The Setbacks (Kylian Mbappé x Reader)

Gallery

We arrived at the gallery, the outside was crawling with paparazzi and a line of people trying to see if they could get in. Thankfully, we were on the list, so we didn't have to spend time waiting to get in.

When we got in, I took them to greet my mom.

"Hello, mom," I greeted, "the event looks fantastic."

"Thank you, darling," she answered, "are there your friends?"

"Yes," I answered, "this is Marcus,"

"Lovely to meet you," she said, "I've heard so much about you."

"Very nice to meet you as well," he said, shaking her hand, "all good, I hope."

"Of course," she replied.

"Congratulations on this event," he said.

"Thank you so much, Marcus," she said, "I hope you enjoy it."

"Thank you, I will," he responded.

I introduced her to the rest of the group. Then there was a photography session where she took pictures with my friend, including me. After this, we all began to socialize with editors, models, photographers, and more, as we explore the gallery.

Marcus and I met as we were admiring the same photo.

"So," he said, "are you finally gonna tell me what's wrong?"

"Why would something be wrong?" I asked as I took a sip of my champagne.

"You are in Manchester," he mentioned giving me a look.

"Ouch," I expressed, "can't a girl visit home?"

"Of course, you can," he said, "but the last time we spoke, things seemed to be going so well for you in Paris. You had just survived your first fashion week, all of you had a good time, and you seemed so happy in the pictures."

"You're quite observant," I commented.

"I'll take that as a compliment," he giggled, "now tell me."

I took a breath and began to break down the entire event of what took place at Dior, with Maïa and Charles. I expressed how much it hurt my prospects for a career in another French fashion house.

"I'm really sorry, Y/n," he said, then wrapped an arm around me.

"It's okay," I said, leaning on his shoulder, "I mean, it isn't, but what else can I do?"

"Did you try talking to your dad?" he asked.

"Yes," I answered, "but he is mainly disappointed."

"I hope he comes around and understands your side of the situation," he said.

I moved away from his embrace and said, "I hope so too."

At this point, I was trying my best not to let the tears fall, this was not the time or place.

"At least you have Kylian to help, right?" he asked.

"Yes, I think," I answered, "unfortunately this problem came about because he didn't warn me about Maïa."

"What do you mean?" he asked, "How would he know about it?"

"She's his ex-girlfriend, and she had spoken to him in a club. Asked him back. He said no, but she was mad, guess who she chose to take it out on?" I asked sarcastically.

"That sucks," he commented, "first he steals the girl I wanted and now this."

I was shocked, did I hear that right? I look at him for the first time since we started this conversation and ask, "What?"

He giggled and said, "I mean, it's not a secret. The first day we met, we had a connection and I was going to do something about it, but then you went to the bathroom, and things changed."

"Marcus... I.."

"Calm down," he interrupted, "I'm not confessing my feelings and asking you to be with me. I know you love him, and I'm never going to stand between that. I just want you to be happy, wherever you are."

I was so moved by his words that I couldn't let out any of my own. I gave him an embrace and whispered, "Thank you."

"It's a pleasure," he replied as I let go, "now tell me about you starting a brand."

I giggled and replied, "with pleasure."

The rest of the evening went by fast and easy. Everyone had a great time and my mom was happy with the success of her event.

We all said our goodbyes and emptied the gallery before helping the staff clean up.

For a moment, I went about the space with more than 40 photo frames and took my time to appreciate each one. There were many of me, Beatrice, the city of Paris and my dad.

"Like what you see?" My mom asked as I sat in front of photo scenes in Paris.

"Yes," I answered, "I'm contemplating purchasing this one. What do you think? It would look gorgeous in my room."

"Yes, it would," she replied, "but I think you'll be more interested in one I have in the back."

"Uh, exclusive pieces," I commented excitedly.

"Only for you," she answered.

We went to the back of the gallery, into my mom's office. She opened a box filled with small frames.

"This was a collection I was planning on revealing today," she explained, "but I hadn't talked to you so I didn't."

I was so confused by her statement until she handed me one of them. A picture of Kylian with his beautiful smile, surrounded by people and this really proved how much he could stand out in a crowd.

This energy was unmatched and I couldn't get enough of it.

"Why didn't you hang it?" I asked.

"I didn't ask for your permission," she said, "I had his, but I didn't want your night to be ruined because you saw this in a room full of people."

I understood her point, but I could not take my eyes off the picture. I missed him so much and I really wanted to speak to him.

"Can I keep this?" I asked.

"Of course, sweetheart," she answered, "now let's go home, it's been a long day, we both need some rest."

I agreed.

We made our way home and when I arrived, I took a shower and got straight into bed. I looked at the photograph even more and contemplated calling him. I looked at the time and decided to do so.

Hope this works out.