Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 9

We head back into the house.

"I'm going to go edit this video—if you go back out, don't die," Jide says, hitting my shoulder before running upstairs. What a strange boy.

I make my way to the kitchen, pour myself a glass of water, and slide onto one of the bar stools. What a day I've had... I can't believe what JJ did for me. I'll never forget this.

I pull out my phone and see that Simon and Josh have both posted videos to their Instagram stories—clips of me with my new car, smiling like I haven't in ages. A warm feeling spreads through me. For once, I feel truly happy.

"Hey," a familiar voice startles me as hands land on my shoulders, shaking me lightly. I look up into a pair of sparkling blue eyes.

"Hi," I smile, and he smiles back before sliding onto the stool next to me.

"You need to show me how you drive. I know a nice spot we can go to," Simon says, raising an eyebrow, almost challenging me.

I pause, remembering what Jide said earlier. I know I like Simon... but I also know he doesn't like me like that. He sees me as JJ's other best friend.

I glance at him, then nod. "Right, I'm going to grab a hoodie. You go warm the car up."

He grins and heads upstairs. I take a moment outside, staring at my car and letting the reality sink in. Jide did this for me... I need to think of something to return the favor.

Sliding into the driver's seat, I start the engine. The roar of the car vibrates through me, and I can't contain my excitement.

The passenger door opens, and Simon climbs in, grinning. "Didn't realize how small these cars were," he laughs, moving the seat back as far as it goes.

"Just drive," he says once settled, "and I'll tell you where to go."

I nod, reverse out of the driveway, and we're off.

"Careful, Millie," Simon teases immediately, "this isn't a bumper car."

"Relax," I shoot back, grinning, "I've got this. Besides, I only crash once per lifetime."

He laughs, shaking his head. "You're lucky I like you."

"Oh, so now you admit it?" I grin, glancing at him.

"Maybe," he smirks, "but don't push it."

We drive in comfortable silence for a few minutes, wind in my hair, city lights blurring past. Then he leans over slightly, "You're not going to floor it on me, are you?"

"Depends," I grin mischievously, "are you brave enough to find out?"

Simon laughs, leaning back in his seat. "Oh, I'm brave enough. Just don't take us off the road."

We approach the winding hill, and I slow down as instructed. "Turn left here, then pull over there." The city sprawls below us, tiny and magical under the night sky. I stop and let out a breath, mesmerized.

"Simon... this is amazing," I whisper.

He smiles, pride evident. "I used to come up here when I wanted peace and quiet from that house," he says with a soft laugh, undoing his seatbelt and turning to face me. I follow suit.

"Christmas is coming up... what are you doing?" he asks. I hadn't even thought that far ahead.

"I guess I'd just go home," I shrug, though I know I don't really want to go home. These boys have families to return to for the holidays... I don't.

Simon's bright blue eyes dim slightly, turning almost grey with concern. "Where do you live?"

"I stay in Manchester now. I grew up in Watford but moved before high school... which is why you and I don't know each other."

He looks surprised. "So... if you'd stayed, you would've gone to the same school as us?" He pauses, almost disappointed.

I nod. "Yeah."

"That's... kinda sad," he murmurs. And it is. If I'd stayed, I'd have been with Jide, making memories and growing up together. I'd have known him through everything.

We step out of the car and perch on the bonnet, the city lights sprawled below us.

"This... is honestly amazing, Simon," I breathe, glancing at him. His gaze catches mine, and for a moment I can't look away. He truly is beautiful—more than I realized before—the way his eyes catch the moonlight, his warm, inviting smile.

"It really is, isn't it?" he whispers. I look back at the view, acutely aware of his presence beside me.

"Here—since we can—let's take a picture!" he exclaims. He grabs my arm, pulling me close, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Smile," he says, resting his cheek on mine, the camera snapping us in a perfect moment with my car behind us.

Simon posts the photo instantly to his Instagram:

@miniminter: @KSI and I bought Millie a car! Check out my latest video to see her reaction—it was pretty cute.

"Wait... you helped pay for it?" I turn to him, incredulous.

He laughs awkwardly, running a hand through his messy hair. "I mean, yeah... it was my idea to get you a car. I thought it'd help."

Shock and warmth flood me. My heart races, my chest tightens, and before I can think, I throw my arms around him, burying my face into his chest. I feel his heartbeat quicken, and after a moment, he wraps his arms around me. We just stand there, holding each other, letting the world fall away.

"Listen, Amelia," he says softly, pulling back slightly but keeping his arms around me. "If you want to stay at the house for Christmas, we can make it a Sidemen Christmas... here with you."

I look up at him, a small smile on my lips. "Sure... I'd like that."

The quiet between us is comforting, filled with a new sense of closeness. I think, maybe, just maybe... Jide was right about some things.