Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 40

Life since Ibiza has been... busy, but in the best way possible.

Since returning home, things have picked up fast. I started streaming, posting on YouTube, and it's been going really well — way better than six months ago. I've also started working as a part-time cameraman for the Sidemen. They were keen to have me, and being part of their content feels like such an achievement. I'm more stable financially, the Sidemen are constantly pushing themselves with creative videos and Sidemen Sundays, and I'm proud to grow alongside them.

Of course, as we all knew it would, the Sidemen house started to empty — first Vik, then Josh. And now, in three days, it's my turn. I've got a flat in central London. Why not move in with Simon? Simple: I want my own space. But don't worry — Simon and JJ are moving in right next door.

Life with Simon has been... good. Steady, funny, warm. Sure, there are small annoyances, but he's still the boy I fell for.

⸻

The last of my things are packed, and the room feels like an empty shell. My PC is unplugged, and I pause to remember all the late nights gaming or just hanging out with the boys.

"Hey," Simon says, leaning against the doorframe.

I look up. "Hey."

He crosses the room in a few long strides and kneels beside me. "Packing up the old place, huh?"

"Yeah... I'm just a bit nostalgic, I guess." I shrug.

He smiles softly, brushing my cheek. "I get it. But think about the new adventures waiting in the flats. Two new places, more memories to make." He lifts my hands, waving them around like a cheerleader. I giggle.

This is the Simon I love — warm, silly, and full of life. He pulls me into a tight hug, resting his chin on my head.

"Excited for today's video?" he whispers.

"I am," I reply, leaning up to peek at him. "And hopefully I get some cool shots of you guys."

He smiles softly. "I know you will. You always do." He leans down and kisses the top of my head.

—

Later, we're in the car on the way to the studio. Simon's restless, leg bouncing, fingers running through his hair.

"Oh god, we're barely scraping the time scale. I might get a yellow for this," he mutters.

"Don't worry, you've got the least yellow cards," I reassure him. JJ, crammed into the back of my Audi TT, groans and slaps Simon playfully.

Traffic is brutal. We've barely moved in fifteen minutes. Simon keeps checking his phone obsessively, scrolling through the Sidemen WhatsApp chat and muttering under his breath.

Finally, we start moving. The boys cheer when we clear the bridge.

"We'd have been quicker in an Uber," Simon mutters bluntly.

"Nah, we got this car so she could drive us," JJ punches Simon's arm, earning a sharp glare.

Thirty minutes later, we arrive. Simon bolts out, red-faced and tense, practically running into the studio. JJ and I glance at each other, laughing quietly — Simon, big KSI, in the back of a tiny TT.

Inside, Tobi spots me. "Is Simon good?" he asks quietly.

"I'm sure he is. Did you see where he went?" I reply.

"He went that way." Tobi points to a door.

I follow, heart in my throat. The door leads to a fire exit. Simon sits on the steps, back to me, his yellow jacket and bag slumped beside him.

"Simon?" I call softly.

"Millie!" He jumps slightly, spinning around. His face is red, damp with tears. My heart sinks.

I sit next to him, placing a hand on his back. He wraps me into his lap, shoulders tense.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean to get so worked up," he whispers, voice tight.

"Talk to me, Simon. What's going on?" I plead, cupping his cheek.

He hesitates, swallowing hard. "It's... it's the hate. All the comments about us... people saying you're only with me because of the Sidemen, or that you're using me. It just... it gets to me, Millie. I know it's stupid, but I can't help feeling like I need to protect you from it all."

I squeeze his hand, resting my forehead against his. "Simon... I'm with you because I love you. Not the fame, not the boys, not anyone else. Just you. That's all that matters."

His eyes soften, bright blue flames flickering in them as a small grin spreads across his face. He pulls me in for a slow, passionate kiss.

"I love you so much, Millie."

"I love you too, Simon." I pull back slightly, offering my hand. "Go wash your face. We'll talk more later."

Hand in hand, we head back inside — ready to film what might be one of the best Sidemen videos yet.

As the boys begin recording, Con and I go over all the cameras to make sure everything is working fine. Suddenly, he gently grabs my arm and pulls me to the side.

I turn, confused. "What—ow, why'd you tug me so hard?"

"Is Simon okay?" he asks, his voice quiet.

I freeze, unsure what to say. I end up just making a face—a mixture of confusion and uncertainty—which makes Con giggle like a child.

"If I'm honest, Con... I don't know. He hasn't said a word to me," I shrug, stealing a quick glance at the boys behind us.

Con frowns slightly. "Well... whatever it is, I hope he's okay. He's been different, and it's obvious it's about you. Just... be careful, please." He gives my shoulder a little shake and walks back to the cameras, leaving me puzzled. Be careful? I think to myself.

I shake my head and get pulled out of my thoughts as Simon suddenly appears beside me. "Because of your yellow jacket," he mutters.

Everyone—including me—erupts into laughter. That jacket really is horrendous, but of course, Simon insists on wearing it.

The next girl comes out, and the boys go down the line, each spouting ridiculous pick-up lines. I watch, half-amused, half-awed, wondering how any of these idiots ever get a girl.

Then I hear a clicking noise and scan the line. My eyes meet Simon's. His face lights up, and he winks at me. My cheeks immediately heat up, and his grin grows more mischievous.

This time, it's different—his smile darkens, eyes flashing, and my breath catches.

"Hi, I'm Simon, I'm 26, and my girlfriend said I had to tell you about her."

My jaw drops. I laugh, and the girl follows his gaze to me. Her smile broadens, clearly realizing, and she swipes right.

"Told you it works," Simon whispers, shooting me a triumphant glance.

Hi guys! So yeah this took me almost 10 months to write lmao but tbh I didn't write it all the time. I recently got back into reading books and Colleen Hoover especially got me in the mood for writing so I hope you enjoy and I'll hopefully see you soon for the next chapter!