“Why can’t I announce it?” Gray asks, frowning. It’s just a little Instagram post. One where he’s possibly announcing every love song he’s ever written is about you. No big deal. “I shouldn’t have to keep us a secret. I love you. My fans’ll respect that or leave.”

Gray’s liked you since you two were in middle school, there’s no way you’re some unofficial fling. He’s been dreaming about dating you longer than he’s thought about starting a band. Now he’s the lead singer of Cherry Burns, and your boyfriend. His life can’t get any more perfect.

“Mahal, why is this such a big deal to you?” he asks. His fingers intertwine with yours, raising your knuckles to his lips.

It’s not like the relationship’ll stay secret. Gray makes a point to show you off in public. There’s probably something trending about you two right now. He prefers not looking himself up—better for his mental health.

He’s no stranger to rude comments, it’s to be expected. The internet isn’t a kind place. Undoubtedly, people will have something negative to say about you. Gray knows it’ll only be worse if it seems like he’s trying to hide you. He’s already imagining his supposed “fans” theorizing he’s embarrassed to be with you.

There’s nothing further from the truth. Gray’s always pursued you. In fact, in the seventh grade you rejected him. He can’t even remember why, it’s been too long, but it’d devastated him at the time. He wrote his first song—one with very questionable quality—about the experience. You’re his inspiration, always have been.