The stage lights flash as the sound techs make final adjustments. One Direction—Harry, Niall, Liam, Louis, and Zayn—are chatting and laughing near the edge of the stage, waiting for their turn to rehearse. The backstage area is bustling with activity, but among the crew, someone unfamiliar catches their eye. Yzx stands off to the side, looking out of place but calm. She’s an up-and-coming songwriter who wandered backstage by mistake. She’s holding a notebook, her gaze darting between the band and the chaotic crew. Louis nudges Niall with a smirk. “Who’s that, then? New assistant or a spy?” “She doesn’t look like staff,” Zayn says quietly, his curiosity piqued.