The Poster Memorabilia blog

There’s Only One Direction I’ll Ever Go

A saved-up VIP ticket, five gentlemen, and a signed cap that meant more than the poster.

By an anonymous Hollywood insider

Seeing K-pop fans go crazy over their faves reminds me of when I was a young girl following One Direction. I went wild for them the way these stans go berserk for their Korean idols, even when they don't speak the language the songs are in. It just goes to show that fandom is universal.

I get it, too. You're young and impressionable, and suddenly, you see handsome boys, some of them your own age, sing their hearts out and charm you completely. Who wouldn't go crazy over that? Who wouldn't want to revel in their favorite band's music and fan service?

“It just goes to show that fandom is universal.”

I remember saving up my allowance and the money I earned from my part-time jobs just to buy their CDs, posters, and concert tickets. My best memory was going to their Take Me Home tour in 2013, and I even went so far as to get a VIP package.

Obviously I didn't spend all of my money on it, but it still took a good chunk of it. My parents decided to reward me for my good grades and all the work I'd done so far for our neighbors, and I chose a VIP ticket for this One Direction concert as my prize.

You're probably wondering whether spending all that money was worth it if an ordinary ticket would've still gotten me to the concert, but the VIP setup back then was different. Not only did I get a great seat in the arena, but that year, I also got the chance to meet them. And boy did I ever!

I'm not proud to say that I got a bit too excited when I met One Direction. I didn't embarrass myself or anything like that, or at least, it's what I like to believe. I didn't break down in tears or faint in front of them if that's what you're thinking. At most, I spoke a little too loudly and got a bit too enthusiastic.

✦ ✦ ✦

Their reactions to me were still pretty cool though. They were definitely surprised by my loud voice, but they still treated me kindly and hugged me when they saw how I was shaking with excitement. They didn't show any hint of annoyance or feeling creeped out, which really helped with my self-esteem.

Throughout our interaction, the boys were nice and perfect gentlemen. Niall gave the gentlest hug of the five, while Zayn patted my back as we took our selfie. Harry, unsurprisingly, was the most charming in the group. He kept complimenting me on my outfit and told me that I didn't need to feel so nervous.

Naturally, they also signed the One Direction poster I bought from the merchandise booth before the concert started. Not only that, but they also signed the cap I wore when I told them that it belonged to an older cousin of mine that I really loved, who passed away a couple of months before. They didn't need to do that, but the fact that they did really touched me.

In that moment, I decided I'd always be a Directioner and support them in whatever they did. Even now, I still listen to their solo stuff and go to their concerts whenever they visit my city. And I don't think any Directioner has really gotten over losing Liam. Five of them signed my poster that night, and I'm grateful every day that I have it.

So for all you K-Pop girlies, don't be ashamed of being a fan. Loving boy groups has been a thing since our parents' and grandparents' time, so what you're doing is normal. As long as you don't go overboard with your stanning, follow your faves to your hearts' content.

Some things you watch. This one you keep.

Guaranteed authentic for life • 90-day returns, any reason