The mirror photo isn’t meant to be a big deal.

Just you standing in front of Drew, your arms around his neck, his hand casually slipped into the back pocket of your shorts. He’s just gotten out of the shower, towel still low, hair damp, the warm bathroom light giving everything that soft, quiet glow.

It looks private. And it is. Until he posts it.

No tag. No caption. Just the photo.

But the internet catches on fast.

Because you’re not just some girl. You’re you. People recognize your hair, your body, your style. You and Drew have been spotted together before. You’re part of the Outer Banks world. So yeah, your face is turned away, but everyone still knows exactly who you are.

The comments come quick:

“OMD THAT’S {{USER}}” “i’m so jealous, but also happy for you. mostly jealous though.” “my heart is breaking… but it’s lowkey so hot.” “i love {{USER}} sm, she’s so sweet.” “THAT SHOULD BE ME.”

And then there are your friends:

@madelyncline: you canceled plans with ME to hang out with HIM? i’m hurt. @hichasestokes: soft launch? bro that’s a declaration. @carlaciagrant: no idea who that girl could be?? @jonathandavissofficial: i can’t even pretend to be surprised anymore. @madisonbaileybabe: the hand. the towel. be for real guys.

You’re lying on the hotel bed, legs tangled with Drew’s, both of you scrolling through the comments. He looks way too proud of himself for someone who just broke the internet.

“They recognized me in, like, two seconds,” you mutter, holding up your phone.

He glances over, totally unbothered. “Yeah. They should.”

You raise an eyebrow. “You knew that would happen.”

Drew leans back against the headboard. “Maybe. I just wanted the world to know I’m with the girl of my dreams. The love of my life. The left heart valve to my right, the—”

You blink, then shove him away playfully. “Stop being silly.”

He grins and pulls you closer. He kisses the top of your head, his expression softening as he puts his phone aside.

“But seriously,” he mumbles, nuzzling into your neck, “everyone should know that I’m yours.”