Want You Back

22.

The boys were anxious.

The roar of the crowd was nearly deafening, and as the four of them peered out into the mass of cheering fans, drumsticks, guitars, and basses in hand, they shared a mutual thought: would it ever be like this for them?

Screams and cheers could be heard as the lights of the venue dimmed gradually - they were on soon.

A hand slapped itself on Michael's shoulder in a friendly manner - Liam Payne. The British singer grinned at the white-haired boy as if sensing his nerves.

"You alright, mate?"

Michael shifted. "Do you ever get used to it?"

"Eventually, but every show still gets the adrenaline pumpin."

The Aussie nodded, glancing at his bandmates as they readied themselves for the stage. Ashton was tapping his drumsticks haphazardly against his thighs; Luke was jumping around excitedly; and Calum was whistling to himself, fiddling with his bass. None of them appeared to carry the same unease as him.

"Everyone handles the stress differently," Liam offered as if sensing his thoughts. "Zayn and Harry always need absolute silence before the stage, but Lou and Niall need to be moving. Different for everyone, mate."

Michael nodded, feeling a bit more reassured, and he smiled at the singer before turning to his bandmates. He was so focussed on calming himself down that he didn't notice the young woman that was now animatedly talking with Liam.

"You're Michael Clifford!"

The guitarist turned around once more, coming face to face with a familiar looking girl.

"Do I know you?" He asked, confused.

She blushed and looked at the ground shyly, brushing her hair behind her ear nervously. "No, probably not. I'm just a fan."

Liam slung an arm across her shoulders. "She's Jasmine Chambers - the actress."

"And model," announced a new voice proudly: Harry Styles.

The brunet pulled her into his side and planted a kiss to her cheek. "She's the best."

If possible, the girl - Jasmine - blushed even harder.

"I'm a big fan," she mumbled. "I was so excited when I heard you were opening for these guys."

"Woah, who's this?" Calum asked as the others joined the group, all wondering who the girl was.

Luke snapped his fingers together. "You're that underwear model!"

Jasmine's face turned an even deeper shade of red and she looked away.

"Luke!" Ashton shoved him, scowling.

Luke flushed, "sorry, sorry."

Jasmine smiled shyly, "it's okay. But yeah, I have modeled for Victoria's Secret, if that's what you meant. Um, I like your shirt, Michael."

Michael glanced down at his Cobain t-shirt and smiled. "Fan of Nirvana?"

"You could say that."

"How do you know One D?" Calum asked.

She opened her mouth to respond when one of the backstage managers whispered something into Ashton's ear. "Sorry mates, we've got a show to start."

Calum and Ashton made their way to the wings after bidding Harry, Liam and Jasmine goodbye. Luke grinned at Jasmine warmly and leaned towards her, whispering something in her ear. The girl's cheeks once again flushed scarlet and she nodded, her eyes shining as the lead singer winked at her.

Michael smiled at the three of them, turning to prepare for the stage.

"Wait, Michael!"

The guitarist turned. Jasmine had taken a few steps towards him, and her eyes were wide, lips slightly parted. "Break a leg," she smiled warmly.

Their set flew by. The crowds were hyped and responding to their music well, and the guys played in sync, voices blending together just right. Throughout the set, Michael found himself peering off into the wings, grinning when his eyes settled on Jasmine with Liam.

Luke Hemmings grinned broadly as he commanded the crowds; the high that came with performing to thousands of cheering fans was like no other. That, and the sight of a beautiful girl singing along in the wings. Luke found himself glancing towards her every so often, something about her drew him in.

Song by song passed and soon enough, 5 Seconds of Summer's opening set was complete. The boys thanked the crowd and raced off stage, gulping down mouthfuls of water once concealed backstage.

The boys of One Direction were there now, getting ready to go on. Michael found himself looking at Jasmine as she smiled and laughed with the boys of One Direction.

Pretty soon, One Direction was on, and Jasmine followed them to the side of the stage. Calum and Ashton lounged about in one of the dressing rooms, talking excitedly, most likely about their performance and the upcoming tour dates. Luke was nowhere to be found, having disappeared before even getting to the dressing rooms. Michael brushed it off though, thoughts clouded by the stunning brunette girl he'd just met.

But Michael felt restless.

He made his way outside and onto their tour bus. Michael reached for his acoustic guitar and songbook and began to strum mindlessly, thoughts stuck on the beautiful girl he'd just been introduced to.

Slowly then, as Michael strummed and whispered words to himself, he began to write.

How did we end up talking in the first place?

You said you liked my Cobain shirt...

short chapter, oops, but I didn't want to continue after the flashback - felt that was all that was needed for this chapter.