Harry's POV.
A sudden moment of clarity: a split second where everything changes. A brief moment when everything you wish to be - or wish for, - is materialized before your eyes. I had been feeling this way for quite a while now. I can't quite put my feelings into words, neither do I desire to, because that would involve quality time to sort them out. Time is of precious essence, and I had none left.
My expectations were through the roof, and I'd felt overly secure in this stage, standing before those whom were powerful enough to decide my fate. I need this. Those three words had been ringing in the back of my mind throughout my entire journey, ever since I'd first set foot in this stage, I knew I was meant for it.
The greatness and slight superiority I had been feeling at the pit of my stomach was a rush. I had found a way around those who hadn't believed in me initially, and now I had a few things to show for it. My bandmates. Undesired at first, but we complimented each other in a way beyond our own understanding. An international fanbase. Something I hadn't completely wrapped my mind around, yet. But most importantly, the experience. Knowing that I had been lucky enough to try something most people wouldn't have the courage, or means to, in the first place. Everything felt so right.
Although, I was rather quick to realize that luck had nothing to do with my being here. As soon as the word I had dreaded most tonight escaped Dermot's lips, I knew nothing could ever compare to how incredibly wrong things were about to get. I knew it was all over. Surely, if you listened closely enough, you'd be able to hear the sound of my heart breaking.
Rebecca.
Never have I hated a seven-lettered word so passionately in my life. My expression fell into one of despair, and all the greatness I had been feeling just a few minutes earlier had left my body completely, leaving me with teary green orbs and a sinking feeling. I could feel my mates tensing up behind me, Niall hanging his head down low, and allowing a disappointed look to take over his features. I hadn't fully wrapped my mind around the idea that this would be it, everything we've been working so hard for over the course of these past few months had just been cold-heartedly taken away from us, and there was nothing I - or my bandmates, for that matter - could do to change so.
Simon hadn't been expecting the public's decision, either. I could tell by the way he shook his head in a defeated manner, that he had believed in us much more than he had let on. I wanted desperately to comfort him, to apologize for letting him down, to do something. But I couldn't come up with anything useful, and so I stood there center-stage, with a dumbfounded frown upon my lips. Our mentor then shifted his weight back around, turning on his left heel and concentrating on the ground for a brief second before laying a supportive hand upon my shoulder. I did not have the heart to look him in the eyes, and so I followed in my mates' footsteps and made my way over to Rebecca, planting a supportive kiss upon her cheek.
"You've worked just as hard. Congratulations." I managed to whisper. I wasn't sure if she had fully accepted my compliments, seeing as my body had tensed up and my voice was undoubtedly trembling. "I mean it." I gave her a reassuring nod and in return received a knowing look. She understood that my congratulatory wishes were genuine and my body language was only an effect of the heartbreaking news I had just been told.
I was glad she understood.
After giving Rebecca our best wishes, Dermort hurried us back to the center of the stage; he had many questions and demanded answers that I did not have, so I remained quiet until we were dismissed. As we headed backstage Louis continued to behave as his regular self, but this time it wasn't amusing. As hard as he tried to deny it, he had been taken aback and was clearly disappointed: his eyes hinted so. I shook my head in disbelief, opening my mouth to tell him off for not taking this seriously and acting so immaturely, but I quickly refrained from doing so, seeing as not only was this his way of coping with things but as far as the X Factor was concerned, this would be One Direction's last moments together, and I would rather not spend them arguing with my best friend.