The bus rumbled along the highway, the low hum of the engine a steady backdrop to Izzy's thoughts. The excitement from the night before still buzzed through her veins, but there was a quiet moment of reflection now. The lives she'd touched, the faces she'd seen—every fan interaction felt like a piece of the puzzle falling into place.

She glanced over at Niall, who was now leaning against the window, looking out at the passing landscape. It had been a long day, and yet there was an energy about him that never seemed to wane. Maybe it was the tour life, or maybe it was just Niall's natural optimism. Either way, she admired it. She hadn't expected to connect with him so easily, but their friendship was one of the few constants in this whirlwind of a life.

As if sensing her gaze, Niall turned and smiled. "What's on your mind?"

Izzy hesitated for a moment, unsure if she wanted to say it out loud. But she'd never been one to shy away from honesty, especially with him. "Just... thinking about all the fans we met last night. The ones who told me I saved them. That kind of thing... it hits differently, you know?"

He nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, I get it. It's a lot to take in. But you're making a difference. People don't say things like that unless it's true."

Izzy's heart swelled at his words. "I just don't know if I'm ready for all this. What if I disappoint them?"

Niall leaned forward, his smile reassuring. "You're already doing amazing, Izzy. They love you for who you are, not some perfect image. They want the real you. And trust me, that's enough."

She smiled back, feeling a little lighter. Maybe she was ready. Maybe, just maybe, she could handle this.

The bus rolled into the next city just as the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over everything. Birmingham was alive with the hum of anticipation, and it seemed like the entire city was buzzing with excitement for the show that night. Fans lined the streets, holding up signs, chanting, eager to get a glimpse of the band.

Izzy felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement. She was about to perform in front of thousands of people, and the pressure of it all made her stomach flip. But she had done it before, hadn't she? The night in Manchester was just a glimpse of what was to come. The world was watching, and she needed to rise to the occasion.

As they arrived at the venue, the familiar cacophony of fans, photographers, and crew members greeted them. The sound of cameras flashing filled the air, and Izzy took a deep breath before stepping off the bus. She tried to keep her head down, but the second she stepped out, a sea of voices erupted around her.

"Izzy! Izzy, over here!"

She smiled, giving a wave to the crowd. The love from the fans was overwhelming, but it was also energizing. With each step toward the stage, her nerves faded, replaced by the familiar thrill of performing.

Backstage, she found herself surrounded by the crew and other members of the tour team, all hustling to get everything ready for the night. The boys were scattered around the room, going through their last-minute prep, stretching, and getting into their own headspace for the show. Niall caught her eye and gave her a thumbs up, his usual grin plastered on his face.

"Big night, huh?" he said, walking over to her.

Izzy nodded, feeling a knot form in her stomach again. "Yeah. I'm ready though."

"You've got this," Niall said confidently. "You're gonna blow them away."

Izzy hoped he was right. But as the opening act, the pressure was always a little different. She had to set the tone for the entire show, and she wasn't sure if she could live up to the expectation. The fans had already given so much love to One Direction, and now, here she was—having to earn their respect too. But she would give it everything she had, as she always did.

Backstage, Simon Cowell appeared out of nowhere, his stern gaze sweeping the room. "Izzy," he said, his tone clipped as always. "Are you ready? We need to make sure this goes smoothly. We can't afford any mistakes."

Izzy felt the weight of his words, the pressure rising. "Yeah, I'm ready," she replied, though she wasn't sure if she was saying it to reassure him or herself.

Simon nodded, not offering any more words of encouragement. He turned to walk away, but then paused, as if remembering something. "And make sure to keep it tight. No messing around. You're here to open for them, not steal the show," he added, his eyes cold.

Izzy clenched her jaw, trying not to let his words affect her. He didn't get it. But she wasn't here to steal anyone's spotlight—she was just here to be herself, and that was all she could do.

She inhaled deeply, letting the breath out slowly as the final notes of One Direction's soundcheck echoed through the arena. The place was starting to fill up, the buzz of anticipation growing louder by the minute.

Her turn was coming.

When it was time to take the stage, Izzy was all nerves and excitement. The lights dimmed, and the roar of the crowd grew deafening. As the music started, she felt the familiar rush of adrenaline, the thrum of the bass under her feet. This was what she lived for—the connection with the crowd, the shared energy. She could feel the warmth of their excitement wash over her, and just for a moment, everything felt right.

The opening notes of brutal hit the speakers, and Izzy's heart kicked into high gear. This was her moment to shine. She gave it her all—her voice strong and confident, every note hitting perfectly. As she sang, she scanned the crowd, noticing the signs in the front row. Some were waving simple signs with her name. Others read Izzy is the future of pop, You saved my life, Izzy!, and I'm here for you, always.

She could barely hold back her emotions as she made eye contact with one fan in particular who was crying, mouthing the words thank you. Izzy's voice caught, but she pushed through, pointing toward them as a way of showing her appreciation.

"Thank you, Birmingham! You guys are amazing!" she called out, the crowd's deafening cheers answering her words. They screamed her name, a tidal wave of love that nearly took her breath away.

As she continued through traitor, Izzy noticed a fan throwing up a yellow hat with a handwritten message: Izzy, you're my hero! The hat came flying toward the stage, and she expertly caught it in the air, grinning as she held it up to the crowd.

"I see you, love! Thank you!" she shouted, her heart racing as the crowd cheered even louder.

The atmosphere was electric. As she went into drivers license, she let the crowd take over, giving them a moment to sing the iconic chorus. Her voice softened as the sea of fans sang with her, harmonizing with her on the lyrics. It was magical. She felt every note connect her with each person in the audience, as though the moment was just for them.

She moved through good 4 u with more energy, bouncing around the stage. Fans were waving their phones, recording the performance, and others held up banners reading Izzy, we love you! and Pop Girl of the Century.

"Are you ready to hear some more?" Izzy asked, her voice loud over the cheering crowd. They screamed, the sound of it shaking her from the inside out. She was on top of the world.

As the final song of her set, favorite crime, came to an end, she looked out at the crowd, her heart full. She sang the final chorus with everything she had, her voice cracking slightly as she let the emotions wash over her. The crowd screamed in approval, their adoration for her palpable in the air.

The lights dimmed for a brief moment before the stage crew ushered her off, but before she left, she gave one final wave to the crowd. "Thank you, Birmingham! You've been amazing. See you soon!"

As she left the stage, the adrenaline was overwhelming. The backstage area was a whirlwind of activity, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something inside her had shifted. She had done it. The crowd had loved her. She had proven herself.

And as she walked off the stage, her heart still racing, Izzy knew one thing for sure—this was just the beginning.