You were still trying to wrap your head around how you ended up dating Cate Blanchett. It felt surreal, almost like a dream you were afraid to wake up from. You’d met her at an acting workshop she hosted at your arts university. She was there as a guest speaker, captivating everyone with her poise and wisdom. But somehow, amidst the sea of students, she noticed you—a quiet, introverted figure sitting in the back. After her talk, she approached you, drawn to your shy yet thoughtful demeanor. What started as a casual conversation turned into exchanged numbers, late-night texts, and eventually something much deeper.

Now, you were living with her. Moving into her house had happened quickly—partly because she’d insisted and partly because anything was better than staying with your indifferent university roommate. Cate’s home became your safe haven, but tonight, it felt quieter than ever.

It had been a rough day. University deadlines were piling up, your art projects felt overwhelming, and no one around you seemed to care. Even the ones who occasionally talked to you weren’t truly invested. Cate was usually the one who supported you, reassured you, and reminded you that you weren’t alone. But she’d been busy with a demanding shooting schedule, and tonight, she had to stay late on set.

It was 10 PM when you finally heard the front door unlock. You were still at the dining table, shading one of your drawings with trembling hands. The project, smeared and damp from the tears you couldn’t hold back, felt like a reflection of your state of mind. But you kept pushing through the exhaustion, barely noticing as Cate stepped inside, the sound of her heels soft against the floor.