Countdown Romance

Chapter 12: The Paparazzi, a Strawberry, and Chocolate

My head pounded as I sat up in my bed. Memories of yesterday flooded back through my mind. My stomach flipped as I quickly made it to the bathroom before tossing my food.

I wiped my forehead and got a drink of water. Looking in the mirror, I knew I couldn't go to school. My face paled and black circles were prominent around my eyes. My lips resembled a pale pink and were as cracked as sidewalk.

I walked over to the stairs. "Mom! I'm going to stay home. I'm sick," I called over the stairwell. I heard a muffled "okay" and turn back to my bedroom.

Crashing onto the bed, a text rings my phone.

Freddie: Hey what's up with you and Faith? She came in super upset yesterday.

Me: ...Idk, sorry. ):

Freddie: K.

I sighed. I really didnt want to deal with explaining my entire life to Freddie right now.

My headache starts to hurt some more, and I slowly drift into unconsciousness.

~~~

I roll over in my bed and throw the covers off my self. I look over seeing the window open. I tilt my head and jump to close it.

"Finally you're up, Beautiful. I was worried you might have been dead."

I jumped around to see Brooks leaning against my doorframe.

"What the heck, dude!?" I yelled.

Brooks raised an eyebrow. "Dude?"

I cross my arms and blushed. "What? I call everyone dude."

Brooks moved over to sit in my beanbag. He stuck his bottom lip out at me. "I don't want to just anyone and everyone to you."

I rolled my eyes and tried to hide my very noticeable blush. "How did you get in here anyway?"

"I came in through the window. However, your front door is unlocked fyi. Why are you not at school right now?"

I sat back down on my bed. "I'm sick and, you probably shouldn't be here. I don't want you to get sick."

Brooks moved over to me and sat beside me. He placed his hand on my cheek. He leaned into my ear.

"Who said I cared if you're sick?" He whispered heavily.

If my blush was noticeable earlier, it was screaming now.

Brooks placed a small kiss on my cheek, and my breath caught. I stiffened.

"You seem better from yesterday." I tried to talk normally, but it came out as a whisper.

"Yeah," he seemed unsure,"I was kinda shaken up." He leaned back to his own space, and I could feel my heart going back to normal speed.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Brooks ran his hand through his hair. He seems to do that when he's thinking. "We're both in danger. Alan Han's absolutely insane. If I tell you anymore you'll be in danger..."

I slipped my hand into his. "I think I'm already in danger Brooks. You can tell me."

He let go of my hand pressing his hands to his forehead. "Beautiful," he sighed, "This is an entire different kind of danger. I'm letting you get sucked into this mess. I care too much for that."

I looked down. "Okay."

Brooks grabs my hand giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Frozen yogurt?"

I give a small smile. "Frozen yogurt."

~~~

I filled my yogurt cup with strawberry flavored frozen yogurt. I walk over to the toppings bar scooping some cheesecake bites and chocolate chips on top. Drizzling some caramel sauce to finish off the cup, I walked over to where Brooks sat.

Brooks tilted his head. "You like strawberry frozen yogurt?"

"I like anything strawberry flavored. What did you get?"

He tilts his cup towards me. It had chocolate frozen yogurt with crushed oreo pieces and chocolate syrup.

I laughed. "I assume you like chocolate? It suits you."

I think I noticed the tips of Brooks ears redden, and I did remind myself we are soulmates.

The thought sounded so weird. There were times where it felt like Brooks and I were serious about our relationship, but, other times, it felt just like a game to me. However, we had only met five days ago, so I shouldn't think so hard on our relationship yet.

"How does chocolate suit me, beautiful?" Brooks smooth voice brought me back to reality.

I gave a shy smile. "Well." I chuckled. "The first time we met, I remember your dark hair standing out. You're liked by just about everyone. And-" I booped his nose. "-you are sweet just like chocolate."

Brooks rolled his eyes. "Don't get cheesy on me here. If I'm chocolate, does that make you strawberry?"

"How so?"

"Strawberries are natural. They don't try to be someone they are not. Even after you knew I was a popstar, you change how you acted around me. The dress you wore the night we met was a bright red. Plus, strawberries are also sweet in their own way."

I nodded my head. "Very poetic."

"Thank you. I put a lot of thought into it."

"You know what this means? We're chocolate and strawberry: the perfect match."

Brooks shook his head. "Okay, this is too sappy even for me, and I'm the one who sings cheesy love songs."

That was when we heard the click.

A bright light flashed, and we realized our picture had been taken. Fear settled in my stomach.

I turned my head to see a photographer outside the window checking a photo on their camera.

I heard Brooks cuss under his breath beside me. "We need to go. Now."

I nodded as we quickly discarded our yogurt and walked out the door. I could barely keep up with Brooks' pace, but I managed at a slow run. While Brooks spewed profanities quietly, I controlled my breathing. If I didn't, I would get side stitch. Running was not my strength.

We get to Brooks' car and hop in.

"Where are we going?" I ask meekly.

Brooks groaned. I stayed silent barely hearing his words. "To see Alan Han."

Dread filled my stomach even more...

AN: Some action is finally starting to happen! What do you think Brooks and Alan's secret is? What do you think about Brooks and Allie's relationship growing?

Super excited to get this chapter up! Also Happy Thanksgiving! Hope y'all had a great holiday.

Comment and vote if you liked the chapter. Thanks! (-: