"The room was loud, but he somehow noticed me."
"I'll pick you up in a few minutes."
Billy's message lit up my screen. I had hoped he'd forget, but of course, Billy never forgets. With a groan, I got up and reluctantly got dressed.
Billy was a big-time fanboy. And today was a fan meeting. His latest obsession, a popular on-screen couple, was in town, and nothing could stop him from seeing them. And lucky me, I was his plus one.
I couldn't back out. I'd already promised to go if he helped me sneak out of town last month. This was me repaying the favour. And maybe…just maybe… I'd finally understand what made Billy tick.
He pulled up a few minutes later. I climbed in, and we drove off.
There were way more people than I expected. The hall was packed, buzzing with excitement. We were lucky to find seats. I was still trying to settle in when a sudden eruption of screams jolted me.
The actors had arrived.
They were undeniably good-looking, charismatic, stylish, and confident as they made their way to the stage, waving and smiling. The fans lost it. I glanced at Billy. He was just as wild, and I couldn't help but laugh, nudging him.
The event was set up like an interview. Fans had scribbled questions on slips of paper, which the MC handed over to the actors to read aloud. They answered with charm and ease, boldly, too. Especially when it came to recreating scenes from their drama.
I found myself smiling, laughing even. The chemistry between them was… magnetic.
Then came that scene.
The dark-haired actor leaned in, lips brushing the edge of the blonde one's shirt, lifting it slowly with his mouth. My eyes widened. My cheeks flamed. I slapped a hand over my face, embarrassed and blushing.
I don't know how long I stayed like that, but when I peeked through my fingers, still smiling, my heart stuttered.
The dark-haired actor was looking right at me.
And he was smiling.
A soft, knowing smile, like he saw something in me I hadn't quite seen in myself. I quickly looked away, heart pounding. Thankfully, Billy was too caught up in the moment to notice.
From then on, I couldn't focus. I could feel his eyes on me from time to time, or maybe I was imagining it. Either way, it made me squirm in my seat.
Act normal, I told myself. Just act normal.
But nothing about this felt normal.
I needed air. I needed to get out of there, out of my own head. This wasn't like me, and it scared me. I stood up suddenly and walked out, ignoring the way my chest tightened.
I already knew I'd have a lot of explaining to do…. And I didn't even understand it myself…..
Brian's POV.
Fan meets were always fun. Loud, energetic, chaotic, but in the best way. I loved every minute of them.
After the Q&A, I sat signing cards, taking pictures, and answering follow-up questions; fans were buzzing with excitement. Their energy was infectious, and their smiles always reminded me why I loved what I did.
And then I saw him again.
I had noticed him the moment I walked in. He didn't scream or jump or wave like most fans. Instead, he sat there wide-eyed, surprised, like he hadn't expected any of this. Like he didn't belong but somehow wanted to.
There was something soft about him. Something different.
He was handsome in a quiet, unassuming way. Tall. Beautiful, light brown eyes that somehow managed to look both sharp and shy. And that smile – he hadn't smiled much, but when he did, it was the kind that lingered in your mind.
I caught myself glancing at him more than I should have. A part of me kept hoping he'd look back.
And then… he was gone.
I tried not to look disappointed. Maybe he just left early, or maybe he wasn't as interested as I thought. I didn't expect to see him again.
But then, just as the signing began, he showed up, drawn in by another guy who was clearly a fan. The same one he sat next to earlier. Cute pair, honestly. But it was him I couldn't stop watching.
He looked a little unsure as he approached, but still, he came forward and sat in the chair in front of me.
"Hi," I said, smiling. Just... casual. Friendly. Though I felt anything but casual.
"Hi," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
"What's your name?" I asked him, smiling.
"Shettima", he said.
"Shettima", I repeated, letting the name settle in my mouth. "I like your name."
"Thanks," he said, eyes darting away from mine.
There was a pause. Not awkward, just quiet. We both didn't know what to say next… but didn't want to move too quickly either.
I handed him the signed card. He gave a small nod and shifted to Jackson, my on-screen partner. And just like that, he was gone again.
But this time… I hoped it wouldn't be the last.