Island Love

Chapter 31: Just Us

The sun was barely peeking through the curtains when Beyoncé stirred awake. She lay there quietly, her arm draped over YN's waist, feeling the rise and fall of her chest. YN had been quieter lately, a little more distant. Beyoncé knew the pressure of adjusting to her world was overwhelming, but she also sensed there was more going on beneath the surface.
As Beyoncé watched her sleep, her thoughts drifted to the many conversations they'd had about YN's personal struggles—her career uncertainties, family dynamics, and the constant stress of trying to fit into a lifestyle that was entirely foreign to her. It wasn't easy, and Beyoncé hated seeing YN carrying that weight alone.
That's when Beyoncé made a decision. She reached for her phone on the nightstand and quietly texted her assistant, clearing her schedule for the day. No meetings, no interviews, no rehearsals. Today was about YN.
By the time YN woke up, Beyoncé was already in the kitchen, brewing coffee and making breakfast. The smell of fresh waffles and bacon filled the air as YN groggily shuffled in, still wrapped in the comfort of their shared blanket.
"You're up early," YN mumbled, leaning against the counter as she rubbed her eyes.
Beyoncé turned and smiled, her expression soft. "Had to make sure my girl had a good breakfast."
YN smiled sleepily. "This is a nice surprise. What's the occasion?"
"No occasion." Beyoncé shrugged, flipping a waffle onto the plate. "I just cleared my schedule for today. Thought we could spend some time together."
YN's brow furrowed as she took a seat at the kitchen island. "You cleared your schedule? But you've been so busy. Are you sure?"
Beyoncé placed the plate in front of YN, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "I'm sure. Right now, you're my priority."
YN's eyes softened, but she still looked uncertain. "Bey, you didn't have to do that. I'm okay. I just need to—"
Beyoncé silenced her with another kiss, this one lingering a little longer. "You don't always have to be okay, YN. It's alright to lean on me when you need to."
YN blinked, surprised by the tenderness in Beyoncé's words. She sat in silence for a moment, watching as Beyoncé finished preparing their breakfast, but something about the gesture warmed her from the inside out. She hadn't realized how much she needed this—Beyoncé, here, prioritizing her.
After breakfast, they spent the morning lounging in the living room. Beyoncé put on a playlist of their favorite songs, and they laughed, reminiscing about their early dates and the time they met on that fateful vacation. For the first time in weeks, YN felt like she could breathe again. No cameras, no events, no pressure. Just them.
But Beyoncé wasn't one to let things go unsaid for long. As they cuddled on the couch, she looked over at YN, her expression thoughtful.
"Talk to me, YN," Beyoncé said softly. "What's been on your mind?"
YN hesitated, her fingers tracing patterns on Beyoncé's arm. "It's just... everything. I love being with you, but sometimes, it feels like I'm trying to live two lives—being the person I was before all this and trying to fit into your world. And on top of that, I've been dealing with stuff back home. My family's been going through some things, and I feel like I'm caught between it all."
Beyoncé nodded, her heart aching for YN. She knew YN had been holding a lot in, trying to be strong, but it wasn't fair for her to carry the weight of everything alone.
"You don't have to be everything to everyone all the time," Beyoncé said gently. "It's okay to feel overwhelmed. I know my life can be a lot, but you don't have to fit into it. We're in this together, YN. We'll find our way."
YN sighed, leaning her head against Beyoncé's shoulder. "I just don't want to mess this up. I love you, Bey. And I love being with you. I just don't know if I'm doing it right."
Beyoncé wrapped her arm around YN, pulling her closer. "There's no 'right' way to do this. We're figuring it out as we go. And as long as we're honest with each other, we'll be okay. I don't want you to feel like you have to hide what you're going through."
YN swallowed hard, her emotions bubbling to the surface. "I guess I'm just scared. Scared that I'm not enough. That I'll never fully belong in your world."
Beyoncé pulled back, cupping YN's face in her hands. "You are more than enough, baby. And you don't have to belong to my world. You're not here because I need you to be some version of yourself that fits in with the fame or the spotlight. You're here because I love you. The real you. And that's all that matters."
Tears welled up in YN's eyes as she looked into Beyoncé's, feeling the weight of her words. "I love you too," YN whispered, her voice cracking. "I don't want to lose you."
"You won't," Beyoncé said firmly, pressing a soft kiss to YN's forehead. "We're in this together, remember?"
YN nodded, her tears falling freely now as Beyoncé held her close. It felt like a release—a weight being lifted from her shoulders that she hadn't realized she'd been carrying for so long.
The rest of the day was spent in quiet reflection. Beyoncé kept YN close, never letting her out of her sight for too long. They talked about everything—YN's family, the adjustments she'd had to make, and even her fears about their future. Beyoncé listened, offering support and reassurance at every turn.
By the time the sun began to set, YN felt lighter, more at peace. She knew there were still challenges ahead, but having Beyoncé by her side, fully present and understanding, made all the difference.
As they lay in bed that night, wrapped in each other's arms, YN whispered, "Thank you, Bey. For today. For everything."
Beyoncé smiled, her lips brushing against YN's cheek. "Anytime, babe. I'll always be here for you. You and me—forever."
YN closed her eyes, letting the warmth of Beyoncé's words settle over her. In that moment, she knew that no matter what came their way, they would face it together.
And that was all the reassurance she needed.