PAPARAZZI

Sixteenth

They said that there are differences between infatuation and love. When you find someone who attractive in the short time, you are infatuated. That was your realization when you spotted Jay in a random tiktok video on your fyp while scrolling through the app.

You didn't force yourself. It's merely a momentary movement. As you watch his TV commercial interview, you get increasingly curious. And at those instances, you didn't recognize yourself watching his old videos.

You become overly attached while watching and have no idea how many hours you've spent. It was odd as heck, but it entertained you. Until it became a habit. You didn't understand that every day, you'd mention his name.

You even follow his social media account to receive early updates

You initially assumed it was simply infatuation since it was too early to crush or fall in love with someone in such a short period of time when you hadn't even met him.

But when that day comes when you attend the first fan-signing event for him, you understand that it's just not an infatuation. You can't tell the precise emotion because you don't want to confess that it was a type of love, but when Jay asks you what name you want to be put on his magazine, you feel like the world stops, where you and him simply exist.

It was early in the morning when Jay woke you up. You push yourself to gaze at him even if your eyes are still tired. He was wearing a white shirt, a towel around his neck, and a toothbrush in his hand.

He appears to be in the aftermath of a bath. You get little self-conscious about your face since you may not look well, so you cover it with the blanket.

"Are you going somewhere?" you ask, thinking that he may have errands today.

Since yesterday, things haven't gone well as Jay promised you two would go someplace after his photoshoot, which didn't happen because he had a meeting with his management until late at night, which is why you're so tired.

"I'm sorry. I know we had planned to travel someplace, but due to my unforeseen schedule, we can't."

You shook your head, smiling at him.

"It's alright, you're just doing your job no need to apologize."

You're ready to get out of bed when Jay stops you, which makes you confused.

"Stay here for now."

"But I thought we were going to—"

"No, I'll simply wake you up to let you know that I have a fan signing scheduled for today, but you don't have to attend me because I know you're still exhausted from yesterday."

You don't know if you'll be upset or happy, but watching him prepare for a fan signing today makes you want to go as well. Yes, you are not his girlfriend. But in the perspective of others, you are his girlfriend. So, if you both agree that you were only pretending for his career, you need to be there for him to show your support.

"No, I'm going with you." You say.

"It is my responsibility as your fake girlfriend to accompany you wherever you go, and you have also stated that it would be beneficial if others saw me expressed my support for you."

"I'm guessing this will be very helpful for your career."

"So let's do our job." 

You gave his a smile before you left the bedroom to prepare your self.

Jay didn't say anything after what you said. He just allowed you to join him at his fan singing event.

Actually, when Jay paid you a visit in the US, you didn't expect to be able to attend his career path event since you assumed his visit was due to the contract, which he didn't present you till now.

However, he did not indicate that he had already made unexpected arrangements overseas.

As you both enter the room, the first face you see is his manager. His forehead furrowed as he looked at you, but he continued to welcome you.

"I thought you will not come." He say to Jay.

"You're 15 minutes late, and the producers are asking if you'll still show because some of your fans have been waiting for an hour."

"We have previously adjusted the schedule, but you didn't answer my calls, what happened?" Jay's manager's continued statements made you feel little intimidated.

You don't know, but everytime his manager here, you get the impression that he's already boiling because of you. You wonder whether you did something he didn't like, but you know you didn't because you've only seen each other twice.

"Do you want me to cancel?" Jay said to his manager.

"What, are you serious?"

"I'm already here, so stop the ridiculous stuff, you know that these fan-signing activities weren't on my original plan."

Jay's manager looks stressed.

"You know we can't rescind their offer, Jay, they are one of the major sponsors of this fan signing event for you."

"I can sponsor it with my own money," Jay response, as if it were no great thing.

You had no idea what type of help you would provide because you had the impression that every time you arrived on the set, Jay's management did not like it.

Jay glanced at his watch before looking at you.

"Stand on my back as I do the fan sign," he says before looking at his manager.

"I want my girlfriend there, or just give her a seat next to me."

You and his manager exchanged glances, and even though he didn't say anything, you could tell he didn't like the concept. In fact, it was unusual for you as well because you had no idea what type of thinking Jay did to come up with it.

You are not a model like him, so being near him will be strange, and his fans will undoubtedly be upset.

"Jay, you know we can't do that, hundreds of reporters from various news pages are present today."

"I want you to be in the headlines, but not under the guise of being unprofessional, continuing to push that concept will be insulting to your fans." His manager said.

Jay does not appear to be listening, so you interject yourself into the conversation.

"Jay, your manager is right my presence there will be unnecessary."

His brow wrinkled.

"You said you want to show your support for me," he said.

You know he was referring to what you told him earlier about expressing your support, which you would do but not in the way that he prefers. You were a fan of him before having fake relationship with him, and you understand how fans will react if they see their idol with someone.

"Yeah, I know... and I will do it, but not in a way that will make your fans mad."

"If your supporters see me, they will undoubtedly be angry, it is best to be careful, Jay," you add, ensuring that everything is fine.

Jay did not respond, yet he did not avert his stare from you.

"Jay," you repeat when he doesn't respond.

He cut his gaze from you and look at his manager.

"Give her a seat in the VIP row."