𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐭 || 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐧 [𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝]

20- I Wouldn't

Hayden, 18 years & 8 months old

My first performance was more than amazing. Eben helped me out on the stage a little bit. Not a single fan knew who I was until Eben introduced me as Zach's best friend, then the whole crowd went wild. I sang a few covers then let the boys take the stage. It felt amazing to introduce my best friend and his band to a crowd so large.

But that was a few weeks ago. Now I've been touring for a while and have gotten used to the situation. The thrill of the shows is always surprising but the routine and travel have become the same. I don't know how the boys do this five times a year and not get tired of the same set. The crowd is the one thing that makes the whole show different.

Tonight I play at my hometown of Dallas, Texas. Zach and I are both excited because we are preforming where we grew up and our families are coming to witness it.

Yeah, Zach and I almost kissed two weeks ago. Since then, things have been sort of different between us. We both knew it happened but we don't talk about it, ever. We are still the same friends we have always been but whenever Corbyn starts talking about his girlfriend, Christina, Zach and I awkwardly stare at each other from across the room.

No, we haven't told anyone about the incident and we don't plan on it. At least I don't.

I hung out with the boys and my family until Limelight started and the five boys had to leave. The dressing room became oddly quiet.

"How's life on the road?" My mom asked. My dad, Myta, and Josh were sitting around me, waiting impatiently for my answer.

"Good. I love preforming. I want to do this for life. Sorry, but college isn't looking like an option for me," I nervously chuckled. Dad really wants me to go to school so he was not happy when I said that.

"How's Zach? Is he treating you right?" Myta asked.

I froze. "What?"

"Is he treating you nicely? You know, as a guest?" Mom explained.

"Oh, yeah." For a second I thought they somehow knew about the kiss. "He is."

Two seconds later, we heard chaos coming from outside the room. Gasps and screams were coming from the halls. Everyone stood up, not knowing what was going on.

Then Corbyn burst open the door and spoke as he was trying to catch his breath. "Hayden! Someone came looking for you! We called security but he said he won't leave until he sees you!"

Everyone turned their heads to me. "C' mon!" Corbyn said as he ran out of the room. I trailed behind him.

I had no idea what was happening. There were fans around the building looking into the room where Limelight was held. Most of them were silent and scared.

I got into the room and heard Zach yelling and screaming behind the back drop for the meet and greet photos.

"I didn't do anything! I didn't say anything about you to her! She didn't want to go back to you because you hurt her!"

"I didn't hurt her! She's just sensitive! I'm trying to protect her!"

"From what?" Zach yelled.

"You!"

The next thing I heard was a fight breaking down. A physical fight. People were on the floor punching at each other while everyone around them were trying to pull them apart. When I finally could get to the front of the scene, Zach was underneath Cole who was about to take another swing at his face.

"Cole?" I screamed loud enough that his fist stopped mid-air.

"Hayden?" Cole and Zach gasped simultaneously. Cole got off of Zach and ran up to me.

"Cole, what the hell are you doing?" I shrieked.

"I'm sorry," he whispered and tried to reach for my hands but I shoved him away.

I don't know why Cole is here. I didn't expect him to show up here either, or fight with Zach. I didn't tell him that I was on tour, I don't know how he found out. Did he buy tickets to the show just so he could yell at Zach?

I ran over to Zach who was being cradled in the arms of his mother. I grazed my finger over the bleeding scratch under his eye.

"Zach, are you okay?" I asked him. He was like a scared little puppy. Bruised and shaken. All he could do was give me a small nod.

"I knew you were talking to him again," Cole said from behind me.

"What?" I yelped.

"You said you weren't talking to Zach again. You lied to me! You didn't want to get back with me because you were in love with him!"

My face turned red. Fans were still around us, they were all quiet but videotaping the whole fight. I was embarrassed to be in the middle of all this. Now it's going to be all over the internet.

"You cheated on me, didn't you?" He whispered. His fake innocent cry was like a stab to the chest.

"No. I wouldn't cheat on you, I wouldn't cheat on anyone."

"Security! Security! Everyone back away!"

Security guards shuffled past fans and into the room (finally). They grabbed Cole by the shoulders and escorted him out of the building.

On his way out the door, he passed me and stared right into my eyes.

"I'll be back," he whispered.

:::

a/n: haha what is this

thank you guys so much for all the support in the previous chapters! the other day this book hit #3 in zachherron and i could not be happier. i love writing this story and it makes me so happy to know that this is some of your guys' favorite book. stay tuned for zayden's big plans 😉