Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 24

"I'll see you in a couple of weeks, okay?" Jide murmurs into my hair as I squeeze his waist a little.

"Stay safe," I whisper, pulling back to smile at him. He waves goodbye to the other boys and is gone—for the next two weeks at least.

Over the past week, Simon and I hadn't spoken much in person. We were keeping things on the down-low, but our phones never stopped buzzing. Texts flew between us 24/7, sometimes even when we were in the same room. We'd learned so much about each other, and honestly... it felt like I was crushing on my primary school crush all over again.

"So, I was thinking..."

I jump and spin around, clutching my chest.

"You scared me," Simon says, laughing softly.

"You said you wanted to see London, so let's go." His face lights up, cheeks tinged red, a cheeky grin plastered across his face.

"For real?" I beam.

"For real. Just us. Make sure to wrap up warm—it's freezing."

We agree to meet downstairs in half an hour. I rush upstairs, eager to get ready. Keeping it simple in case it rains, I do my usual face makeup with natural eyeshadow, add lashes, and swipe on some lip gloss. I pull on black jeans, a grey sweater, a cream coat, and finish with a black hat, tartan scarf, black boots, and a black bag. I feel... good.

Letting my hair fall over my shoulders, I pause, considering whether to cut it or let it grow. For now, I stick with what I've got, grab my phone, and head downstairs.

Millie: I'm ready. Are you?

Simon: I'll be 2 minutes :)

My excitement bubbles over. No Sidemen, no cameras, no Jide—just Simon and me.

I glance up just in time to see him bounding down the stairs, car keys in hand.

"I'll drive. Let's go," he says. The thought of spending proper alone time with him makes my stomach flutter.

Once in the car, a song comes on and we start our journey into London. I sing along softly, enjoying the city passing by outside the window.

"Hey... you like him?" I nod toward Post Malone, a song I've always loved.

"Yeah, all his stuff," Simon smiles at me. I glance at him, and he catches my gaze, grinning. I look away quickly, flustered.

"Traffic might be bad. Let's play a game."

"Sure. What game?"

"Truths. You start."

My stomach twists a little, nerves and excitement mixing.

"Okay... have you ever cheated?"

"Never. You?"

"Once, but I don't really count it," I mumble, thinking about Chris.

He glances at me, sun catching his hair just right, making his blonde locks shine. "See, if I hadn't moved away... do you think we'd have been friends?"

"I think so. Maybe together sooner," I smile.

"Exes?" he asks, eyes back on the road.

"One. He was a bit of a stalker," I reply, thinking of Chris, but decide it's not Simon's business.

We pull into a car park and step out, greeted by the cold January air. Big Ben and the London Eye loom in the distance. Crowds bustle around us.

"Let's do the sights first, my treat," Simon says, taking my hand and lacing our fingers together.

I can't help but smile. He notices, squeezing my hand as he leads me toward the busy street.

We stop in front of Big Ben and cross London Bridge, pausing for photos.

"Want one together?" I ask, surprised but pleased.

"Excuse me, can you take a photo?" Simon asks a kind-looking lady. She agrees, and we pose, his arm around my waist, pulling me close.

Click

Simon thanks her and leads me down a set of stairs, past the London Dungeons to the towering London Eye. I'm awe-struck.

"I'll get tickets. You stay here."

Standing awkwardly, I check my phone—five missed texts from Chris. "Listen, I'm going to be in London this weekend... meet me? Please, Millie... I miss you..." I shove my phone away. Not now.

"Let's go," Simon says behind me, handing me two tickets: London Eye Fast Pass.

I follow him to the front, hearts racing slightly. The pod ascends, and I press my face to the glass, taking in the sprawling city below. Simon's hands rest on my hips, and his head leans on my shoulder.

This. This is how I want everything to be. Just Simon and me.

Hellooo this chapter was a little longer as I wanted to fit more in buuut THANK U SO MUCH FOR ALMOST 1000 READS!! It's absolutely crazy, I just started this as a little bit of fun not really thinking anyone would read it so thank you to everyone who is!