Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 8

It's been a full day since I uploaded my face reveal video, and the response has been overwhelming. Messages of support keep popping up on my phone, and I've never felt so relieved in my life. Sitting in the living room, I curl up on the couch between Vikk and Simon, who are quietly scrolling through their own phones. Josh and Jide are sprawled on the floor nearby.

"Have you told her yet?" Vikk nudges Jide with his foot, earning a groan as JJ shifts.

"Not yet, thank you, Vikk," Jide mutters sarcastically. I glance at Simon, trying not to smile, his eyes catching mine with a knowing sparkle.

"What's going on?" I ask cautiously. My stomach flips nervously—I hate it when Jide has surprises.

Josh spins around with a grin. "We have a surprise for you, but we need to go get it."

The boys erupt in laughter, and my anxiety spikes. "Go get ready. Make yourself pretty," Jide winks at me.

"Screw you," I laugh, nudging his shoulder as I stand and head upstairs. In my room, I slip into black jeans and my pink Sidemen hoodie, pairing it with sneakers. A light sweep of makeup and a quick brush of hair, and I head downstairs.

The four of them are waiting at the bottom of the stairs, smug grins plastered across their faces. I hug Simon briefly, whispering, "I'm scared."

"Don't be," he chuckles softly, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "C'mon."

We pile into Simon's car, and, of course, I shout, "Shotgun!" claiming the passenger seat. Jide groans like a toddler being told "no" and crosses his arms, pouting, while Josh and Vik scramble for the back seats. Simon laughs from the driver's seat, opening the back doors for them.

"Honestly, you four are ridiculous," I mutter, buckling in.

"Ridiculous is our specialty," JJ calls from the back, grinning.

"Yeah, yeah," Vik rolls his eyes, smirking, while Josh gives me a playful shove, "Stop bossing us around, Millie."

Simon pulls out of the driveway, the car filling with music and laughter. The city lights flash past, and I can't help but take in how alive London feels at night. "So... what's this big surprise?" I ask, trying to keep my voice casual but failing.

"Patience," JJ replies with a smirk.

"You're terrible at keeping secrets, you know that, right?" I groan, watching him wriggle in his seat like he's about to burst with excitement.

"Would you ever make a diss track, Millie?" JJ suddenly asks.

"Yes," I reply immediately. "On you, obviously."

"Wait, what?" JJ pretends to be scandalized, while Vik laughs from the back. "She has a point, mate."

Josh chuckles, leaning forward slightly, "Honestly, you'd smash it."

Simon glances at me, smiling softly. "You really would?"

"Absolutely," I grin, earning a laugh from him. His eyes catch mine, and for a moment, I feel that familiar flutter in my stomach.

The car winds through the streets, and the anticipation builds. Josh and Vik chatter in the back about random stuff, laughing, while JJ occasionally leans forward to tease Simon about his driving. My nerves spike, but I try to focus on the excitement bubbling inside me.

Finally, we pull up to what looks like a luxury car showroom. My stomach flips. "No," I whisper, almost unable to believe what's happening.

JJ leans over from the back, squeezing my shoulder. "It's real. Go see it."

The four of us follow a salesman through a polished corridor, and suddenly, I'm standing in front of a bright red Audi TTS, gleaming under the showroom lights. My jaw drops. It's exactly the car I'd always dreamed of, the one JJ and I used to fantasize about buying together.

"You didn't..." I whisper, tears prickling my eyes.

"I did," JJ says softly, pulling me into a hug. "You're my best friend. You deserve this."

I hug him back, my throat tight. "Thank you," I choke out, and a sob escapes despite myself.

Simon leans against the car, watching me, a small, proud smile on his face. "You're going to love it."

"Want to try it?" JJ hands me the keys. One key ring has a picture of me and my mum. My hands shake as I take them. "This is insane..."

JJ slides in beside me, grinning like a proud partner-in-crime.

"You ready for this?" he asks, buckling in.

"As I'll ever be," I reply, gripping the wheel. The engine roars to life, and I can feel the car vibrating beneath me.

We pull out of the showroom, the city lights reflecting off the car's bright red paint. JJ leans back in his seat, watching me with a mix of pride and excitement.

"Honestly, Millie... this is insane," he says softly. "You look so happy."

I laugh nervously. "I can't believe this is real. I've dreamed about this car for years..."

"You deserve it," he replies, his tone gentle. Then, after a beat, he glances at me, eyes serious. "Millie... about Simon..."

My stomach flips. "What about him?" I ask cautiously.

JJ sighs, turning slightly to face me. "I see the way you two look at each other. He likes you, and you like him. I just... I don't want you getting hurt."

I frown, gripping the wheel a little tighter. "JJ... I'm fine. Simon doesn't like me like that, okay? We're just friends."

JJ studies me, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then he lets out a soft chuckle. "You always do this," he says, shaking his head. "Fine. Just... promise me you'll be honest with yourself, yeah?"

"I promise," I whisper, glancing over at him. His small, knowing smile eases some of the tension.

I start driving toward the motorway, the smooth road inviting me to push the car a little. "Want to see what this baby can do?" I ask, glancing at him.

"You're kidding... let's go!" JJ cheers, gripping the dashboard like a co-pilot on a rollercoaster.

I push the accelerator, feeling the car respond instantly. The wind brushes through the open windows as I shift gears, and for a few glorious minutes, it's just me, JJ, and the thrill of the ride.

"Faster! Faster!" he shouts, laughing, and I can't help but laugh too. "I don't want to ruin it!"

"You won't!" he reassures me. "Just enjoy it. This is your moment."

I glance over at him, his eyes sparkling with excitement, and I feel —warm, safe, like nothing could go wrong.

Eventually, we slow down and head back toward the house. "Honestly... I'm speechless," I say, my voice quiet. "Thank you, JJ."

"Don't thank me," he says, reaching over to squeeze my hand briefly. "Seeing you happy is enough."

I take a deep breath, smiling faintly. "So... about Simon?"

Jide sighs, glancing at me with mock seriousness. "Look, I'm not going to stop you from talking to him, but... Amelia, be careful. I just don't want you getting hurt."

"I know," I say softly. "But I'm fine."

He studies me for a moment, then finally relaxes, a small, satisfied smile on his face. "Alright... let's get you home. Your car deserves a proper driveway entrance."

I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. The car glides smoothly up the long driveway, headlights illuminating the estate. I glance at JJ, thankful for his support, and realise—maybe this is just the start of something incredible.