the flashing lights of paparazzi were blinding as you stepped out onto the red carpet, the low hum of paparazzi voices quickly escalated into questions and shouted names. you had barely even made it a couple of steps when someone called out

“are you and drew starkey still together?”

the question hit you like a punch to the stomach, and your steps faltered. you were confused, you glanced toward the source of the commotion, trying to look for the individual to ask, but your eyes caught on something else that made your heart drop.

there he was. he actually showed.

drew was walking hand in hand with someone else.

your breathing got heavier as the paparazzi pressed in closer, cameras clicking and microphones thrust forward.

“do you miss him?”

one of them asked, their loud, and frankly obnoxious tone cut through the noise around you.

you could feel yourself getting upset, and you blinked a few times to fight the flow of tears threatening to fall from your eyes. drew’s gaze brushed past you for the briefest moment, but he didn’t stop. he didn’t say anything. he smiled, and just walked by, his arm linked with hers as they navigated the crowd.

the lump in your throat grew as you forced yourself to look away. your chest tightened.

“miss? do you have any comments?”