𝓣𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐌𝐎𝐊𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐔𝐒, ˡᵒᵘⁱˢ ᵗᵒᵐˡⁱˢᵒⁿ

𝐗𝐗𝐈. 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄

it was one of those fucking rare, quiet afternoons where my mind felt too crowded for comfort. i needed to clear my head. the band had been working on our new album, and while i loved it, the creative pressure was starting to wear me down.

i decided to take a walk, hoping the fresh air would help me think.

i strolled down the familiar streets of london, hands shoved deep in my pockets, my mind racing. that's when i spotted her. imogen was just ahead of me, bundled up in a cozy scarf and a puffy coat, her long hair cascading down her back. she looked like a walking piece of art herself. just seeing her made my heart skip a beat.

"seriously, what are the odds?" i muttered to myself, chuckling softly. it felt almost scripted, like some cheesy romantic movie where the two leads keep bumping into each other. as i approached, she turned, her eyes lighting up when she saw me.

"louis!" she exclaimed, her voice bright and cheerful. "what a nice surprise!"

"yeah, i know, right? you're 100% stalking me," i shot back, my trademark sarcasm slipping out before i could rein it in.

imogen laughed, the sound making my heart do a little flip. "please, if i were stalking you, i'd have a much better plan than just bumping into you on the street."

"touché," i said, smirking. "but maybe that's your secret strategy. keep it low-key until i'm completely oblivious."

"or maybe i'm just really bad at planning," she replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "i was actually on my way to grab a hot chocolate. want to join me?"

a hot chocolate sounded amazing, and i'd be lying if i said i didn't want to spend more time with her. "why not? lead the way, miss artist."

as we walked, we fell into an easy conversation, the kind that felt natural and effortless. i couldn't help but notice how she seemed to brighten the dreary day around us. she was the embodiment of sunshine, even in the winter gloom.

"so, how's the art scene treating you?" i asked, genuinely curious. "i know you have that showcase coming up."

"oh, it's terrifying but exciting! i've been working my bum off. i'm just hoping people actually like my work," she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of nerves and enthusiasm.

"you've got to stop worrying about that," i said, glancing over at her. "your art is incredible. trust me, if people don't like it, they clearly have no taste."

"wow, coming from you, that means a lot," she said, blushing slightly. "i'm just trying to put my heart into every piece. it's a bit scary, honestly."

"scary, but worth it," i said, trying to sound wise. "and you better believe i'll be there. you've got a fan in me."

"really?" she asked, her eyes widening in delight. "you promise?"

"absolutely. i wouldn't miss it for the world," i replied, trying to sound serious despite the grin creeping onto my face.

we reached the café, and i held the door open for her. "after you, my lady."

she rolled her eyes playfully but stepped inside with a grateful smile. the place was warm and inviting, the scent of coffee and chocolate filling the air. we queued up, and she ordered her hot chocolate with an extra dollop of whipped cream. i couldn't help but chuckle at how excited she looked about it.

"seriously? hot chocolate?" i teased. "aren't you a little old for that?"

"excuse me, hot chocolate is a timeless classic!" she shot back, feigning offense. "besides, i deserve a treat after all the stress of preparing for my showcase."

"okay, fair enough," i conceded, raising my hands in surrender. "but i'm still judging you."

"good luck with that," she replied, her laughter ringing like music in my ears.

we found a cozy spot by the window, and i leaned back in my chair, watching her as she took her first sip of the hot chocolate. the way her face lit up was absolutely adorable. "what's it like being an artist? does it ever get boring?"

imogen put her mug down, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "not really. there's always something to inspire you. whether it's nature, people, or even just life's little moments. i like to think that i see the world differently, and i want to share that with others."

"you're one of those people, aren't you?" i said, smirking. "the ones who see beauty in everything. i'm surprised you don't have a ton of boyfriends following you around trying to impress you with their deep thoughts and 'artistic' souls."

she rolled her eyes again, but i could tell she was amused. "oh, please. i'm not that special. besides, i'm too busy with my art to worry about dating right now. that's a lie actually i'm just cursed."

"is that a challenge?" i asked, raising an eyebrow. "because i could totally throw my hat into that ring."

"oh, i'm sure you have plenty of admirers," she said, her tone teasing. "what with the whole 'famous singer' thing going on."

"i'm just a guy who sings into a microphone," i shrugged, trying to play it cool. "not as impressive as your art."

"you're definitely more impressive than you think," she replied softly, her sincerity catching me off guard.

before i could respond, she leaned in a bit closer, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "so, what's your art? do you do any painting or drawing?"

i laughed, shaking my head. "no way. i'd probably just end up making a mess of everything. my talents lie in other areas."

"like what? sarcasm?" she joked, biting into a pastry she had ordered.

"exactly! my sarcasm could probably win awards," i said, leaning back and crossing my arms.

"you're such a goof," she said, shaking her head with a smile. "but i like it. it's refreshing."

i felt a rush of warmth at her words. "yeah, well, you bring out the goof in me. it's like you're a human sunshine or some shit."

imogen laughed, and i realized how much i loved making her smile. "you know, i think you might be the first person to ever call me sunshine."

"well, it suits you. just don't let it get to your head or anything," i said, trying to sound nonchalant.

as we finished our coffees and got ready to leave, i felt a sense of exhilaration that i hadn't experienced in a long time. "so, i'll see you at the showcase, right?" i asked, trying to keep my tone casual.

"definitely," she said, her smile infectious. "and louis?"

"yeah?"

"thank you again. i needed a blanket."

"anytime," i replied, feeling a warmth spread through me. "i'm always here if you need a hot chocolate buddy."

as we stepped out of the café, i couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. imogen was a breath of fresh air, and i was more than willing to see where this connection might lead.