Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 42

I wake up to a cold bed. I roll over, expecting Simon's warmth, but... nothing. My body stiffens. Where is he? I sit up and scan the room—his clothes are still scattered on the floor, shoes kicked off at the door. Surely he hasn't gone far without his clothes.

I replay last night in my mind, and I can't help but blush. That was... explosive. Passionate, urgent, intense. My heart races and my body heats at the memory. But the fact that he was so needy—so unlike himself—makes me uneasy. Something's off.

I lean down and grab his T-shirt from the floor, inhaling the lingering scent of him. Standing, I slip on my slippers and make my way out of the bedroom.

The smell of coffee greets me in the hall, making my stomach growl. I follow it to the kitchen and find Simon slouched over the island, shoulders tense, back to me. My heart tightens at the sight—he looks... sad. I step forward and wrap my arms around his neck, pressing a kiss to his temple.

"Good morning," I hum softly.

He lifts a hand to my arm, rubbing gentle circles with his thumb before turning to me. "Good morning," he says quietly, his usual smirk absent.

"Coffee?" I offer. He nods, standing to make it. As he waits for the kettle to boil, he leans against the counter, jaw tight. His eyes flick to me, noticing my worried expression, and the smirk fades completely.

"Simon... what's been up with you?" I ask carefully. Lately, he's been more broody, quieter, almost tense around me—and I've noticed the protective streak creeping in, the slight possessiveness that wasn't there before.

He exhales, staring down at the counter. "It's... the hate, Millie. Ever since Ibiza... I keep seeing comments, posts, people liking pictures of you and Harry together, saying things about us, about you. I can't help it—every time I see it, it gnaws at me, makes me doubt... everything."

I kneel beside him, resting my hand on his arm. "Simon, it's... a lot, yeah, but it doesn't matter what they say. It's always been us."

He runs a hand through his hair, frustration clear. "I know. But it makes me feel protective... and jealous. Seeing people imply things about you, about us... I start wondering if I'm enough. I can't stand the idea of anyone disrespecting you—or us."

I smirk, teasing lightly to break the tension. "So... there's a recurring theme with us, huh? Me waking up alone and finding you broody in the kitchen?"

He looks at me, lips twitching, a faint blush creeping up his neck. "Something like that," he mutters, but there's warmth now behind his eyes.

I pull his face toward me, cupping his cheeks. "Simon, it's always you. Always has been, always will be. I couldn't love anyone else, not even Harry—no matter what you think."

He exhales, a mix of relief and lingering tension, before pulling me into a slow, deep kiss. His hands hold mine, tugging me closer. "I love you so much, Millie. Even when I get wound up, even when... people make me doubt myself."

I smile against his lips. "I love you too. And hey... you don't need to worry. I'm yours. Always yours."

He finally relaxes into me, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead before standing. "Come on, let's get coffee and warm up. You're freezing."

I laugh, feeling the tension finally ebbing away. "It is freezing... middle of October and my apartment feels like the Arctic."

He grins, wrapping his arm around my waist as we head to the kitchen. "C'mon, let's warm up—and then maybe a shower to really fix this morning."

"Hi JJ!" I jump into my best friend's arms as I enter the boys' apartment. Simon said he had to stream, which means I get some alone time with JJ—a rare treat with how busy his life has been.