Backstage

Part 11

The next morning, I woke up slowly, feeling the comforting warmth of Joost's body still pressed against mine. For a moment, I laid there, enjoying the peacefulness, the quiet before the day officially started. I could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest against my back, his arm draped protectively over me. I turned gently to face him, careful not to wake him up.

Joost looked so peaceful in his sleep, his messy blond hair falling over his forehead, his lips slightly parted. I traced a finger lightly over his cheek. It felt surreal, waking up next to him after everything that had happened. The confession, the kisses, the passionate embrace - it all seemed like a dream. But it was real, and he was here, with me.

As I moved, Joost woke up, his eyes slowly opening. When his gaze met mine, a sleepy smile spread across his face.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice deep from sleep.

"Good morning," I replied, "Did you sleep well?"

He nodded, tightening his hold around me. "Better than I have in a long time," he said, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "I still can't believe this is real."

"Me neither," I admitted. "But I'm glad it is."

We laid there for a few more moments, just enjoying each other's presence. But soon, the reality of the day started to intrude. I checked the time and it was time to start getting ready.

"I suppose we should get up," I said, not really wanting to get up.

"Yeah, I guess," Joost agreed, though he made no move to release me. Instead, he leaned in and gave me a soft kiss. "But we have time, right? No rush."

I smiled, nodding. "No rush."

We eventually forced ourselves to get out of bed. Joost stretched, his shirt riding up slightly, and I couldn't help but admire him. He caught me looking and grinned.

"What?" he asked playfully.

"Nothing," I said, blushing. "Just... happy."

"Me too," he said, his grin softening into a smile.

We moved around the room, getting ready for the day. Joost had to go back to his room to change, but for now he just walked around the room not wanting to leave. As I was getting ready, there was a knock on the door. My heart skipped a beat - could it be Olivia?

I opened the door, and sure enough, there was Olivia, looking bright and cheerful.

"Good morning, Julia! And... oh, Joost," she said, her eyes widening slightly in surprise.

"Good morning, Olivia," Joost said, a bit shy.

Olivia glanced between us, a knowing smile forming on her lips. "Did I interrupt something?" she asked, her tone teasing.

"Not at all," I said, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"Well, I just came by to pick up the souvenir I left in your bag," Olivia said. "But it looks like I walked in on something much more interesting."

Joost and I exchanged a glance, both of us smiling. "Haha no, nothing happened" I said

Olivia raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Uh-huh, sure," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, if you say so."

I laughed nervously. Joost chuckled beside me, playing along . "Yep, just a typical morning," he added, his tone casual.

I quickly went and found Olivias souvenir in my bag and rushed to give it back to her.

"Here you go. Meet you at the breakfast" I said while almost forcing her to go away.

"Ok, see you both soon" She walked back to her room still with that silly smile on her face.

I closed the door and went to continue getting ready.

"Well, I think I should get going." Joost said breaking the silence "I need to get ready too. Today is a big day you know, my first rehearsal"

"OMG it's already today?! Joost, you'll do amazing, I know it. I'll support you in every way I can" I said with an encouraging smile.

"Thanks, Julia," he replied, returning the smile. He leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before heading towards the door. "I'll see you at breakfast?"

"Of course"

He walked out the door and I was left alone in my room. I quickly got ready, took my cameras and was ready to go. Today I wore black pants, white tank-top and oversized black blazer. With a final glance in the mirror to made sure everything was in place, I headed out of my room and towards the breakfast area.

As I entered the breakfast area, I spotted Olivia already sitting at a long table together with the rest of the team, sipping on a cup of coffee while scrolling on her phone. She lifted her eyes and they lit up when she saw me, and she waved me over to join her.

"Hey, Julia! Sit here, I saved you a seat" She said with a wide smile

"Hey, Olivia! Thanks for saving me a seat," I said, grateful for her gesture.

Her eyes were sparkling with curiosity. "Of course!" She was smiling at me "Soooo....?" she leaned in eagerly.

"Sooo..What?" I asked even though I knew what she had in mind

"Gosh Julia don't act silly. Why was Joost in you room?" She said way too loud

"Shhh!" Whole team could've heard her "I'll tell you later at the arena"

"I'll be waiting" She said with a smirk

As I was getting pancakes Joost walked in the breakfast area. He scanned the room and walked to me when he spotted me.

"Hi Julia, how was your sleep" he said very officially like we didn't sleep together

"Thank you for the concern Joost, it was good" I said with a smile

"I'm happy to hear that" He said with a smirk

We both took some pancakes and joined the rest of the team at the table. Joost sat in front of me. We ate and went to the bus which took us to the arena once again.

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Sorry for not updating in a while. It just has been a bit hard with the hate on tiktok :,)

Anyways I hope you like it. I'm glad to recieve support from wattpad community. You guys always lift my mood.