Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 6

It's been a few days, and Jide is back. Right now, the rest of the boys are downstairs recording a video. Over the past few days, I haven't stopped thinking about what Simon said. I've been seriously considering doing a face reveal — I just don't know exactly how to go about it.

The boys are currently filming a pumpkin-carving challenge. They asked if I wanted to join, but I politely declined. I watch from the balcony above, laughing quietly as Jide runs around, destroying pumpkins and generally being chaotic.

"Millie!" The door bursts open, and Jide storms in, frantically searching for something. He dives into a cluttered wardrobe filled with the boys' random junk and pulls out a pair of white boxing gloves. He smirks at me before dashing downstairs. Soon, I hear shouting and crashing. I peek over the balcony to see Tobi chasing Jide, who's clutching a tennis racket stuffed down the back of his shorts.

I step down a couple of stairs and perch on one, hidden enough to not be noticed but still able to see all the chaos. Watching them is strangely comforting — it looks like fun, and I wish I could join in.

The video ends, and the boys begin cleaning up the carnage. I descend the remaining stairs and survey the pumpkin massacre. Tobi turns toward me, laughing.

"You need to get JJ under control, Millie. He's ruining everything!"

Jide sidles up next to me and flips Tobi off with a grin. I catch Simon out of the corner of my eye and offer him a small smile. He glances at me but then turns and walks toward the kitchen. That was... weird.

⸻

"I'll be back in a minute," I tell Jide, freeing myself from his grasp, and make my way to the kitchen. Simon is leaning on the island with his back to me, elbows resting on the cool marble.

"Hey, Simon?" I stand next to him, back against the island, nervously shifting my weight. His bright blue eyes meet mine instantly, and my stomach does a little flip.

"Hey... you okay?" he asks, straightening to stand in front of me.

I nod, swallowing hard. "I've been thinking about what we talked about regarding my channel... I think I'm ready to show who I am."

His face lights up, excitement radiating off him. "Seriously?"

"Yeah," I whisper, unsure if I fully believe it myself.

Before I can react, I feel strong arms wrap around my waist, lifting me off the ground. Simon spins me around playfully, laughing into my ear. I clutch his neck, laughing along, feeling the warmth of his body pressed against mine.

"Simon!" I squeak, though my laughter gives me away. "Put me down!"

He finally does, and I turn to face him, cheeks flushed. The kitchen door swings open, and Vik is standing there, eyebrows raised.

"So, a face reveal?" he says with a knowing smirk. Simon steps back, still grinning like a child caught in mischief.

"I can help if you want," Simon says, eyes sparkling. "Everyone else is busy with their own videos, and I've already recorded mine."

I nod, grateful for the support, and we head to Simon's room to film.

⸻

Sitting at his desk, my fingers fidget with the edge of my chair. Anxiety twists in my chest, making it hard to breathe. Simon finishes setting up the camera and looks at me.

"You ready?"

I glance up at him. His gaze is warm, encouraging, and my stomach tightens. "What if they don't like me? What if this ruins my channel?"

Simon exhales softly and slides his hand into mine. I look down, noticing how effortlessly his fingers intertwine with mine.

"Millie, trust me," he says gently, squeezing my hand. "This will make it better. Think about it — now you can make videos with us. You're not alone in this."

I take a deep breath and nod, feeling a little of the tension ease.

"Okay," I whisper.

Simon hits record, moving slightly out of frame, leaving me alone with the camera. I glance down, nerves prickling every fingertip. I fumble with my hands, trying to calm myself, and then I see him — Simon, just out of frame, giving me an encouraging nod. His hand finds mine again, and I grip it tightly for support.

I take a deep breath and look up at the camera.

"Hi guys," I start, voice trembling at first. "So... as you may know, no one has ever seen me, but I thought it was time to do a face reveal." I pause to steady myself. "I never thought I'd do this, but it opens so many more opportunities. As most of you know, I'm currently staying at the Sidemen house, and now I can record videos with them too."

I glance at Simon, who smiles reassuringly, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

"So, this is me — Millie, or Amelia if you prefer — and I hope you all understand why I chose to make this video. I'm so thankful for every single one of you. And with that... I'll end it here before I start crying." I giggle softly, catching Simon's quiet laugh in response.

He stops recording and turns my chair toward him. "See? That wasn't so bad," he teases.

I exhale, still catching my breath. "Says you... I was trying not to have a panic attack the entire time."

We share a quiet laugh, just the two of us, before a knock interrupts the moment. Jide and Harry peek in, eyes wide.

"Why are you in here?" Jide asks.

"I just made my face reveal video," I say with a smile.

Jide grins and pulls me into a hug. "I'm so proud of you," he says softly, knowing how hard it must've been for me.

⸻

Soon, we all head downstairs. Simon occasionally brushes against me — an accidental touch here, a hand grazing mine there and I find myself leaning into him without realizing it. My heart races every time he does, and I can't help but wonder... am I starting to like Simon?

He's Jide's best friend. I shouldn't. But no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to pull away. And the truth is, I don't want to.