She just smiles at me with her sweetest.

“Do you like it in here?” I asked.

She nods without losing her smile. You can see the excitement in her eyes. I can’t help it that I also grin from ear to ear. She suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me near her.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked with a confusing tone.

She shook her head as a response.
What she did next surprised me: she kissed me on the cheek.
This may sound girlish but I, indeed, blushed. I don’t even know what words to utter.

She keeps the smile on her beautiful face.

Oh my.

She’s gonna be the death of me!

Niall’s POV

“Are you having a good time tonight, Toronto?!” I shouted out to the crowd.

As expected, you’d hear our girls to scream out to the top of our lungs.

Adrenaline rush. I said to myself as I start strumming on my guitar and I’m sure I could lose my eardrums with their loudness but I won’t complain.

“This next song,” Harry trails off. “…is a song written by our amazing friend –I know you knew who he is— Edward Sheeran…”

Louder scream on that cue.

“This is Little Things.”

Zayn’s solo blends in with my guitar and I started to hear sobs.

We’ve been touring for a long time and the boys and I noticed this scenario; whenever we’re playing this song, almost all in the crowd is crying-singing to it. I wonder how they manage it at all. One time, out of curiosity, Louis asked a fan about it on a meet and greet.

“Oh. The song always touches our hearts whenever we’d listen to it.” I remember Nicole –that’s her name- explained in behalf of the fandom. “Listening to it makes us special. That’s what we want to hear from our boyfriends but you see; they never did. But you lads did that we’re very grateful about. And you, singing for us ‘live’ make us to cry out because we can’t contain our feels.”

At least we got a clarification about it. So whenever we’d be singing this song, we won’t be surprise of the sobbing crowd. I could say it’s pretty much amusing but at the same time, flattering to know that we could touch their heart with this song. Ed is really a talented ginger!!

I keep on plucking every string on my guitar as Harry sings his solo. My part is coming when my eyes land to a girl in the front row. She’s standing there in awe with her two hands, clasped together near her chest. Her black hair falls perfectly on shoulders and she’s listening carefully to every words of the song. The girls around her were definitely sobbing but she just remains silent in her place. Even if she’s faraway from where I’m sitting on right now, I could see amazement in her eyes.

My heart started to speed up its pace. She’s looking directly at me. But the amazement in her eyes was replaced by a worry look. I know she’s watching me carefully. She even tilted her head a little to the side.

“…Niall.” I heard Liam who’s sitting beside me spoke up.

I look at the lads around me and their all watching me. Louis even shrugged as if he’s saying: Now, what?

“Uhm Niall, your turn.” Liam told me.

Shoot. I cursed in my head and sing the part I should be singing.

♫ …treat yourself right, darlin’ but I want you to… ♫

I sing out, recovering with my hinder. That’s a little awkward, I guess.

As I sing to the last line of my solo, I found myself looking at black-head girl. This time, she was smiling at me. My lips started to twitch upward. I fully gave in to the smile when she raised her right hand for a thumbs-up.

I don’t know how it’s possible but I’m smiling like an idiot ‘til we finish the song.

---

♫ And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It’s you, it’s you ♫

“I don’t think he’s even affected with his mini hiatus on stage earlier.” Louis speaks up as he drinks his water.

♫ You make me sing

You're every line, you're every word

 You’re everything ♫

“Yeah, I guess. He didn’t even notice that he’s wearing his shirt in a wrong way.” Harry laughs out.

I stopped singing and the same time, picking out my food to check myself. I shrug to myself and take off my shirt then wear it in a proper way.

“Thanks, Haz.” I waved to Harry’s direction.

“No problem, mate.” He waved back.

“I guess he doesn’t really care on anything; at the moment.” I hear Liam sighed from the couch.

“Well, he’s the care-free Nialler that we all know.” Zayn said who suddenly appeared to my side and started pinching my cheeks.

“Stop acting like Veronica.” I swatted his hand away from my face.

“Oi!”

The rest of the lads laugh and Zayn shakes his head in disbelief.

“Tell me, Mr. Horan. Who’s more attractive? Me as Veronica or that girl you’re watching intently in the crowd?” Zayn gave out the challenging question then winked at me.

“I think it goes…” Louis started then they all sing out, “oohhh…”

Now, I’ve got nothing to hide. My face is betraying me right now: I’m turning red.

“Who’s that girl, huh?” Harry interrogates while wiggling his eyebrows.

“Uhh… H-how would I know? I-it’s the first time I-I saw her.” I defend.

“Yeah, the first time you saw yet you’re stuttering already.” Louis pointed out.

Now, I don’t know what to answer.

“Aren’t we leaving yet?” I asked and obviously, changing the topic.

“A few more minutes; so speak now, Niall!” Harry encourages.

Why is he so eager to know a thing?

“Then, I’ll just have a walk around first before we leave.” I told them then sprint out of the room.

I know they won’t stop questioning so here I am walking around the back hallway of the arena; having my little escape. From the loud crowd earlier, the silence is deafening now. Weird? Not for me. Yes, I’m used to hear screaming fangirls all the time but I’m still fascinated with the fact that everywhere we go, everyone knows my name; they know us. And also, with the fact that those fangirls are always on our tail, don’t be surprised that silence is deafening for me.

I decided to climb on a big case where the sound technicians put the huge amps and speakers. I sit there, my palms leaning to the top of the case. I should’ve got out of that room with some food. I’m hungry and knackered at the same time. Note to self: I’d sneak in some chips inside my bunk later in the bus.

I’m scratching the sole of my shoe to the side of this case. Well, I’m getting bored in here. I think I should get back now; they might be looking for me now.

As I went down from my seat but surprised that I’m knocking out with a girl.

“Awww.”  I rubbed my forehead with the impact.

The girl did the same but didn’t say anything. She’s sitting on the floor and what a shame on me that I let her be there.

“I’m sorry. Are you alright?” I asked her, helping her to get up from the floor.

She nods and meekly smiles at me.

“Are you sure?” I asked one more time but all I could get is a nod from her.

As I stare at her, I realized that she’s the girl from the front row.

“Oh it’s you! The girl who thumbs up at me.” I almost exclaimed at her. I dunno why I feel excited about meeting and talking to her.

All she did was smile at me. Seriously, won’t she speak up or something?

“By the way, I know you already know me but I want to be formal. I’m Niall.” And I extend my hand towards her. “And you are?”

She shakes my hand then stares at me. Her eyes are delighted and there’s something she want to say but she didn’t even dare to open her mouth. Oh I know. Maybe she’s a bit nervous because she’s a fan. You know what I mean; she just watched the show so she’s probably a fan of ours.

“Hey, don’t be shy. What’s your name?” I asked again.

As I wait for her answer, I heard my name being called out.

“Niall! Where are you? Time to go, mate!” That voice belongs to Harry.

What a nice interruption, Harry. I muttered as I turn my head to answer, “I’d be there!”

Back to the interrupted business…

“So w— Hey! Where is she?” and yes I found nothing.

“Who are you talking with?” Harry asked as comes near me.

“The girl.”

“Who’s ‘the girl’?”

“The girl in the front row.”

“She’s here?”

“Yes, I was talking with her before you barge in.”

“Oh.”

Where did the heck she goes?

“C’mon. They’re looking for you. We need to get in the bus now.” Harry told me as he get back on his tracks.

I’m about to turn around when I noticed a piece of blue cloth on the floor. I picked it up and I saw a letter ‘N’ embroidered on it. Out of instinct, I sniffed in the scent of it; female perfume. Maybe this belongs to her.

“Are you coming or what?” Harry interjects with my thoughts.

I placed the cloth inside my pockets.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m coming.”

Niall’s POV

“C’mon Harry! Make it fast!”

“My hair needs to be perfect.”

“But I still have the best of all when it comes to quiff.”

I heard Zayn and Harry converse. I couldn’t care less with my hair right now. We’re heading back home after this whole North American Tour and I’m in full of excitement to have the break. Touring is really fun yet exhausting. You go from place to another. But the best thing about touring is I’m enjoying it. I’m living my dream so why complain?

I’d be staying for a day or two in London then I’d be flying to Melbourne for a vacation. Then I’ll meet the lads to continue our Australian Tour.

“You’re making it perfect when all you just put on your head is a bandana!” Zayn exclaimed.

Good thing about riding your own private plane is you can do whatever you want; yep, including exclaiming.

“I have to put the bandana perfectly so my hair won’t turn out a mess.” Harry explained.

“What you mean is a ‘nest’, Harry?” I barge in the conversation and look at the two lads.

My eyes grew wide to see the bandana on Harry’s head.

“Where did you get this?” I grabbed the blue cloth from his head.

“Hey! I look good with it.” Harry protested.

“Oh I thought Zayn is the vain one?” Louis smirked at Harry.

“This is mine.” I told Harry putting the cloth inside my polo’s pocket.

“No, it isn’t.” Harry answered. “I don’t think you own one with embroidered letter ‘N’ in it.”

“He’s named Niall. It starts with letter ‘N’.” Liam states the obvious. He’s wearing a confused look.

“I mean,” Harry pulled out the cloth from my pocket. “Not with a cursive style and I don’t think he’s a fan of embroidery.”

“Hey, give it back to me?” I tried to reach out for it but he hands it to Liam.

“Then who owns this?” Liam asked scanning the stitch art.

The four of them were waiting for my answer. Louis cocks an eyebrow at me.

“I don’t know her.” I simply replied.

“Her?” Zayn asks further.

“I swear I don’t really know her. She appeared then she suddenly disappeared and she left that.” I defended while showing some hand gestures.

The lads look at each other. Oh. Those look in their eyes. I know what their up to.

“I’d take a nap!!” I declared, grabbing the cloth from Liam’s hand and put on my headphones, shutting the world for a while.

---

“I’ve got my flight tomorrow morning so I see you there, Gail.” I hang up my phone as I finish my conversation with my girl best friend.

I’m inside a music shop right now looking at different vinyl. I’m not into them. I just passed by the shop and the vinyl on display caught my attention. Picking and buying one won’t hurt. Maybe I could pick up like a Bob Marley’s.

“Good morning, Sir.” Someone spoke up behind me. “How can I help you?”

I turn around to meet a blonde girl. I think she’s seventeen. Her smile has reached her ears and she’s waiting for me to speak.

“Uhh. Well, I’m just looking around. If I find something, I’d call for you.” I smile back at her.

“Maybe I could help you find what you want.” She offers.

“Thanks but I would be fine by myself.” I don’t want to sound rude.

“You sure, sir?” she asks again.

“Yes, I am. Thanks anyways.” I told her.

“Ahh.” She suddenly bit her lower lip.

“How can I help you?” I return her question earlier and I chuckle a bit this time.

“You’re Niall, right? One Direction?” she asked shyly.

“They say that I look a lot like him,” I shrugged. “But the truth is I think I’m more attractive than that boy band member.”

Her high ponytail bounces as she laughs at my joke.

“Yeah, YOU’RE more attractive than him.” She giggles.

“You’re a fan, Megan?” it read on her nametag.

“A proud one.” She smiles.

“You want to take a photo?”

“A photo and a hug.” She answered.

We took a photo and I gave her the ‘Horan’ hug. They say I’m very good at hugs so I’m willing to give my hugs to the world for free.

I end up buying a Bob Marley vinyl; just like what I said earlier. Megan took it to the counter to punch in my purchase. I stand there waiting for the item when my eyes landed to a girl with a black hair; which reminds me of the girl I met last summer back in Toronto.

I still have the blue cloth she left. I don’t know why I’m still keeping it but there’s something about that girl. Yeah, something that I can’t even put my finger on.

The black-head girl walks out of the shop; her back facing me.

“Niall?” I heard Megan calls my name.

“Wait.” I said as my eyes sticks with the black-head girl.

The black-head girl pulls out a bicycle that was parked in front of the shop and ride on it. From where I’m standing, I could clearly see her face.

“You gotta be kidding me?!?” I shouted that I attract other shoppers.

“Niall, please tone down.” Megan tells me.

“I gotta go.” I told her and started running to get out of the shop.

“But your vinyl!” she calls back that made me stops by the door.

“I’d be back to get it.”

I waved at her then continued to run out of the place and follow the girl with the black hair. As I look for her, I saw her on her bike.

“Hey! Stop!” I shouted hoping I would able to stop her but she didn’t.

I must get into her. I told myself. Without thinking, I just grabbed another bicycle parked in front of the shop.

“That’s mine!” someone shouted at me as I drive away.

“I’d return it, I promise.” I answered back.

I could imagine myself in the headlines. “Niall Horan: Stole A Bike to Run After A Girl”
That’d be epic. I could even see tweets in my head right now. I would make another trend.

I followed the girl. Dude, she’s a fast biker. I think I should take some time to exercise with a bicycle.
She turned a block and I turned too. We both ended up biking along a sloppy street that I didn’t expect. I haven’t been in this part of London; this is the downtown part.

She stops by an apartment building. It’s a bit old. I stop as well but I’m on the other side of the road. I didn’t dare to walk up to her when a bloke came out of the building. She was smiling at him.

Maybe, it’s her boyfriend. I thought to myself. But why is it there’s something that’s pinching my heart; something that’s hoping that the bloke is not her boyfriend? How would I know? I didn’t even know her name.

“Nona!” the bloke greets her, giving her a hug.

I ignore that ‘thing’ inside of me and smile because now, I know her name! Nona is the name!

The bloke is telling her something and all she does is nodding. I wonder what they’re talking about.

Nona walks toward the car. I’m about to cross the street to talk to her when…

“OHMYGOD!! IT’S NIALL HORAN!?!”

I look at my side and three meters away from me is two girls grinning at me like Cheshire cats.

“Oh Niall! Do you remember me? I’m Alison, I’m the one you who proposed with in the meet and greet.” The girl with a pixie cut said.

Yeah, I proposed to her but its part of the act for the pictorial.

“Hi! How have you been?” I asked her but I’m glimpsing at Nona. Okay, she’s still there; about to get inside the car.

“I didn’t imagine that I’d be able to meet you again!” Alison giggles.

“So she’s?” I pointed out to her companion.

“My friend, Kate. She’s a fan too.” She replied.

But I’m sill looking at Nona. At least the car hasn’t left yet.

“Hi Niall! I’ve been a Directioner since 2011.” I heard Kate speaks up.

“Oh,” I turn to look again at the two girls. “That’s very thoughtful. C’mon, let’s snap some pictures.”

I really have to finish this deal, keeping my crossed fingers that I won’t encounter more fans at this very moment. I have to talk to Nona. I don’t know why I keep pursuing myself to talk to her. Well, I don’t know what I would tell her if ever I have the chance later. Oh, let the words itself speak.

“Some more, Niall,” Alison beg for more photographs to be taken.

I wanted to shoo them away; to go after Nona but of course, I would never do that especially their fans.

I heard a car engine comes into life. I turn my head to see that it was the car Nona riding in.

“Girls, it’s really nice meeting you but I really have to go. Have a nice day!” I tell the two girls with me and didn’t wait for their answer since I’ve started running across the street towards the car.

“Uhm wait!” I shouted.

The guy whom Nona was talking earlier looked at me as if I’m some kind of a mad man.
I see Nona inside the car looking at me, wide-eyed.

“May I help you?”  The bloke asked sternly.

“Well, ugh… You see… Can I—” okay, now what, Niall? You can’t even speak straight.

“If you would keep stuttering like that and wouldn’t speak up, sorry but we got a plane to catch. So excuse us but we have to leave.” This bloke speaks in a normal tone but you can’t hint of annoyance in his diction.

Wait, did he say their leaving? A plane to catch?

“I didn’t mean to cause you delay but I really have to—

“Oh my!! NIALL HORAN, is that you!?!”

C’mon! Another fangirl?! How will I able to speak with Nona??

“Luke. Why are you being rude with Niall? You don’t suppose to talk to him like that.” The girl who almost screamed my name tells the bloke.

“And who are you for me to tell whom I’d talk too nicely?” the bloke called Luke snaps at her. “I’m the eldest here so you don—

“Stop emphasizing that you’re the eldest. Aren’t you tired of telling me about it all the time? Besides, we’re twins; you came out seven minutes ahead of me.”

“Shut up, Laura.” Luke glares at the girl.

I just watch them as they interact. At first I didn’t notice their similarities but as you focus at their looks, they are truly twins; a boy-girl twin.

I look inside the car and I see Nona looking at me. She waves at me so I wave back.

“Excuse me,” I cough out to remind the twin of my presence. Thank God, they stop.

“Niall. Sorry about that. I’m Laura by the way and this noob here is my twin brother, Luke.” She tells me forcing my hand on my side to shake.

“Stop calling me ‘noob’.” Luke calls out.

“I’m not talking to you.” She tells him. Then she looks back at me, “We’ve been in Toronto last July to watch your show; Nona won two tickets that’s why. You guys are incredible!”

So she joined a contest to win tickets and watch as live, I see.

“Actually, Nona was the happiest at that moment. She told me you smiled at her from the stage which I didn’t notice because I’m busy crying to ‘Little Things’. That night was so magical.” She continues but I cut her off.

“Talking about Nona, can I speak to her?” as I said that Luke steps in the conversation.

“NO, you would never!”

I’m taken a back in the way he tells it to me. Is he some kind of protective boyfriend here?

“I would just return something that I believe is hers.” I explained calmly.

“Then you can hand it over to me.” He keeps on growling.

“Why can’t I speak to her?” I look at Nona this time and she didn’t even dare to go out of the car.

“Because I say so.” Luke holds his fist.

I had enough of stealing a bike; I don’t want to see my face on the headline with a bruise.

I reached for my pockets to get the cloth but it hit me that I didn’t bring it along.

“I forgot to bring it.” I reason out.

“Non-sense. Let’s get out of here, Laura.”  Luke turns his back at me.

“I’m sorry again. I can’t do anything about that.” Laura put a hand on my shoulder.

“It’s not your fault. So your brother is Nona’s beau?” I asked for confirmation.

“No,” she shakes her head. “Nona is one of the most important people for Luke. He’s like that to everyone who dares to come near Nona. But no, he’s just a friend; a best friend of Nona.”

“Laura, get in the car!” Luke calls out angrily.

“I’m coming, okay?” she answers loudly enough then rolls her eyes. 
“Sorry, if I can’t let Nona speak with you. If fate brought us to meet again, maybe I could have an explanation for it. Take care, Niall.”

Laura gives me a smile and goes for the car that’s been waiting for her. The car speeds up as soon as she gets in. From the back of the vehicle, I saw Nona waves again at me and mouthed ‘sorry’.

I was left there standing. I sighed thinking that I should be heading back to the music shop to get my vinyl and return the bicycle to its owner.

Niall, what did you get yourself into? I tell to myself.