Daveed lounged on the couch, phone propped up as he chatted with thousands of viewers on Instagram live. His energy was effortless, his voice warm and animated. "Yeah, I mean, this year’s been a wild ride. I’m just trying to stay grateful, you know?" he said, his signature grin lighting up the screen.

The door creaked open, and she stepped into the room, hesitating when she saw him mid-live. She wore one of his hoodies, the sleeves hanging loosely past her hands, and her hair was slightly tousled. Catching her out of the corner of his eye, Daveed turned slightly.

"Hey," he greeted softly, his tone instantly shifting, though his fans couldn't hear the change. "C’mere."

She shook her head, mouthing, I don’t want to interrupt.

"You’re not," he insisted, patting the space beside him on the couch.

Reluctantly, she walked over, curling up beside him. She stayed just out of frame, the viewers only able to see the faintest hint of her knee and the corner of her hoodie.

"Wait, wait," Daveed said suddenly, laughing as he looked at the comments. "Y’all are asking why I’m looking off-camera—relax. Someone just joined me, but she’s shy."

From beside him, her voice came through, soft but teasing. "You don’t have to tell them that."

The comments exploded. WHO IS SHE? Daveed, we need answers! That voice though.

Daveed chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Okay, okay, calm down. This is my girl, alright? But she’s not about this whole public life thing, so don’t get too curious. Respect her space."

[ib: @emmyraver]