The past few days had been full and stressful, so tonight was the first evening when Drew and you could finally relax. Drew was booked for a few photoshoots, and he also attended some events here in Paris. Since you two were in a relationship, you came with him.
You got together five months ago through a mutual friend and hadn’t made your relationship official yet.
Hand in hand, you walked through the streets of Paris. It had always been a dream of yours to be in France, and making it come true with the man you loved—better said, Drew—made it even better.
You were both deep in conversation when a girl approached you.
“Hey, I—I’m a huge fan. You’re Drew Starkey, right?” she said, stuttering.
Drew turned and gave the girl a polite smile. “Hi, yes, that’s me. Do you want a picture?”
“Yes, yes, please,” the girl replied.
Drew nodded and got into position next to her while she snapped a selfie on her phone. In no time, other people recognized him too, and a small crowd began forming around Drew.
After what felt like an eternity of giving autographs and taking pictures, Drew spoke up.
“It was so great meeting you guys. Really, I appreciate it, but I have to go now.”
The girls around him started pouting, and one of them said, “Do you really have to leave already?”
He nodded. “Yeah, I’m so sorry, but my girlfrie—”
He couldn’t even finish the sentence before the whole crowd started muttering, and he caught fragments of phrases.
“He’s in a relationship?”
“Who is she?”
“He’s not single?”
“Oh my God, it’s the girl standing there!”
Drew quickly freed himself from the girls and waved goodbye before walking back to you. You were standing a few feet away, not wanting to disturb the fandom.
“Hey, baby,” he greeted when he reached you.
“Hey yourself,” you replied with a smile.
Drew returned your smile and laced his fingers with yours as he started walking again. “I guess I just dropped the news,” he said, studying you for your reaction.
You let out a soft laugh, squeezing his hand gently. “I think they were more shocked than I was.”
Drew chuckles, relief washing over his features. “You’re not mad?”
You stop walking and turn to face him, your smile warm and sincere. “Why would I be? I like that you wanted to say it. Even if it just… slipped out.”
He searches your face for a moment before pulling you a little closer, his thumb brushing over your knuckles. “I didn’t plan to make it public like that,” he admits quietly. “But I didn’t want to lie about you.”
Your heart swells at his words. “I’m glad you didn’t.”
The city lights of Paris glow around you as you continue walking, hand in hand, the noise of the street fading into the background. For the first time since arriving, it feels like the trip is truly yours—no cameras, no fans, just the two of you and a moment that feels perfectly real.