When you got home, you found out the date was all anyone could talk about. Your names were all over social media. Your views went up by crazy amounts and so did Matt's. You gained new followers and Matt gained new subscribers.
Matt's words spun around in your head. "Don't go on social media" you heard him say over and over again as you paced the apartment, stopping to look at your phone on the counter.
You took a shower, did your hair, watched TV and made dinner. The unknown was eating you up.
You broke when you heard your phone ding with a text message. You ran to see who it was. It was from Laura but the message was sent to you and an unknown number you considered to be Matt's.
'Good job' and there was a photo attached. You cursed your slow wifi and after a few minutes, the picture came through.
It was a screenshot of a picture of him kissing your cheek.
This was huge.
Your curiosity got the better of you. Matt's words repeated in your head, telling you not to.
You were being talked about on social media. You did everything not to look, but your fingers did it by themselves.
Some of the comments were nice. Someone said you both looked cute together and they were happy for you.
But it just became harsher and mean. Comments about your weight and your personality. You weren't able to look away, as your heart began to break and tears streamed down your face.
You considered deleting the app completely. You clicked out of the app, but the words were still in your mind.
'Y/N is using Matt just like she used her ex'
The words poured salt into an unhealed wound.
You felt like no one else in the world understood. If you were in this position because of another person, they might understand too. The text to Matt was sent before you had time to look it over.
'I looked and I shouldn't have. I'm sorry'
His response came quick.
'Don't be sorry. Are you alright?'
Tears were rubbing down your face and you felt like you were a target on social media. Logically, you knew these people never thought you were should their comments, but it didn't excuse your hurt.
'I don't know how people can be so horrible'
You felt like you were bothering him, even though he said he'd be there for you. He wasn't your best friend, or your close confidant, he was your fake boyfriend. He had real friends, maybe a real girlfriend somewhere. You felt guilt thinking about it.
'People are mean. I'm sorry that you're being targeted because of me'
Before you could respond, your phone dinged. It was from Laura.
'Good job guys'
You were confused. Nothing else had happened other than being seen in public. You opened instagram up again and looked at Matt's story.
'Don't be asses to people you don't know'
~
Two days later, it was another public meet up that Laura arranged. Unfortunately, you became well known overnight.
But the hate calmed down since his statement, which people took as a declaration of the relationship. That wasn't in Laura's plans.
You had to fight your way out of the apartment, shielding your face as much as you could.
Matt was sitting at the table by himself facing the back of the restaurant when you showed up. He had his head down, before you scared him with a hug from behind.
You felt him jump as you wrapped your arms around his shoulders and kissed his cheek. "My hero" you joked, trying to humour the man who jumped out of his skin at your touch.
You were pretty sure you were crossing a line, but you needed to thank him and a hug felt like the best way to do that. Also, playing that you were madly in love didn't hurt.
"Jesus" he breathed, putting his hand on his chest. "You scared me" once he was calm, he put his hand across the table and rested it on your arm. You tried not to think too much as you slipped your arm away.
"A little jumpy today?" You joked
"Hey" He playfully threatened. "I believe you called me your hero?"
"I did" you brought your cup up to your lips and sipped it. "I don't think it's far off" you smiled turning back to the coffee. "Good coffee. Just the way I like it"
"Good. I asked Laura for your order" He told you and you could've melted into a puddle right there and then. "I think 'hero' is a bit much"
"Don't be humble" While you had a teasing tone, your words were serious. "You made them leave me alone, for the most part"
"It was the least I could do"
"You didn't have to" you reached across and took his hand, this time as an honest gesture, not a role play. "I mean it. Thank you"
"You're welcome" His eyes were full of truthfulness. "I know this" he paused and gestured between the both of you. "Is for publicity, but I consider you a friend. You're a good person and you didn't deserve that. I had to do something"
~
The next few weeks were a blur of rehearsals, fittings and public meetings with Matt. And then, it was the night of the first show
You'd never been so nervous in your whole life. You would be the first face seen, tasked to warm up the crowd and prepare them for the triplets. Then, there was a chance, they hated your guts.
You stood behind the curtain, listening to the crowd. You tried to keep your hands from shaking. Your stomach was in knots and your hands were sweating.
Your heart jumped out of your chest when a voice whispered from behind you, "you're going to do great" you turned around to face him, almost hitting Matt with your guitar.
"I'm freaking out" you anxiously told him. "This is the biggest crowd I've played to and they all probably hate me because they think I'm dating you, and I've to do a good job so they start listening to my music and I just.." you trailed off, scratching your neck. "I can't let you down"
Matt's face softened. "Y/N.." he rested his hand on your shoulder and looked into your eyes. "We picked you to open because people love your music and how you perform. Go out there, sing your heart out and put on a good show. I know you can do it"
His words were full of encouragement and honesty, enough for you to relax. "I can do it" you repeated back to him.
~
You took your final bow as the crowd cheered and you looked to the side, for one person in particular. When you found him, you threw yourself into Matt's arms. "I told you it'd be great" he said into your ear as he held you close to his body.
You liked the way it felt to be in his arms.
Pulling away, you saw the massive smile he had on his face. He looked so proud.
"They knew my songs and they were cheering so loud. I can't believe it!"
"I can" he smiled, looking down at his phone for the time. "I have to go get changed" you didn't notice the disappointment take over his face. "Will you watch the show?"
"Pinky promise?" You stuck your small finger up.
"Pinky promise" he locked with your pinky, then he released his hand, rushing away to get ready.
