Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 7

The house is quieter than usual today. Most of the boys are out running errands or recording, leaving just Simon and me in the living room. The glow of the afternoon sun filters through the floor-to-ceiling windows, catching dust motes floating lazily in the air. It's calm, almost peaceful — the perfect contrast to the chaos of the past few days.

I'm perched on the couch, laptop balanced on my knees, editing my face reveal video again. Simon is on the armchair opposite me, sprawled out with his headphones on, fiddling with some music on his phone. I glance up every few minutes, catching him staring at me more often than he probably realizes.

"Hey," he calls suddenly, pulling off his headphones. "Why don't you take a break? You've been sitting there for hours."

I shake my head, fingers hovering over the keyboard. "I need to make sure it's perfect. I don't want to mess this up, Simon. What if people hate it?"

Simon leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and fixes me with a steady gaze. "Millie... they won't. They're gonna love you, just like I do."

I nearly choke on my breath. Did he just...? I glance away, cheeks heating. "Stop it," I mutter, though my lips twitch in spite of myself.

"I'm serious," he continues, leaning a little closer. "Honestly... you're... easy to like."

I can feel the tension between us shift. It's playful, but there's something electric underneath, something I've been trying not to admit. My stomach tightens, and I find myself imagining what it would be like if Simon's words were more than just a compliment.

"Easy to like, huh?" I tease, trying to mask the fluttering in my chest.

He grins, that mischievous smile that makes my heart skip a beat. "Yeah, and maybe a little hard to resist too."

I nearly choke on my tea. He's joking... right? I glare at him, but there's a hint of warmth in my expression. "You're impossible."

"Maybe," he says, standing and walking toward me. He crouches slightly, hands resting on the edge of the couch beside me. "But you like it."

My chest hammers, and I catch my bottom lip between my teeth. "Maybe..." I whisper, feeling my resolve slipping.

Just then, JJ's voice booms from the doorway. "Hey! I'm back!"

Simon jumps back, straightening instantly, and I hide a small groan behind my hand. Jide spots me on the couch and strides over, wrapping me in a bear hug. "How's my girl doing?" he asks, planting a kiss on my forehead.

I smile faintly, enjoying the comfort. Simon watches, his jaw tightening just slightly, and I can't help but notice the subtle shift in his demeanor. He's not angry, just... protective? A little possessive, maybe. My stomach does another flip.

"I'm good," I say, shrugging out of Jide's hug. "Editing videos, same as always."

Jide ruffles my hair, then notices Simon standing awkwardly nearby. "Oh, hey, mate. You okay?"

Simon smiles, but it's a little forced. "Yeah... yeah, all good."

As Jide heads off to the kitchen, Simon sits back down across from me, closer than before. He elbows me gently. "Don't let him distract you," he murmurs, a teasing glint in his eye. "This is our time."

I bite my lip, heart hammering. Our hands brush, and I feel the familiar warmth shoot through me. "Our time, huh?" I murmur back, teasing too.

"Mm-hm," he replies, leaning in slightly, just close enough for me to notice his scent. "Don't look so surprised... I've been waiting for it."

I flush, not sure how to respond. But the way he's looking at me — not like a friend, not like Jide's best friend — makes my heart race. I glance toward the kitchen, but Jide is busy with something else, giving us a few precious moments alone.

Simon leans back, eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, if you keep looking at me like that, we might just have to start a new YouTube series... 'Simon and Millie: Too Close for Comfort.'"

I laugh, though my cheeks burn. "Yeah? And what would the premise be?"

"Testing how long we can sit near each other before someone catches feelings," he says smoothly, leaning just a little closer again.

I glance down at my hands, fidgeting. "That might be dangerous," I whisper, knowing full well I'm already falling into the trap.

Simon's grin widens, and he leans back with a triumphant nod. "Good. Dangerous is fun."

And just like that, I realize... I can't stay away from him, no matter how hard I try.