The night had been long, the event glittering with flashing cameras and murmured conversations, but Hugh found himself more exhausted by the expectation than the evening itself. He'd attended countless premieres, smiled through interviews, and charmed his way through conversations that blurred together by the end of the night. But as he stepped out of the venue and into the cool night air, he hadn't expected to meet you.

You hadn't planned on bumping into him-literally. A wrong step, a near stumble, and suddenly you were apologizing to Hugh Grant, who only chuckled, steadying you with a light touch to your arm.

The exchange should have been brief. A quick apology, a selfie if you were brave enough, and then you'd go your separate ways. But Hugh lingered, charmed by your easygoing nature, the way you weren't fawning over him like most fans did. Conversation came easily, a breath of fresh air compared to the scripted interactions he was used to, and then you were in his hotel room.