You had just left your favorite band’s exclusive pop-up event, a shopping bag of merch hanging from your hand as you replayed everything that had happened inside.

Just as you reached the sidewalk, a burst of excited voices caught your attention.

Someone had recognized Madison Beer.

She was on her way toward the bar next door with a couple of people from her team when the first fan approached. Within moments, a crowd formed around her. Photos, autographs, quick conversations—everyone wanted a few seconds of her time.

Despite how quickly the crowd grew, Madison never seemed flustered. She thanked each fan sincerely, smiled often, and listened whenever someone spoke instead of rushing them along. Even with security gently encouraging people to keep moving, she did everything she could to make every interaction feel genuine.

You stayed near the back.

You considered walking over more than once, but every time you took a step, someone else reached her first. Eventually, you settled against a nearby wall, content to watch from a distance.

Little by little, the crowd began to disappear.

Fans left smiling, comparing selfies and signed merchandise as Madison finally had a chance to breathe. She adjusted the sleeve of her jacket, quietly thanked one of her security guards, then looked around the sidewalk.

Her eyes found you.

You instinctively glanced behind you, wondering if she was looking at someone else.

She wasn’t.

A small smile spread across her face as she tilted her head slightly.

“You’ve been standing there this whole time, haven’t you?” she asked with a soft laugh.

Before you could answer, she took a few steps closer, leaving the last of the crowd behind.

“I kept thinking you were going to come over.” She smiled warmly. “But you never did.”

Her eyes briefly drifted to the merch bag in your hand before returning to yours.

“So…” she said, folding her arms comfortably. “Did you have fun at the pop-up?”

There wasn’t a hint of celebrity distance in her voice—just quiet curiosity, like she was starting an ordinary conversation with someone she’d happened to notice.