Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 5

I wake to one of the worst headaches of my life. My skull pounds in rhythm with the faint bass still lingering from last night's party, and I feel like I might topple over if I stand too quickly. Slowly, I sit up, noticing I'm still in my clothes from the night before. Groaning, I push myself out of bed and shuffle to the bathroom.

The mirror reflects my pale, messy face and smeared makeup. I wipe at it, trying to remove the traces of last night. Memories flood back — the dare, the kiss with Simon... and then his own, willing, kiss. I groan and press my hands to my face, stomach twisting. How am I going to handle this today? Does anyone else know? Does Simon even remember? I guess I'll find out.

I open my door cautiously and nearly scream. Simon is standing there, hair tousled, eyes soft and concerned.

"Oh... uh... hi," I say weakly, hoping he doesn't remember anything embarrassing.

His expression brightens instantly. "JJ and I just made breakfast. Want some?" He looks rough from the night before, but thank god — he probably doesn't remember either.

I nod and follow him to the kitchen. The warm smell of toast, frying eggs, and coffee greets me. Jide, Vikk, and Josh are already there. Jide turns at the sight of me and pulls me into a tight hug, making me groan at the squeeze.

"Here, take these," Vikk slides a packet of paracetamol across the kitchen island. I smile at him, grateful.

Tobi strolls in, groaning, clearly hungover. He busies himself making tea while the rest of us sit silently, too hungover to talk much. The sunlight streams in through the huge kitchen windows, highlighting the shiny marble countertops and the organized chaos of last night's party remnants — empty cans, scattered napkins, and a lone red solo cup.

"So, Millie, why don't we make you a YouTube channel?" Vikk breaks the quiet, tilting his head curiously.

Before I can answer, Jide chimes in with a mischievous grin. "Oh, she already has one. She doesn't show her face."

I groan inwardly. Of course. Jide always knows exactly how to embarrass me.

"Wait, really? What do you do on it?" Simon asks, genuine curiosity lighting up his features.

"I... play games," I mumble, heat rising in my cheeks.

"She plays GTA, Dead by Daylight, and Black Ops Zombies. Not too different from us," Jide adds, clearly enjoying my discomfort. I glare at him but can't hide my smile.

Simon perks up. "We should totally do a video together! You could teach us zombies."

I laugh nervously. "Yeah, sure. But I'm still not showing my face. Nice try, Jide."

He rolls his eyes and pouts, like a little kid caught in mischief, making the rest of the boys laugh quietly.

"Why won't you show your face?" Tobi asks gently.

"I guess... it's just privacy," I shrug. "I enjoy making videos and playing games, but I don't see why anyone needs to see me."

Tobi nods in understanding. "Fair enough. So, you teach us zombies, video happens, no face. Deal?"

"Yes," I reply with a laugh. Vikk beams at me, excitement written all over his face.

⸻

Later, Jide announces he has to go into central London for a couple of days. "Will you be okay here, Millie?" His arm wraps around my shoulders, squeezing gently.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," I reassure him.

"I'll look after her," Simon says quietly to Jide.

Jide nods and leaves.

Once the others head off to their rooms, it's just Simon, Josh, Vikk, and me. I set up the game on Jide's console in his room. Soon, the boys join the discord. The game chat erupts.

"Heya guys! Welcome to another Zombies video! I'm joined by Simon, Vikk, and Josh from the Sidemen!" I say cheerfully.

"Woo!" the boys cheer. "She's teaching us, so it's her show now!"

The game begins, and the boys immediately start bickering and joking. They stand around, unsure of what to do.

"Guys?" I call out. "Focus!"

Simon grins. "Go on then. Tell us what to do."

I lead them through the game — Simon opens doors, Vikk covers me from zombies, Josh follows my instructions like a soldier. Somehow, we make it further in the Easter egg than expected, laughter erupting every time someone messes up. Eventually, the inevitable happens: all three of them are down, leaving me alone to fend off the horde.

"I think this is it!" Josh yells.

"Cook a grenade, I dare you!" Vikk laughs. I press the button and, predictably, my character explodes. 'Game Over' flashes across the screen.

We all burst out laughing, declaring the session over.

⸻

I move to my bed to start editing the footage. The sunlight streams softly through the blinds, painting stripes across my laptop. Ten minutes in, there's a gentle knock at my door.

"Come in!" I call.

Simon steps in, a warm smile on his face. "Thought you might want some company while editing."

"Sure," I say, moving over to give him room. He sits beside me, the bed dipping slightly under his weight. I feel the familiar flutter of nerves — the kiss from the party still fresh in my mind.

He watches me for a moment, curious but gentle. "I don't get it. Why don't you show your face? You're talented... and you're really pretty. People should see that."

I look away, embarrassed. "I just... don't want to disappoint anyone. Things are fine the way they are."

Simon leans closer, hand brushing lightly along my back. The touch is reassuring, soft. "Millie... your fans would love you even more if they could see you. But only if you want to. I can help you make the video, if that would make it easier."

I glance up at him, and our eyes meet. His warm, steady gaze gives me courage. "Maybe," I murmur.

He smiles softly, a teasing lift at the corner of his lips. "Maybe is a start."

I laugh, a little shy, a little flustered. "You make it sound so easy."

"Doesn't have to be," he replies, shrugging with that playful grin. "We can take it slow. I'll even let you boss me around in the game while we film. I'll follow your lead."

I can't help but grin back. "Deal. But if you mess up, you're blaming yourself."

He laughs, soft and genuine, leaning back against the bedframe. "Fair. I can handle that."

For the first time in days, I feel calm, happy, and oddly excited — not just about the game or the video, but about having someone here who makes me feel seen and safe. Simon's presence is comforting in a way that makes me forget the hangover, the awkward kiss, and even the worries about showing my face.