Clara's POV

I was sleeping peacefully when someone knocked on the door. Damn them, whoever they are. They ruined my sleep. I was dreaming of something warm and lovely but I can’t exactly remember what it is.

Anyway, I got up from the bed and opened the door. It was Danielle with her usual fashionable self complete with make-up and a bright smile. She really is gorgeous. 

“Good morning, you lovebirds! Wake up! We have a busy day today!” she exclaimed as she went inside our room carrying a big bag. 

“Danielle, isn’t it a bit early for this?” I asked her as I follow her.

“We have a lot to do and we have to be early. LUKE! GET UP!” she said as she threw a pillow to Luke’s sleeping face. 

“Huh? What? Oh. Danielle. What are you doing here?” Luke groggily asked her as he struggles to sit up.

“Clara has to get ready. So get out.”

“And I don’t have to?” Luke asked her.

“Your clothes for the interview today are downstairs. You can take a shower in Calum’s room. I think he’s done.” Danielle explained.

“Fine.” Luke said as he grabbed a hoodie and went out. I looked after him. I can’t believe he slept on the couch. That must have been bad.

“So. Ready?” Danielle turned to me.

I haven’t even had the chance to respond because she pushed me into the bathroom forcefully.

Oh boy.

******

“OK, guys. We’re going live in 5 minutes! 5 minutes!” some guy in headphones called out.

I looked around the backstage. Wow. This is a really busy place. Wires are scattered all over the floor. People are shouting at each other even though they have microphones on. Make-up artists are fumbling about the guests’ make-up. I wonder if this would be the type of life I would live if I were a famous singer-songwriter. 

I’ve told you before that I like to sing. I forgot to mention that I also like to write songs. Only Finn, my dog, and I know most of my songs. Leo doesn’t even know I write. 

I’ve always pictured myself as the star. Not the fake-girlfriend of a star. A really mean and grumpy star. I thought Luke Hemmings would be more of a charming person since a lot of girls like him. He’s always smiling and he’s so adorable in his pictures but why is he like this to me? I haven’t done anything wrong. Okay, maybe this whole thing is partly my fault. But still!

“You ok?” Michael walked over to where I’m sitting and sat next to me. He looks amazing as always. I blushed. I’m sitting next to Michael Clifford! 

“Yeah.” 

“You look pretty.” He told me. I’m wearing a simple collared shirt and a flower-y skirt that Danielle chose for me. 

I blush a little bit more and smiled. “Danielle's great at this stuff.”

“Yes, she is.”

We just sat there talking stuff about us. I can’t believe how easy-going and down-to-earth Michael is. He’s so fun to be with. We were laughing and joking around when someone called him. 

“I have to go. Sorry.” He said to me as he stood up and smiled at me.

“No, no. That’s ok. You’re doing your job.” I smiled as he walked away.

I looked around me again and noticed that Luke is looking at me with his brows furrowed. What is his problem? When he saw me looking at him so Luke looked away. Damn him!

Shortly, the interview is starting and Danielle and I sat behind the cameras and equipment to watch the whole thing.

“We’re going live in 5….4….3….” the director shouted.

A middle-aged man wearing casual clothing came, holding a microphone.

The host greeted them and went on interviewing the boys. They sat down with the host on the set and they looked amazing. But what am I talking about? They always look amazing!

“So Luke, I’m looking at you for answers on this question. What is this rumor I hear about you being a bad boy in the ladies’ bathroom?” the host asked Luke. As soon as he uttered those words my pulse quickened and I grabbed hold of Danielle’s hand. Danielle smiled at me in a comforting way. 

“It’ll be fine.” She whispered to me.

I nodded and looked at Luke. I can tell he’s nervous, too.

“Well, it was only a rumor. I was in the ladies’ bathroom because I was hiding from the media.” He chuckled lightly and grinned. The effect was supposed to be charming. Which it was. And it worked. Damn his cuteness!

“How about the girl you were with? I believe that Michael was with you at the time, too.” 

“That’s right." Michael said.

“So who’s the girl?”

Luke cleared his throat and said, “The other one is my girlfriend…..Clara.”

“OH HO! A girlfriend! You’ve been keeping secrets aren’t you, Luke?” the host grinned widely as he said these words. 

“Well, yeah. I kept it a secret so she’ll be safe from the wrath of the media.” Luke explained to her.

The host merely nodded and smiled. “I believe Clara, Luke’s girlfriend, is somewhere here right now.” 

Oh no. 

“Yes she is. I guess she’s ready to face the public.” Calum said.

Oh shit.

“Well, in that case, come up here Clara!” 

In a second, everyone was looking at me and a woman with headphones on came and grabbed my arm. I looked at Danielle for advice but she just nodded and smiled as the woman pushed me to the camera's line of sight..

“Go on. You’ll be fine.” Danielle told me.

I was looking at Luke the whole time. Judging by his face, he didn’t expect this as well.

I sat next to Luke and I was shaking terribly. Suddenly, Luke took my hand and held it tightly. He seemed to stop my hand from shaking. I blushed and looked at him. His face was inches away from and he’s getting closer. Oh God. Is he going to kiss me in front of the whole world to see?

He didn’t. Luke whispered to my ear, “Don’t forget to smile.”

He backed away and smiled at me. So I did, too. The audience seemed to melt at this moment. And I have to admit, I was warm inside, too.

“Awww. You guys are just too cute!” 

“They are, aren’t they?” Michael said.

“No wonder Luke wanted to protect Clara. Look at her, she’s adorable. So how did you two met?”

I froze.

We didn’t discuss that! We’re doomed.

Suddenly, Luke spoke.

“We met in one of the hotels we’re staying at. She’s one of the guests and I saw her lounging near the pool while reading a book. I was mesmerized by her beauty the second I saw her.”

Luke lied. So he thought about an answer to this certain question. I breathe a sigh of relief when it seemed like the host and everyone bought this lie. 

“And what did you thought about Luke before Clara?” the host asked me.

ME.

She asked me.

And I’m supposed to answer it.

With what?

I looked at Danielle and Liz for support but they just nodded. I have to make up a story.

I sighed.

I've been saying to the boys and Liz that if Luke and I were a “couple” we have to be the best couple there is.

And that's just what I have to do.

“Well, at first I didn’t want to be involved with him since he IS Luke Hemmings. He’s a celebrity with lots of fans and medias trailing around him. I didn’t want that life. But he wouldn’t take no for an answer and he actually continued pursue me for the rest of their trip. Eventually I gave in. I mean, who wouldn’t be crazy enough to not date such a charming and adorable guy like Luke.”

After that remark, I smiled my sweetest (and fake) smile at Luke, who is now blushing furiously. I also noticed that I was holding on to Luke’s hand the whole time. 

“You guys are so cute! I believe that this is your first time appearing on television together?” the host asked Luke and me. We grinned and nodded at her. “Well, this is certainly a special moment! We must celebrate it with a kiss from you two!”

Everyone screamed and whooped with delight and clapped their hands. 

What?

Everyone in the studio seemed to be clapping and cheering us on. Even the rest of the boys and Danielle. 

I was in the middle of thinking what to do when a hand took hold of my neck and kissed me.

On the mouth.

In front of all those people.

In front of the whole world. 

Luke Hemmings kissed me for everyone to see.

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A/N:

So this has been ...uhh... eventful.

Leave comments if you liked this installment of "Don't Stop" and I'll update it as soon as possible! :D