*Gaby's POV*

Even after the concert ended an intense mixture of blood and adrenaline still pulsed and rushed through my veins. My concert high was only increased as I handed the security guard the pass that was previously around my neck.

Taylor and I had already been through three other security guards before we got this far. But this time, I heard One Direction talking from behind the door. The guard looked between the pass, Taylor, and I a couple times. Taylor offered him a friendly smile when he nodded toward her.

"What about her? One pass for two girls? I don't know about that..."

Taylor and I exchanged a glance of panic. Until we heard the most adorable little Irish voice from inside the room.

"Oh, come on! Just let them in! We gave them a pass for a reason!"

"It sounds like they like you two. You're obviously very special." He whispered, and gave us a quick wink. And with that, the guard broke, giving us a smile, and stepping aside as he opened the door.

"Ouch!" Niall said from directly behind the door. The other boys laughed from where they were seated around the room.

"That's why you shouldn't be standing with your ear pressed to the door." Liam suggested. Niall responded by sticking out his tongue as a small, light pink blush covered his cheeks.

Everything that was happening was just so unreal. It honestly didn't even make sense. I felt like I was dreaming.

"You can come sit down." Louis told us, moving off of the couch and to one of the other chairs. "Did you enjoy the concert?"

"Yes! It was amazing!" Taylor gushed. "You guys have to voices of angels! It's ridiculous! I mean, seriously! Best. Concert. Ever!"

Her reaction made me realize that there are two types of fans in this world. The kind of fan who was crazy, and honest, and screamed. And then there were fans like me, who were too starstruck to even remember their own name, nonetheless respond to questions.

"What about you, Gaby?" Harry asked, giving me a look that made me weak. "Did you like the concert?"

"Y-yeah!" I managed to awkwardly muster. I took a deep breath, regaining me cool. "She's right, you guys are incredible! I do have a question though..." I knew this probably wasn't the best time to ask, but my curiosity was getting the best of me.

"Shoot!" Zayn smiled, speaking for the first time.

"Why did we get a backstage pass? I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled! But I just don't understand... Why us?"

"Because we're awesome!" Taylor jumped. I rolled my eyes as everyone laughed.

"Well, obviously we're awesome. But really though? I'm sure you think a lot of fans are awesome. You don't usually just throw around passes."

"Harry, would you like to enlighten Gaby here?" Zayn asked, giving Harry a look like there was some joke I was missing. Harry reacted with the most beautiful nervous smile and blush I'd ever seen.

"Well..." He started to explain. Just by his voice, I was mesmerised. Just being in his presence made my heart beat faster and faster. "You came to a signing last time we were in LA. You remember, right?" I nodded my head. How could I forget? "I remember too... And I've thought about you a few times since then... So when I saw you again, I wasn't just going to let you walk away..."

At this point, both Taylor and I had our jaws dropped in a state of shock. I didn't know how to respond. This wasn't real life. It couldn't be. Things like this didn't happen to girls like me. We were backstage with One Direction. Nobody was going to believe this.

"Anyway," Louis broke the silence, "Would you girls like a drink?"

"Oh, uhm... We're only 16... And drinking here isn't legal until we're 21..." And suddenly Harry's finger was pressed to my lips.

"Shhh." He said. "We like to follow the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy. One drink won't hurt."

And then something in me changed. I don't know what it was, but it was like a pressure was suddenly released. Harry was right. This good girl act I'd been putting on since I was born was just getting old. One drink wouldn't hurt.

So Taylor and I each took the small shot glass and threw our heads back in unison, letting the bit of liquid burn down our throats.

After some laughs, jokes, more drinks, and get to know you chats, Harry decided he wanted to show me something.

"We'll be back in a couple minutes." He said, leading me out of the room and down the hall that I'd walked through just hours ago. But it was different now. It was dark and everyone was gone.

"What happened? This place was packed!"

"Usually if we hang out backstage long enough, everyone assumes we left right when the concert ended."

"But don't you eventually have to go back to your hotel?"

"Management is in the back office working out details for our next show. We still have a couple hours before we'll all head back."

"Hmm." I shrugged, letting him pull me along to where ever he was going. He led me up the stairs and through the dark heavy curtain until we were in the middle of the stage.

The venue looked so different without any seats filled. It was crazy being up here. It was almost like everything I'd wanted was happening in one night, and honestly, it was hard to take in. I'd always had a secret dream of singing, but I knew it wasn't likely to come true. But being up there, with Harry of all people, gave me hope.

"Do you sing?" He asked me, as if he'd read my mind.

"I've gotten a few solos." I giggled. And suddenly he threw me a microphone. My eyes widened. "What are you doing?"

"Sing with me!" He encouraged. "Here, I'll start."

Without background music, his voice was even more angelic. I assumed he chose Another World just because he knew I'd know it. And like he asked, I joined in after the first chorus ended. It was amazing. I didn't know if I was any good, especially compared to him, but that moment was the most perfect thing that had ever happened to me. Or to anyone.

And right as we ended the last note, our voices balancing each other rhythmically, he turned, and pressed his lips against mine, making my entire world stop abruptly and the microphone I was holding drop to the floor with a clash.

That clash is the thing I remember of that night.