Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 12

The room feels unusually still after his words settle between us.

"I actually wanted to ask if you would maybe want to move here? Live with us?"

JJ says it so simply, like he's offering me a cup of tea — but the question hits my chest like something heavier, something I've secretly wanted without realising.

My mouth opens before my brain catches up.

"I... Jide..." I swallow, suddenly aware of how small my hand feels in his. "I don't know what to say."

His face falls a little, like he thinks he's pushed me too far, too fast. I shake my head quickly.

"No— I don't mean no. I just..." I bite down on my lip, overwhelmed. "I don't want you to think I'm— I dunno. A burden. Or that you're only offering because you feel bad for me or because today was... hard."

The words spill out too honestly, and suddenly my throat burns. I hate that vulnerable feeling — exposed, like someone's reading my diary.

JJ doesn't hesitate. He squeezes my hand, firm and grounding.

"Millie. You're not a burden," he says immediately, almost offended I'd even think it. "You're my best friend. Before YouTube, before London, before all this... it was you. If I didn't want you here, I wouldn't ask."

My eyes prickle. I look away before tears can betray me.

He nudges my knee with his.

"And the boys don't feel sorry for you," he adds softly. "They actually like having you around. Kind of weird, honestly."

I huff out a laugh despite everything, brushing a tear away with my sleeve.

"I just don't want to mess up your life."

"You're not messing anything up," he says again. "I'm serious. Just think about it, yeah? Doesn't have to be right now."

I nod, trying to breathe through the pressure in my chest.

"Okay," I whisper. "Maybe... maybe I'll think about it."

A smile spreads across his face — soft, relieved, proud.

"That's all I wanted."

He lets go of my hand only to pull me into a hug, properly this time, wrapping me up like he's trying to protect every part of me. My forehead presses into his shoulder, and for the first time all day, the ache in my chest softens.

When he finally stands, he pauses by the door.

"Get some sleep, Millie. Tomorrow's a reset."

I nod, watching him leave.

Except the hallway isn't empty.

Simon is leaning against the wall, hoodie sleeves pushed up, hair messy from sleep, his expression unreadable — but his eyes flick between me and JJ with a brightness I can't quite place.

"You okay?" he asks quietly.

I nod, suddenly shy. "Yeah. Just talking."

He doesn't push. He just gives me a warm, sleepy smile — the kind that makes something flutter deep in my stomach — before walking away to his room.

The moment he disappears, I close my door and lean against it, trying to breathe.

Because suddenly... the idea of staying doesn't feel scary at all.