bed at all. I'd plaster a fake smile on for you all, and then I'd get home and spend all day locked in a room, crying or just staring at the walls.

And so, with that said, I'd like to bring Cole out here."

The audience spark up again, chanting Cole's name and applauding him as he walks out in disbelief.

"What are you...?"

Luke shushes Cole and smiles, before staring down at the floor of the stage and kicking his foot back and forth anxiously.

"Cole has no idea about what's about to happen. Cal and Mikey and Ash do though. I can just see Mikey about to start crying back there!"

With a deep breath, Luke turns to look at Cole, barely disguised excitement playing between his eyes. "So... Cole, thank you for getting me through this, and staying by my side the whole time, and making sure I actually eat and stay alive. I love you."

It takes a few seconds for Cole to realise what's going on as Luke kneels down and looks back up at him.

"Cole Marchant, will you marry me?"

The dark-haired boy can't be heard over the loudest screaming he's ever heard from the crowd (and Michael), so he nods as much as he can, tears of joy streaming down his face.

"Kiss him!" Calum and Ashton shout over the sound of everyone else from backstage, and Luke obliges.