Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 18

I wake up with the kind of headache that makes me question every life choice I've ever made. The shots from last night come back to me in a haze, and I groan. My surroundings are unfamiliar for a split second, and panic bubbles up—I'm not sure where I am. Then it hits me. Simon's room. Relief washes over me, quickly replaced by curiosity as I glance at him. He's asleep, face calm and peaceful, the morning light catching the curve of his cheek. He looks... impossibly adorable.

I try to sit up, but the room tilts dangerously. The alcohol still clinging to my system makes even the simplest movement a challenge. Just as I manage to swing my legs over the side of the bed, a pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind.

"Where are you going?" Simon's morning voice, husky and half-asleep, sends a shiver down my spine. I turn to see his eyes closed and a frown tugging at his features.

"To shower," I murmur, a small laugh escaping me at his childlike seriousness. He pauses for a moment before letting me go. "You can use mine," he offers, one eye peeking open, a lazy smile on his face. I shake my head silently, stepping past him, closing the door behind me. I hear him groan in protest, a strange mix of annoyance and amusement.

In the kitchen, Jide is standing with his arms crossed, the faintest frown on his face. "Where have you been?" he asks.

I freeze, suddenly acutely aware that he saw me leave Simon's room. My brain scrambles for an explanation that won't sound suspicious. "Uh... we were talking last night and just... fell asleep," I say quickly, hoping it sounds convincing. "Sorry. How are you feeling?" I try to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Jide stares at me for a long moment, judging, measuring whether to believe me or not. "Dead," he admits finally, massaging his temples. "I'm about to go grab some food. Want me to bring you something?" I nod, grateful, and he heads out.

The shower is heaven. Hot water streams down my body for over an hour, washing away the lingering alcohol and the stress of last night. I step out, clad in a pair of black sweatpants and my mint green Sidemen hoodie, hair damp and skin glowing. I flop onto the bed, closing my eyes, knowing I still have videos to record and decisions to make. Moving here with Jide is tempting, but I can't just leave everything behind. It'll take time, thought, and planning.

"Millie!"

The shout makes me jolt upright. I peer over the balcony, squinting through the morning sun, and see Jide grinning, balancing four large bags of KFC. "Get Simon, Josh, and Vikk—they're down here." And just like that, he disappears into the kitchen.

I head to Simon's room, knocking softly. No answer. Just as I turn to leave, the door swings open. Simon stands there in nothing but a towel, the sunlight catching droplets on his skin. My stomach flips, and I mutter, "Uh... Jide has food."

He grins knowingly. "I'll be down in a minute," he says, and I can feel my cheeks heat. I nod awkwardly and head downstairs.

The kitchen is a scene of chaos: three boys stuffed around the island, devouring the breakfast Jide brought. "God, leave some for me!" I exclaim, laughing. They all look up, amused, and I grab a plate, sitting next to Vikk.

"Harry was asking if you were alright," Vikk says, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

"Alright?" I echo, my mind racing. Of course—it all comes back. Dancing with Harry last night to make Simon jealous. Vikk knows why Harry asked. My stomach twists with a mix of guilt and embarrassment.

"You can tell him I'm fine," I say quickly, hoping the conversation ends there.

Before I can process it further, Simon strolls into the kitchen, tall and casual, acting as if nothing happened. "Where's my chips and gravy, then?" he asks, rubbing his hands together, a playful glint in his eye. I can't decide if I like that he's acting normal—or if I want him to acknowledge last night.

"I need to record a few videos today," I say to myself, the weight of reality settling in. Once breakfast is finished, the boys retreat upstairs, leaving Jide and me alone. Finally.

"I've got an answer to your question," I hear him say, and I turn. His eyebrows are furrowed, expectant.

"What question?" I ask, tilting my head in confusion.

"Yes," I say, and a slow smile spreads across my face. "I'll move here."

His grin is instantaneous, radiant, and he pulls me into a tight hug. "I'll need to go home for a month or so, sort my stuff," I explain, still enveloped in his arms. But even with that caveat, it feels right. I've made the choice.

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