Taylor's POV

It's currently nine fifty in the evening, and students are still happily chattering and laughing in the center, facing the center stage and watching Ellie perform her song.

Luckily, the school's principal decided to cancel classes tomorrow because of this jingle so we could rest and wouldn't have to rush into anything.

The next performer would be Selena, and I don't know how she does it but I don't see an ounce of nervousness in her eyes. She even seems excited and ecstatic to perform.

Before she could leave and go to the backstage to get ready, I wished her good luck and she smiled at me and told me the same.

Once Ellie was done performing, the audience gave her an applause and she bowed and exited the stage, bringing her guitar along with her.

"Next up, our next performer is Ms. Selena Gomez, performing her own song entitled 'Bad Liar'." The host, which was Mrs. Morgan and Sir Wilson our math and chemistry professors, announced and the audience clapped for Selena's entrance.

When Selena was on stage, she started singing the first line of the first verse and she saw me from the crowd and I gave her a thumbs up, which she smiled.

While watching Selena perform, I felt someone gently placed a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see Zayn smiling at me.

"Ready to perform?" He asked and taking a seat next to me.

"I guess, but I'm still nervous. What about you?" I asked and I could feel my heart starting to race even more.

"I feel the same way, but I'm excited at the same time. And also, you can do it. I know you can." Zayn said, giving me the encouragement and easing my nervousness a bit.

"Thank you Zayn, I appreciate the encouragement but I'm just nervous about singing in front of the crowd."

"Don't be, just imagine that you're inside an empty room and you're singing to yourself. That's what I do when I get nervous on stage, I just thought it might help." Zayn said and I gave him a smile of appreciation for his encouragement.

I really do appreciate Zayn's effort on me, and I honestly feel ashamed of myself that I hadn't realized it any sooner. And maybe Zayn would treat me differently than Harry, maybe he could be better than him. And I wouldn't find out if I try, would I?

"Zayn, I have to tell you something." I told him, a bit nervously and I could feel my heart racing as every second passes. The smile on Zayn's face disappeared and the look on Zayn's face suddenly shows full concern.

"What is it Taylor? Is there a problem?" He asked with his brows furrowing and a line forming on his crease.

"I think—"

I was cut off from my sentence when the crowd suddenly applauded and cheered, I looked on the stage to see Selena bowing and thanking the crowd for their enthusiasm. She did a couple of waves and went to the backstage.

Cliche as it may seem, but the next performer is Zayn and I know I just couldn't tell him right now when the atmosphere around us is in a craze.

"I'll tell you later Zayn, I promise. Meet me at the backstage after my performance." I told him directly and the concerned look on his face didn't seem to ease but he gave me a nod and forced a smile. And I think I probably scared him a little.

Zayn walked away and went straight ahead to the backstage to get ready to perform. My eyes wandered at the crowd trying to spot him. I don't know why I was looking for him when I probably shouldn't, but I just wanted to know if he made an effort to go and watch our performance.

When I couldn't find Harry in the crowd, I felt somewhat sad and maybe a bit disappointed. I know I have no right to feel this way, but I honestly couldn't help it.

I decided not to think about Harry too much tonight, because I didn't want to fill my thoughts about him again. Tonight is the night where I should feel happy and free for once and maybe make a move towards my feelings for Zayn.

I snapped out from my thoughts when the hosts suddenly announced the next performer enthusiastically, the audience cheered and clapped for Zayn and the lights dimmed a bit and the song started playing in the background.

I don't like the way he's looking at you

Zayn sang as he emerged from the backstage curtains and started singing the song.

As Zayn sang his song and as the song progressed, I found myself singing along with the crowd. I just suddenly forgot the people around me and just sang along, it's like I forgot things existed and was just having the time of my life.

When Zayn is about to finish his song, one crew member approached me and told me I was going to be on stage in about three minutes.

I stood up from my seat and followed him at the backstage. He told me that I should take a seat and be ready, I did what I was told and sat down on a black leather couch. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment.

I was nervous, there was no denying that. But maybe I should follow Zayn's advice and imagine I'm all alone in a room.

I felt someone tap my shoulder and I opened my eyes and looked up to see Zayn looking down at me and giving me a soft smile which I returned.

"You're performance was amazing, the crowd loves you." I told him and his smile grew even wider if that's even possible.

"Thanks, and they'll love you too as well. I know you can do it Taylor. I believe in you."

I gave him a smile, too anxious to give him a proper reply. I could tell he noticed and sat down on the couch next to me.

"And Taylor, what were you going to tell me earlier? Is there something wrong? Are you all right?" Zayn asked, concern laced in his voice.

I didn't got to reply when the sound of applause and cheers filled the ambience, and the crew member who called me a while ago said I was about to go up.

I gave Zayn an apologetic look and stood up from my seat and he followed as well.

"I'm sorry if I couldn't tell you any sooner Zayn and I'm sorry if there's so many interruptions, but I promise I'll tell you when I'm done performing." I told Zayn and I felt ashamed and I felt dramatic that I couldn't tell him straightforwardly but nevertheless, Zayn gave me a reassuring smile and a nod.

"Don't pressure yourself Taylor, remember tonight's the night where you'll shine. And don't rush into whatever you have to tell me, I can wait. I'll always wait for you, even if it takes a whole lifetime." Zayn said and somehow, that made me feel reassured that he would wait even how long it'll take.

"Thank you for everything Zayn." I told him and he smiled sweetly at me.

I turned to the stage and the crew member handed my guitar and I gladly took it.

With my guitar in my hand, I walked up to the stage feeling myself shaking a bit.

I stood in the middle of the stage, the microphone and the stand right in front of me and the eyes of students watching me. I turned to my right to see Zayn watching me from the backstage, giving me a warm smile, telling me I can do it.

And that was all the comfort and confidence I needed to start my performance.

Once upon time, a few mistakes ago. . .

➣

I strummed the last chords of the song, preparing myself to sing the last line.

Oh, oh, trouble, trouble, trouble

I sang and the crowd erupted into cheers and applauded, and some even stood up from their seats and clapped and I slightly blushed as a sign of my gratitude.

I thanked everyone, and went to the backstage to see Zayn standing with a smile across his face and his eyes twinkling against the light.

"You were amazing, I told you they'll love you." Zayn said and suddenly wrapped his arms around me and gave me a warm and tight hug, just exactly what I needed.

"Thank you Zayn for your support and encouragement, no one has really supported me like that before, and I couldn't have done it without you." I told him and I nestled my head on the crook of his neck.

He muttered a reply which I didn't really understand since I was too caught up in the moment.

But our moment got interrupted when I heard someone call my name, and when I heard his voice my heart skipped a beat and I froze from my spot.

"Taylor?"

We pulled away from our hug and I looked at the person who I least expected to see right now.

I could feel Zayn's hand at my back, gently rubbing it, and it somehow eased my nervousness a bit.

"Harry." I replied back to him, my throat a bit dry when I said his name.

He looked at me in the eye, and I remembered those were the eyes I once adored and admired every single day, but now those were the eyes I least wanted to see right now.

I wondered what he was doing here and why was he here.

"Zayn." Harry called and Zayn furrowed his brows at him and I could feel him tense a bit when Harry mentioned his name.

"What do you want Harry?" Zayn asked, the warmth in his voice was completely gone when he spoke to Harry, it was like the friendship they had was long forgotten and they treated each other like complete strangers.

And I didn't want to become the reason why their friendship was torn apart.

"Harry what are you doing here?" I asked him calmly, trying not to let my annoyance show.

"I just wanted to talk to you, and to Taylor only." Harry said and looked at Zayn when he mentioned the last part.

"And what are you going to say? Why can't you tell it right now and right in front of my face?" Zayn asked, maybe a bit harshly than I expected it to be.

"Fine, you're really that tough, aren't you?" Harry said, almost in a challenging tone. The tone that he uses from time to time, that makes me scared and frightened from him.

Harry stepped closer to us and crossed his arms on his chest, then I noticed up close, I noticed the visible bags under his eyes and it was also a bit red and puffy and I could now smell the scent of an alcohol beverage, and Harry was also a bit tipsy but he still has some conscious left in him.

"I just want to say that, Taylor, I'm sorry for everything that I did to you. I'm sorry if I broke your heart and all the promises I made, but right now I've realized that I can't live without you. So please, I'm begging for your forgiveness and please accept me. Let's be together again. Lend me your heart because you already have mine." Harry said and towards me further but I quickly took a step back, afraid what he might do because he was half drunk.

Looking at him now, he isn't the Harry I used to know when I first met him. He changed through the year and throughout our whole relationship. And when I wished things will never change, I was wrong. I guess some things really change and nothing could stay the same forever.

"Harry, please, we're over months ago. I don't want to fight with you again Harry, just leave us alone already. There are plenty of girls out there who are waiting for you and you deserve better Harry." I told him, trying to explain to him that I'm done with him and hopefully he'll understand.

"But you're the one I want Taylor, you're different from them." Harry said, almost in a pleading tone.

"I gave you my heart and love, and please give me yours too." He added.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I can't."

"And why is that?" He asked, his brow arching.

"It's because someone already has it. I'm sorry Harry, but I've fallen for someone else." I told Harry and from the corner of my eye I could see Zayn's expression somewhat saddened, his lips forming into a slight frown.

"What? But who?" He asked once again.

"Harry, please. Just leave me alone and I'll leave you alone in peace. Just let me go." I said and this time it was my turn to take a step forward.

"But Taylor—"

"If you really love me Harry, then you'll let me go and I'll be with someone who truly makes me happy." I told him and looking him in the eye.

He hesitated for a moment, it was like he was thinking if he'll really make the right decision. After a few moments, he finally gave me a reply.

"All right, Taylor. You're right, if I truly love you then I'll let you go. Don't worry I won't bother you anymore, I hope you'll be happy with the one who stole your heart." Harry said and before we knew it, he was out of the door and exited the backstage.

I was happy, I was finally free.

I heard Zayn cleared his throat and I turned around to look at him scratching his nape, looking nervous.

"So, Harry won't disturb you anymore. That's great." Zayn said, still looking nervous and his voice faltering a bit.

"Yeah, that's pretty great. At least he knows that he doesn't need to wait for me now because I've already found someone who made my heart beat."

"About that, um.. Do you mind telling me who's that special someone? I understand if you don't want to, it's completely fine. I mean—" Zayn said being nervous again with his words.

I walked forward to him and I couldn't help but smile at him.

"Taylor?" He asked again and I took another step forward and we were only about a feet away from each other.

"Would you like to know?" I asked and he quietly nodded.

"Well, I don't need to tell you because I'm already talking to him." I told Zayn, and I remember the day when Zayn came into my room and told me that he liked me in this came indirect way. It seems like yesterday when that happened, how time really flies.

"What? Who's that?" Zayn asked completely oblivious that it's him. He can be like that sometimes, whe he's too nervous he can sometimes forget about thinking the situation and gets too worried and anxious.

I sighed and took a step further, only a half feet away and smiled at him.

"Then who else? It's you silly, you're the one who stole my heart Zayn." I told him, and I could feel my cheeks instantly heating up. I saw Zayn's nervous and confused face suddenly turned into a smile, his dimples showing.

"Me? Are you serious?" He asked, almost in a disbelief tone.

"I could never be more serious." I told him and the smile on his face grew wider if that was even possible.

Then suddenly he wrapped his arms around my waist and I wrapped mine around his neck.
Feeling his comfort and warmth against me once again.

He slightly pulled away to see my face and rested his two fingers just below my chin and slowly inching my face towards his.

"May I?" He asked and I couldn't help but smile.

God, did he really have to ask that? I thought while smiling.

"Go ahead." I told him and before I knew it he closed the gap between our lips and laid his soft pink lips on mine.

It felt like heaven, it was like I was on cloud-nine. Nothing could get better than this moment. His arms were tightly wrapped on my waist and I closely wrapped my arms around his neck, and savoring each other's lips and taste.

After a few moments of us just staying at that position, we slowly pulled away but our arms still wrapped around each other. I looked into his eyes, and it seems like I could just stare at it forever. His eyes traveled down to my lips and to my other features on my face.

"You've no idea how long I've waited for this moment to happen." Zayn told me with his raspy voice and smiled again.

"Me too, I never knew I needed that in my life." I replied.

"Taylor, when I said I liked you, I really meant it. And now that I have you in my arms, I promise that I'll never let you go and always keep you safe." He told me, making a promise that I'll hold onto. And I just hope he'll keep his promise.

"I'll hold onto that."

"Hold onto as tight and long as you can cause I'm not planning on letting it go soon or ever." He replied.

Our foreheads were leaning against each other and our arms were still in the same position like before.

And right now in this moment, I knew that, this is something that I'd never let go and it's something I'll cherish forever.

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