Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 35

The villa is buzzing with energy as we settle into the sunshine and poolside vibes. I'm holding a camera, trying to get a grip on the chaos that has somehow become normal when the Sidemen and I are in the same place.

"There you are!" JJ yanks me away, dragging me out into the garden. The sun blinds me for a second, and I squint to see the rest of the boys lounging around, cameras at the ready.

"What's going on?" I ask.

JJ grins, draping an arm around my shoulders. "Hey guys, welcome back to another Sidemen Sunday!"

The boys cheer, trying to squeeze into the frame behind us. Simon stands behind me, his hand firm on my waist, grounding me in the madness.

"This week we are in Ibiza for Millie's birthday..." Josh shoves the camera toward my face. I make a silly 'bleh' noise, and the boys erupt into laughter. "...and we thought if we're staying in this massive villa, we need to play..."

"Hide and Seek!" they all scream in unison. My heart jumps.

I look up at Simon hovering over me. Tall. Menacing. Smiling. Ugh, it's infuriatingly cute.

"Since it's Millie's birthday week..." Simon leans down toward me, smirking.

"You're counting," I groan, taking the camera from Josh and standing opposite the boys.

"Count to one hundred, okay?"

I nod and start. "One."

⸻

"Ninety-nine."

"One hundred." I spin around, checking the garden. Sun loungers, pool floats, but no sign of anyone.

I tiptoe inside to the ground floor, scanning every room.

"Hello..." I call softly. Nothing.

I spot the storage room. One box shakes — giggles escape from inside. I lunge forward, lift the lid, and out pops a squashed Ethan.

"You're terrible at this," I laugh as he struggles to get out.

"Do you know where anyone is?" I ask, eyebrows raised.

"Follow me," Ethan says, grabbing my hand and skipping ahead.

As we near the front door, I hear muffled voices and a laugh. It's loud. Obnoxious. Definitely JJ.

The doorbell rings.

"Who is it?" Ethan calls, voice pitched comically high.

JJ and Tobi launch themselves at him like a pack of wolves. "Your worst nightmare, motherfucker!" JJ roars. Ethan screams, and I can't stop laughing at the chaos.

I head upstairs, determined to find Simon.

The second floor is quiet. I check a couple of bedrooms — no one. JJ's room next. A lump under the bed sheets. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I flop onto it.

"Groan!" Harry's face appears, slightly flushed. "You can't say I wasn't hidden!"

"You're lucky you're nice, Harry," I laugh. "Do you know where anyone is?"

"Vik and Josh," he says, leading me to the third floor.

The master bedroom. Simon and I's room. I glance at the bathroom door.

Inside, Vik and Josh are sitting in the bath, fully clothed, cameras pointed at me.

"Hello there, did we win?" Josh clambers out. Vik follows.

"Nope," I say. "Simon did. We need to find him."

As we descend the stairs, I spot Harry texting. Something tells me he's up to something. I head back up, determined.

⸻

Finally, I hear Simon's voice outside. My heart skips. I run through the villa and open the glass doors.

There he is, standing in front of the pool. In his hands: a huge bouquet of tulips — red, my favorite. A turquoise Tiffany's bag dangles from his wrist.

"Happy Birthday, Millie."

My breath catches. I take the flowers, inhaling their scent. Simon's eyes meet mine. He reaches into the bag, pulling out a long box.

I watch, heart in my throat, as he opens it to reveal a stunning diamond necklace.

"Simon..." I can barely get the words out.

He motions for me to turn around. Carefully, he places the necklace around my neck and clasps it. I turn back, smiling, and pull him into a tight hug.

The boys erupt around us, joining the embrace.

"Let's get absolutely fucked tonight!" Ethan screams.

I laugh, overwhelmed by love, laughter, and the pure, chaotic happiness of this moment.

This is it. This is home. This is us.

And I know, without a doubt, I'm exactly where I'm meant to be — with Simon, with JJ, with the boys, and with all the laughter and chaos that comes with them.

Hello hello I will go through this tomorrow after work and sort out all the mistakes, I'm sorry it's been so long but I now have a full time job and I'm working constantly so it's a little hard

But I hope you've all enjoyed this so please vote and comment my loves❤️