✭ ᴛʀᴏᴜʙʟᴇ ✭

It's Me

I stirred awake to the sound of my phone buzzing non-stop on the nightstand. My head was pounding slightly, and the light from the screen stung my eyes. I grabbed it and squinted as I unlocked it.

Paparazzi photos.

There were tons of me and Bill. Him carrying me, helping me into the car, shielding me from the flashes. We looked like a damn couple.

I sighed and sat up, rubbing my face.

Just then, there was a soft knock before the door creaked open.

"Y/N?" Bill peeked his head in, hair slightly messy and his voice raspy from sleep. "Are you okay?"

I looked up at him, phone still in hand. "Yeah, I'm fine... Have you seen the photos yet?"

He walked in slowly, rubbing his eyes. "Unfortunately, yeah. They're everywhere."

I dropped my phone onto the bed with a sigh. "This is definitely gonna stir up some weird attention."

Bill gave a small smile, trying to reassure me. "Don't stress. We'll clear it up if it gets outta hand. Promise."

I nodded slowly, still feeling groggy. "Do you... maybe have an extra toothbrush?"

He chuckled softly. "Of course. I'll grab one for you."

He disappeared down the hall and came back a minute later, holding a fresh toothbrush in the package.

"Here," he said, handing it to me gently. "There's mouthwash and stuff in the bathroom too if you need it."

"Thanks, Bill," I said, offering a small smile.

He gave a small nod before backing up toward the door. "I'll be downstairs if you need anything, alright?"

And with that, he left the room, closing the door behind him softly.

After brushing my teeth and freshening up, I suddenly remembered—I left my purse in the car.

"Ugh, seriously?" I muttered to myself, slipping Bill's oversized shirt down over my thighs as I headed downstairs.

The sound of heavy rain pounding against the windows hit me as I reached the front door.

I hesitated for a moment, staring outside. The sky was gray and angry, and the downpour looked relentless but I needed my bag.

Screw it.

I pulled open the door and took off barefoot down the driveway, the cold rain instantly soaking my hair and skin. I ran as fast as I could to where my car was parked just a few feet from the curb.

"Shit, shit, shit," I muttered under my breath, Fumbling at the handle, I pulled.

Locked.

"No, are you kidding me?!" I groaned, yanking the handle again just in case. Still locked.

Soaked and frustrated, I turned and dashed back toward the house, water running down my legs, my shirt clinging to my body with every step.

I burst back inside, dripping onto the hardwood floors, gasping for air and wiping the wet strands of hair off my face.

Shivering, I walked into the kitchen, leaving a trail of wet footprints on the floor. I started opening drawers and checking the counter, wiping water off my face with the back of my hand.

My keys had to be somewhere, I was sure I had them last night.

I sighed in frustration and stood still for a moment, letting my eyes scan the room.

That's when I noticed the top of the fridge.

I got on my toes and reached up, and sure enough, there they were my keys, glinting under the light. "Finally," I muttered, grabbing them and shaking the excess water from my hands.

But as I turned around, I froze.

Tom was leaning against the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, holding a glass of milk in one hand. His eyes were on me actually, they were glued to me.

I blinked. "How long have you been standing there?"

He took a slow sip, smirking slightly. "Long enough."

His eyes traced the water dripping down my thighs before flicking back up to my face. "You always go for morning swims in the rain, or is this a special occasion?"

Tom slowly walked toward me, still holding the half-empty glass of milk. His eyes scanned my face, taking in every inch like he was searching for something like he was trying to figure out who I was.

He tilted his head a little, squinting. "You look... familiar," he said slowly, brows knitting together. "Do I know you from somewhere?"

I raised an eyebrow, annoyed but also slightly entertained. "Seriously?"

He blinked, clearly struggling. "I swear I've seen you before..."

I crossed my arms, the wet fabric of my shirt sticking coldly to my skin. "Y/N. You and your brother used to annoy me until I moved away."

His face shifted in a second, realization hitting like lightning. His eyes widened and he took a step back, laughing under his breath. "No way... no fucking way. Y/N? That's you?"

"Yep." I popped the 'p' and wiped my wet face again. "So, do I still look familiar now?"

Before he could answer, footsteps echoed down the stairs.

"Y/N?" Bill's voice rang out before he appeared in the kitchen doorway. He froze when he saw me dripping wet, hair plastered to my skin, and Tom standing just a little too close.

"You okay? Did you... go outside?" he asked, walking over, concern all over his face.

I sighed and held up my keys. "Yeah. My purse was in the car, but it was locked. So now I'm wet and irritated."

Bill chuckled softly and rubbed the back of his neck. "I could've told you it was locked, dummy. Come on, let's get you a towel or you're gonna get sick."

He gently placed a hand on my lower back, steering me toward the hallway.

Tom stayed standing in the kitchen, his gaze still trailing after me with that look—like he was seeing a ghost come back hotter than ever.

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