Drew Starkey Imagines

More Than Pretend

The moment you got the call that you'd been cast as the lead in a new romance film, you were over the moon. The excitement only doubled when you found out your co-star was none other than Drew Starkey. You had met him in passing before, but now, the two of you would be spending months together bringing this love story to life.

From the first table read, there was a spark—an easy camaraderie that made every scene flow effortlessly. On-screen, the chemistry was undeniable. Off-screen, the friendship between you and Drew deepened. Late-night rehearsals turned into impromptu dinner dates, press conferences became inside-joke-filled adventures, and soon, the media caught wind of how often you two were seen together outside of work.

It wasn't long before your managers sat you both down with an idea they deemed "a marketing goldmine."

"You two should pretend to be dating in real life," they had said, their expressions filled with dollar signs. "The fans are eating up your chemistry. If they believe you're together off-screen, it'll only boost the movie's hype."

You and Drew exchanged hesitant glances. The idea felt... strange. It wasn't that you weren't close—if anything, the thought of spending even more time together wasn't unappealing. But faking something so personal?

Eventually, after much discussion, you both agreed. The plan was simple: hold hands in public, share lingering looks, post a few cute pictures together—just enough to sell the romance.

But somewhere along the way, the lines started to blur.

⸻

A week before the premiere, you and Drew sat side by side in an interview, answering questions about the film. The chemistry was natural, effortless. The playful banter came easily.

"So," the interviewer began, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "There have been rumors that you two are more than just co-stars."

Drew glanced at you, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh?"

You smirked. "What kind of rumors?"

The interviewer chuckled. "That you're a real-life couple."

For a brief second, you hesitated. But then, as if on cue, you and Drew both nodded.

"Yes," you answered simply.

The words hung in the air, weightier than expected.

Drew's hand brushed against yours on the couch, fingers barely grazing your skin. You told yourself it was all part of the act.

But why did it feel so real?

⸻

The night of the premiere was electric. Fans lined the streets, cameras flashed endlessly, and the energy was palpable. You and Drew walked the red carpet together, dressed to perfection, playing your roles flawlessly.

Then came the moment you didn't anticipate.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" The paparazzi chanted, their excitement infectious.

You turned your head slightly, eyes catching your manager's as they gave a small nod. The final push.

You and Drew looked at each other, a silent conversation passing between you.

And then, he leaned in.

Your lips met in a kiss meant for the cameras. It was supposed to be just another part of the act. But the second your lips touched, everything shifted.

It wasn't like the rehearsed kisses in the film.

This kiss was different. It was real.

The moment you pulled away, your breath hitched. Drew's blue eyes searched yours, something unspoken hanging between you.

You barely had time to process it before the crowd erupted into cheers, but the truth settled deep in your chest—this wasn't just for show anymore.

⸻

Hours later, after the premiere, you and Drew found yourselves in his hotel room, both too wired to sleep. You ordered pizza and ice cream, laughing over how absurd the night had been.

As you sat cross-legged on the bed, picking at a slice of pizza, Drew finally broke the comfortable silence.

"So..." He trailed off, his voice softer than usual. "About that kiss."

Your heart skipped. "What about it?"

He swallowed, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "It felt different." His eyes flickered up to meet yours. "In a good way."

A slow exhale left your lips. "Yeah... it did."

Drew nodded, as if he'd been holding onto something for a while, his fingers toying with the edge of his shirt. "I don't think I ever really saw this as fake," he admitted. "At first, sure, I went along with it because it was part of the job. But spending all this time with you? It never felt like an act to me."

Your stomach flipped.

"I think about you when I wake up," he continued. "And before I go to sleep. When we hang out, I don't want it to end. And tonight, when I kissed you... it just confirmed what I've been trying to ignore."

Your breath caught in your throat.

"I like you," he said, almost shyly. "More than I should. More than what this whole 'fake dating' thing was supposed to be."

You sat there, stunned. Not because his words shocked you, but because you had felt the same way.

Your silence made Drew shift uncomfortably. "I—if you don't feel the same, I get it. I just—"

"I do," you interrupted, voice barely above a whisper.

His lips parted slightly. "You do?"

You nodded, placing your pizza down and turning toward him fully. "I've been trying to convince myself that this was all just for the cameras. But the truth is, I look forward to every moment with you. You're the first person I want to talk to when something good happens. And tonight, that kiss..." You let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, it flipped something in my mind, too."

Relief washed over his features, followed by something warmer—something undeniably real.

"So," he started, voice hopeful, "can we do this for real? Not for the cameras. Not for PR. Just... us?"

You smiled, heart pounding in the best way. "Yeah," you whispered. "I'd like that."

His grin was instant, boyish and beautiful. And then, before you could overthink it, he leaned in and kissed you again—this time, with no cameras, no pressure, no pretending.

Just you and Drew.

And this time, it was real.