We Found Love

eight

I wake up and stare at the ceiling, not wanting to get out of bed. After brunch, August and I spent the rest of the day furnishing and cleaning our apartment. Much to my dislike, most of the furniture came in pieces so we had to build it.

"It's just a bed frame," I said, reading the instruction manual. "So why are there like 30 pieces to build something that should take probably 7?" I ask, frustrated.

August had laid out all the materials needed to build the bed frame and was sitting down on the floor in deep thought. "Hand me the manual, please?" He extended his arm out and I handed it to him, watching him look back and forth from the materials to the manual.

"Okay, it's not that hard, actually," August stands up and gets right to work, much to my surprise. "Um, do you need any help?" I offer. He nods and so we went to work, August carefully constructing the furniture together and me helping in any way I can.

I sigh and turn my head to the right, finding the space next to me empty. "Ah, right," I mutter. "Today he's out promoting his song."

I sit up and unlock my phone. Soon right after, my phone starts ringing and I drop my phone on the bed, startled.

"Hello?" I ask, picking the call up.

"Hi! Emery, right?" It was Gail.

My eyes widen and I unconsciously sit up straight. "Hi, Gail! Yes, it's Emery," I reply. "May I ask why you're calling me?"

"We all know that today Crowned Nation is out to promote one of their songs, and I would like you to go to the music show and support him."

I chuckle awkwardly. "Is there a specific reason why? I mean, we aren't filming today so I don't see a reason to-"

"You guys not filming today is the whole reason why you should go and support August! If fans and other celebrities see the two of you together, there'll be tons of speculation and will bring publicity to the show. Remember? We're trying to portray this relationship as authentic as possible."

Gail continues talking but I end up tuning her out, my thoughts overpowering. Me going to support August? Like we're actually together? I thought I was going to have the whole day to myself since he's not home.

"Emery? Emery?"

Gail calls out my name and I snap back into reality. "Huh, yes?" I reply.

"So, you're going to do it, right? They perform at around 1 pm and I'll call the studio and give them a heads-up that you're going to watch." Gail says. I nod even though she can't see me.

"Well-" I begin.

"Great! Maybe bring something like a stuffed animal as a gift, anything to really get the fans gossiping!" Gail says goodbye and hangs up.

I blink and stare off into space, processing what just happened. Me, unwillingly agreeing to Gail's publicity stunt for the show. Me, going to surprise August and meet his bandmates. Me, giving up my free day for August.

I groan and lay back down on my bed, covering my face. "Do it for the show," I mutter, my voice muffled. "Just do it for the show."

♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎

"This should be the place,"

I am standing near the front of a building's back entrance, watching as music groups head inside. Paparazzi are quickly taking pictures and fans are being held back by guards as they try to get their favorite artist's attention.

Before arriving, I stopped by a bakery and bought cupcakes for August and his bandmates. "I hope they like sweets," I say to myself, holding the box tighter and begin walking to the entrance. Gradually, the attention shifts over to me and I quicken my pace, hoping to not get trampled.