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cherryxbooo · 4 months ago

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In honour of my birthday being the worse one ever today, I represent to you this fic I wrote a while ago (it do be hitting hard)

(Un)forgettable Birthday

Summary: You've never been a fan of your own birthday but that changes thanks to a certain F1 driver.

Note: I'm back from the death 🤪 I know it's been a while and i deeply apologize for it 🙏 but school has been a mess with deadlines everywhere. to make it up to y'all I'm back with a new fic. Also, I came up with this idea while listening to the song fantasmas for some reason. Anyways Enjoy!

Reader x Lando Norris

Genre: fluff/angst(ish)

Loud music drilling into my eardrums, colorfull lights decorating the place and people’s chatter filling the room. I’m currently at my close friend’s Kika’s birthday party, accompanied by my boyfriend Lando. Speaking of him I don’t know where that guy is but he’s probably doing Lando things somewhere so I couldn’t care less. Right now I’m talking with a few of my friends and the birthday girl herself.

“Wauw Kika you planned this party so well!” “Yes, honestly one of the best ones I’ve been to in a while!” Was heard from Carmen and her sister. Kika smiled “I know right! All thanks to Pierre he helped me plan most of it!” I smiled seeing her happy. “You’re very lucky Kika!”

We continued chatting spilling the tea that we hadn’t told each other yet and were just joking around as well.

I was feeling so comfortable until the topic of birthdays came to light again.

“Y/n your birthday is in a couple of days, what are the plans?” I started moving around a bit uncomfortably on my feet before replying. “Euhm I don’t know birthdays aren’t really my thing.” All the girls looked at me with frowns on their faces. “What do you mean? Celebrating your birthday is one of the most important things in your life!”. I looked at her not very convinced. “I mean it’s just like any other day it’s not like I’ve ever celebrated it. It’s just a normal day for me tbh.” The girls looked at me with a sad smile before Carmen broke the silence. “At the end of the day it’s your birthday so it’s up to you what you do.” I smiled at her thanking her for understanding me.

I quickly changed the subject because it was making me kinda uncomfortable since I don’t like it when other people feel bad for me. So we carried on talking and without noticing that Lando had heard everything despite the loud music.

Later that night Lando had found his way back to me and we were currently enjoying each others company. Lando had his arms wrapped around my waist from the back while I rested my head on his chest enjoying the vibe around me. Lando kept thinking back about your words from earlier it all makes sense now. Because every single time he had asked you what you wanted to do for your birthday you declined it stating that you were too busy with work. He shook of those thoughts and decided to bring it up again.

“Are you enjoying yourself love?” I looked at him smiling. “Very much!” Lando hums meanwhile trying to figure out how to ask you about your birthday.

“Babe question but don’t get angry please”. I look at him confused “Baby what did you do?” Now fully turning to face him. He pulls me closer and holds me tighter.

“Nothing nothing don’t worry about it! But first promise!” I roll my eyes at him. “Alright I promise!” “Babe say: I promise I won’t get mad at you!” I looked at him annoyed “Lando!” “Alright alright” he took a hold of my hands and started speaking again. “What do you want for your birthday?” I sigh looking at him. “I told you already my birthday is just like any other day so I don’t need anything.”

Well that’s kinda a lie the only truth is that I don’t need a gift from him since I don’t like him spending money on me. But to be honest I��ve never had a birthday party or anyone caring about it. When I was younger my parents didn’t pay attention to me at all so why would they even bother giving me a nice birthday. At uni people only congratulated me with their words nothing much and the same goes to my work colleagues. So that’s why I always told people I didn’t like my birthday simply because I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve never had the birthday experience everyone else had before.

“Babe I don’t know who put those words in your head but you’re important and so is your birthday! I mean we’ve got to celebrate the day that my amazing sexy gorgeous girlfriend was born.” I laughed at his words “I appreciate that love but there’s more to that than a simple birthday party.”

Lando looked at me confused before I decided to tell him the truth. He looked at me with wide eyes. He knew that my bond with my parents wasn’t the best but forgetting about their child’s birthday was something he didn't understand.

“Anyways we’re at a party we have to enjoy our selfs and not mop around.” Before he could reply to me I was swept away by one of my friends to go and get some drinks.

Lando kept staring at me watching me disappear in the crowd. “Yo bro what are you doing here all alone? People are gonna think you’re a weirdo or sum staring at everyone like that.” Was heard from his bestfriend max.

Lando stared at max for a few seconds before getting an idea. “I want to throw a surprise birthday party for y/n” Max looked at him confused. “Birthday party? Doesn’t y/n hate them?” “Well yeah but there was a reason for that and all I know is that we can heal her inner child with throwing a birthday party for her. So are you gonna help me?”

Max looked at him surprised, he knew that you two had an amazing relationship but he didn’t expect Lando to do this much for you.

“Alright bro I will but stop staring at me with that creepy smile as if you sitting here alone wasn’t already creepy enough.”

The following days Lando kept himself busy with all the arrangements for your birthday. Even though he was busy with his work he always found a gap to fix stuff for your birthday surprise.

Currently he was at home on the phone with Max deciding the last few things to finish off the secret birthday party.

“Alright so you have the invitations ready right?” Lando asked his best friend. “Of course all we have to do is sent them out without y/n noticing.” Lando hums “Yeah exactly we have to be extremely careful because y/n always finds out about the smallest things.”

He laughs remembering one time he had planned a surprise date but it was all ruined because you had figured it out, all because you heard him make a reservation on the phone for a restaurant.

“Alright Max send me the invites and I will send them out.” “What invites?” Lando looked at you nervously. “Euhm Max I will call you back.”

Without letting him reply Lando hung up the phone. “Oh baby you’re back early?” You looked at him confused “what do you mean ? I always come back around this time?” Lando gulped hoping you didn’t hear the entire conversation. “But answer me Lando what invites were you talking about.” Lando looks around trying to find an excuse. “Euhm a friend of Max needed invitations and he asked me where I had gotten mine done from my party last year.”

You look at him not very convinced but decided to let it slide. “Okey… anyways let’s go eat I’m starving.” Lando sighs in relief happy that you fell for his lie. “Alright baby you go first I will come right after.”

Later that night laying in bed Lando was occupied by his phone. “Babe can you put that phone down for a second and give me attention please.”

Lando looked at me for a second and quickly turned back to his phone. “One second babe this is important” “But that’s what you’ve been saying all day long.” Without sparing a glance at me Lando replied with a quick “Please baby I will give you all my attention after this.”

Suddenly his phone starts ringing and he goes out of the room to take it but not without quickly kissing my forehead. I huff and turn to the other side to sleep.

The next day when I woke up Lando was nowhere to be seen, so I figured that he went to the gym.

Getting up I went to wash up and get ready for the day. While I was getting ready I got a sudden thought. It’s kinda weird how Lando went from bugging me about my birthday to radio silence in a few days. I brushed it off figuring it was probably because he’s so occupied with racing and all.

Going into the kitchen to make some breakfast for myself, the calendar on the board in kitchen caught my eye. Checking the date I got a little sad knowing that it’s my birthday tomorrow.

“Honestly I would sell my kidney to be able to skip tomorrow.” (Dramatic much innit) Sighing I go back to what I was doing.

The next day I woke up without Lando next to me again. I hoped that he would’ve stayed a bit longer in bed to wish me at least a happy birthday.

“Maybe he left a message or something.” I grab my phone but I see nothing. Only a few congratulations from my co-workers and friends but that’s it. Not even from my own boyfriend.

I’m used to be disappointed on my birthday but even then when my boyfriend would congratulate me it would make me a bit less sad but I guess today is going to be full of disappointment. I got out of bed to get ready for the day.

While I was making breakfast I got a text from Kika.

I smile at her message. At first I wanted to decline her offer but then I thought about the fact that my own boyfriend didn’t do shit for my birthday so why not.

“This is the least I could do to get that birthday feeling I guess.” Sighing to myself I reply to her and started to get ready.

“There she is the beautiful birthday girl.” Kika immediately engulfs me in a hug followed by the rest of the girls.

“Hey why do you look so sad girly cheer up it’s your birthday!” I looked at here with a forced smile deciding not to tell her the truth about Lando and all that.

“Nothing nothing let’s go bestie your wallet needs to spent some money on me.” I smirk winking at her. She gives me a fake angry huff but it's quickly replaced with a laugh since she can’t stay serious for a moment. “Alright girly let’s go!”

I was having an amazing time but I kept checking my phone with hopes for a message from my boyfriend. But every time I was met with disappointment. I didn’t want the girls to question it so I put on a fake smile and carried on with the lunch date.

“Alright girls it was a nice lunch but I have to go.” “NO!” Kika yelled panicked making me confused.

“Euhm you can’t leave yet we have to get you a cake first girly.” She looked quite nervous.

“You know that you don’t have to right.” I looked at her with suspicion. “Euhm.. I know but we wanted to so let’s go!”

And with that I was pulled into Kika’s car heading to what I assumed was a bakery.

“Francesca we’ve been driving for a while now how far is this bakery actually?”

I stared to get annoyed because we had been on the road for half an hour now and the rest of the girls that were with us during lunch also disappeared but I was too annoyed to even ask about them.

“We’re here girl calm your tits yeah.” I stepped out of the car but I was met with a big building. Looking at Kika confused I decided to ask her about this.

“Girl I ain’t no baker or anything but this is for sure no bakery.” She looked at me sheepishly. “Doesn’t matter girl let’s go in.”

Before I could even reply she dragged me in. The place was dark but I could tell that it was big.

“Kika what in the world is this?” Without saying anything to me she pushed me forward. And before I could question her even more the lights suddenly turned on.

“SURPRISE!!!”

I was shocked I stood there frozen trying to process everything. Everyone that I knew was there: my friends, family, colleagues and most importantly my boyfriend.

I was pulled out of my shocked state by Lando pulling me into him. “Happy birthday beautiful you deserve all of this.” I couldn't contain my emotions and soon the tears started pouring down my face.

“You did all of this?” I looked at him still shocked. He smiled and wiped my tears away.

“Of course baby like I said before you deserve it.” “I thought you forgot.” I tell him with new tears pooling in my eyes.

“I could never baby I’ve been planning this all week long, I told you we had to celebrate the day my sexy and gorgeous girl was born.”

I smile at him slightly pushing his shoulder laughing at his words. I pull him by his collar and connect our lips together.

“Thank you so much Lan this means the world to me.” Before he could reply Kika came in between us.

“Girl c'mon we have to celebrate properly you can eat each other’s faces later.” She winks. “C’mon beautiful let’s enjoy this day.” I smile taking his hand. For the first time in my life I enjoyed my own birthday.

I had a blast we danced, sang, drank and I even got presents! This day was simply amazing but also a bit overwhelming so I went to get some fresh air outside.

“Here you’re birthday girl, I was looking for you beautiful. What are you doing here alone?”

I smile a the voice of my boyfriend. “I wanted a bit of fresh air it was all a bit too overwhelming.”

He smiled sitting down next me. He put his arm around me and pulled me closer to his chest.

“I understand pretty girl, but you deserve all of this you know?.” He said kissing the top of my head. “It’s just nice to finally have a real birthday. Thank you so much baby.” “Of course beautiful today is all about you and I just wanted to show you that you also matter.”

I smile looking up at him. “Thank you handsome for making this an unforgettable birthday. I love you.” He smiles grabbing my face with both of his hands and joining our lips together. “I love you too baby.”

He gives me one more kiss before standing up. “Let’s go back inside pretty girl, and enjoy the rest of your special day.” He holds his hand out for me to take. With our fingers laced together we head back inside.

It’s safe to say that for the first time in my life my birthday felt like an actual birthday and all it took was an amazing man that drives cars for a living to fulfill my wish.

The end

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cherryxbooo · 4 months ago

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soft and pretty 🩷 (for @hyyhhope)

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cherryxbooo · 4 months ago

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if u look like this hmu ❤︎

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cherryxbooo · 4 months ago

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✨️boyfriend✨️

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cherryxbooo · 4 months ago

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I’ll always be your rock

Summary: Going undercover at your husband’s job is one thing, but going undercover to catch yourself is the last thing you would expect.

Note: I think it's pretty obvious from which episode I got this idea lol. I had my eyes on this episode for a long time and finally decided to turn it into a fic with my own spin. Hope you enjoy it! 🤍

Reader x Tim Bradford

Genre: angst(ish)/ fluff

Being married to Tim Bradford was an adventure in itself.

Not in the he’s reckless and unpredictable way, no, Tim was as solid as they came.

But being the wife of a man so dedicated to the LAPD meant every day carried a thread of uncertainty.

Long nights waiting for him to come home and phone calls that made my heart race became part of my routine.

Yet, despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Because at the end of those long shifts, when he finally walked through the door, everything felt right again.

I could always tell how his day had gone by the way he held me.

Some nights, it was a quick kiss to the temple before he shuffled off to the shower, but other nights, he’d pull me in close like he needed to remind himself that home was real.

I wasn’t exactly the most outgoing person.

More like the shy type like Tim liked to call me.

Social situations weren’t my forte, and I much preferred curling up with a book or baking something in the kitchen.

And yet, his team had unofficially adopted me as one of their own.

Angela looped her arm through mine at station events, Lucy subtly checked in to make sure I wasn’t overwhelmed, and even Nyla once told me,

“You keep him sane. That’s an impressive feat.”

Then there was the teasing... so much teasing.

“How the hell did you convince someone so sweet and quiet to marry you?”

Aaron had once asked, smirking as he nudged Tim’s shoulder.

Tim had just given a slow, confident shrug, his arm casually draped around my waist.

“What can I say? She has excellent taste.”

I’d rolled my eyes, but the warmth in his gaze made my heart stutter. Even with everything unpredictable about his job, I never doubted how deeply he loved me.

It wasn’t always easy, to love a man who belonged to a completely different world than mine.

But in the quiet moments, the way his fingers traced lazy circles on my back, the way he saved the last bite of dessert for me, the way his voice softened when he said my name. I knew.

I was his safe place, just as he was mine.

And that made every uncertain moment worth it.

That afternoon, I was at home, curled up on the couch with a blanket and a book, enjoying the peace and quiet.

The rain lightly tapped against the windows, creating a soft, rhythmic backdrop to the cozy scene.

I’d spent the morning tidying up the house and making a simple lunch, nothing fancy, just a grilled cheese and a cup of tea, but it was enough to make me feel content. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed having a quiet day to myself.

The soft hum of the TV played in the background as I turned the page of my book, smiling at a passage that reminded me of Tim.

It was the kind of rare, uninterrupted moment where I didn’t have to worry about him working late or being out in the field.

I heard the distant sound of the wind picking up outside, but I didn’t mind.

It only made the house feel more like a safe, warm refuge from the world.

Then, my phone buzzed on the coffee table.

At first, I ignored it, assuming it was just a notification.

But when it vibrated again, this time with the unmistakable sound of Tim’s custom ringtone, I immediately reached for it.

“Hey,” I answered, settling back against the cushions. “You okay?”

His voice sounded a little distant, like he was concentrating on something.

“Where are you right now?”

“Just at home,” I replied, my brow furrowing slightly.

“Why? What’s going on?”

There was a long pause on the other end, just long enough for my stomach to tighten with unease.

“Stay there. I’m on my way.”

Before I could ask more, the line went dead.

I set my phone down, a knot of worry starting to form.

Tim wasn’t the type to act like this, something was clearly wrong.

Beforehand,

The bullpen at the LAPD station was buzzing with the usual mid-afternoon energy.

Officers milled around, coffee cups in hand, and chatter filled the air as files were passed back and forth.

Tim was hunched over his desk, a stack of reports in front of him as he scribbled notes.

He’d had a relatively calm morning, but now, the pile of paperwork was a reminder that the job never really let up.

Across the room, Lucy was at her desk, scrolling through the latest security footage from a robbery that had occurred the night before.

It wasn’t until her eyes caught something odd on the screen that the atmosphere in the bullpen shifted.

She leaned in closer, squinting at the grainy image.

“Uh… is it just me, or does that look like Y/n?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

Nyla, who had been sitting nearby, looked up and walked over to Lucy’s desk.

She narrowed her eyes, scanning the screen.

“Bradford… what are the chances?”

Tim, absorbed in his own thoughts, turned at the sound of his wife’s name.

When his eyes landed on the image, his stomach dropped.

The woman on the screen wasn’t just similar to Y/n... she was her.

Same height, same build, even the way she carried her bag over her shoulder.

But it wasn’t her. He knew his wife.

Tim’s grip tightened around the edge of his desk, his jaw clenching.

“Run facial recognition.”

Angela, sitting across the room, was already moving toward the computer.

She tapped a few keys, and within moments, the results came in: Inconclusive.

The suspect had a baseball cap on, obscuring her face enough to prevent a clear match.

Lucy, still staring at the screen, hesitated.

“Tim… should we call Y/n?”

Tim didn’t hesitate. He was already reaching for his phone. “Yeah.”

As the phone rang, he felt his heart rate pick up.

His mind raced, trying to process the situation, but the image on the screen was all he could focus on.

Her voice finally came through, soft and familiar. “Hey. You okay?”

Tim tried to steady his breathing. “Where are you right now?”

“At home. Why? What’s going on?” she replied, the confusion clear in her voice.

“Stay there. I’m on my way.”

Tim hung up the phone without saying anything else, his mind already on his way to her.

He turned to his team, his face taut with concern. “I need to go.”

Angela nodded quickly. “We’ll keep digging.”

Lucy spoke, her voice still laced with disbelief.

“If that’s not Y/n… then who the hell is she?”

Tim didn’t respond, already on his way out the door.

Meanwhile,

I began pacing the living room, my mind racing through every possible scenario. Was he hurt?

Was someone else hurt?

The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I chewed my lip nervously, my heart heavy with dread.

I tried to focus, but each thought seemed to spiral into another until I heard the familiar sound of his truck pulling into the driveway, like a lifeline amidst the chaos in my head.

When the door creaked open, I looked up and saw Tim walk in, his face unreadable.

His sharp, assessing blue eyes immediately scanned me from head to toe, and I could feel the weight of his gaze.

It wasn’t the kind of look that said everything was fine, but the kind that silently assured me he was here, watching, protecting, making sure I was truly safe.

“What’s going on, Tim?” I asked, my voice small and fragile, my hands gripping the hem of my sweater like it might anchor me.

The air felt thick, charged with all the unspoken questions and fears swirling between us.

Tim exhaled through his nose, rubbing his jaw as he seemed to gather his thoughts.

His eyes softened just a fraction when he met my gaze, but the tension was still there.

“There was a robbery last night. We just got an image of the suspect, and-”

He paused for a moment, as though weighing the impact of his next words.

“It looks exactly like you.”

I blinked, trying to process what he was saying, my breath hitching in my throat.

“Excuse me?”

My voice barely rose above a whisper, a rush of unease flooding my chest as my mind tried to catch up.

Tim took a deep breath, pulling out his phone.

He handed it to me gently, his fingers brushing mine, but the contact felt like a reassurance I didn’t know I needed.

When I saw the grainy image, my stomach twisted, the weight of the moment sinking in.

The woman in the photo looked almost identical to me, same face, same posture, even the way she carried her bag over one shoulder.

But it wasn’t me.

I swallowed hard, feeling a tightness in my chest.

“So… do they think it’s me?” I asked, my voice small and shaky, the uncertainty making my words tremble.

Tim shook his head immediately, his brows furrowing as if he wanted to erase any doubt from my mind.

“No one who actually knows you thinks that. But the resemblance is too strong to ignore.”

He reached out and gently touched my arm, his thumb brushing over my skin in a silent gesture of reassurance.

His touch was warm, grounding me even though my mind was still reeling.

I nodded slowly, trying to process his words, my fingers twisting together in my lap.

“This is… really weird.”

I couldn’t help but feel disoriented by the idea of someone else looking so much like me.

It didn’t feel real, but the image in my hand made it impossible to ignore.

Tim sat beside me, his knee bumping gently against mine as he leaned in, his presence a solid comfort beside me.

“We’re working on tracking her down. I just didn’t want you to be blindsided.”

His voice was calm, steady, but I could hear the concern behind it.

I glanced up at him, taking in the way his face softened when he looked at me, the unspoken care in his eyes.

I let out a shaky breath, trying to release the tension that had built up in my shoulders.

“Thanks, Tim. That… that would’ve been a nightmare.”

His words were a balm, easing some of the tightness I didn’t even realize I was carrying.

Tim reached over, his hand finding mine in a reassuring squeeze.

His fingers enveloped mine, and the warmth of his touch melted some of the cold fear still hanging in the air.

“It’s gonna be fine, baby. I just need you to stay put for now, okay?”

His words were steady, but there was a softness to them, like a promise that everything would be okay, even if I wasn’t so sure yet.

I nodded, gripping his fingers tightly.

The contact was grounding, and the storm of worry in my chest began to calm, just a little.

With Tim here, I knew I was safe, and that was enough for the moment.

Then, as I looked at the image on his phone once again, a small detail caught my eye.

The suspect had tattoos, visible on her arm, a sharp contrast to my own ink-free skin.

I leaned closer to Tim’s phone.

“She’s got tattoos,” I said softly, pointing to the image.

“I don’t have any.”

Tim’s eyes softened as he looked at the photo again, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“I know, sweetheart. And that’s another reason I don’t think anyone’s actually confused about it being you.”

He gave me another squeeze, his hand warm and steady in mine.

“Because I also for a fact can recognize my own wife.”

I let out a soft laugh, the tension in my chest finally starting to ease.

It felt good to have him so close, his presence reassuring me in a way that no words could.

Days passed, and the investigation deepened.

Just because the suspect looked like me meant that I was automatically involved in the case.

Security footage continued to roll in, and every angle seemed to show the same thing, the woman in the videos looked exactly like me.

The more we watched, the more I began to wonder if I had an evil twin roaming around causing trouble.

But nothing in the footage could tell us who she was or where she came from.

The tension in the bullpen was growing, especially for Tim.

He’d been working around the clock, watching the same footage over and over again, his frustration building.

It wasn’t just the case; was the fact that someone out there looked like his wife, and the implications of that hit too close to home.

Days without a plan or strategies passed until-

Then came the suggestion.

“What if Y/n went undercover?”

Lucy’s voice broke the silence, her suggestion hanging in the air like a dare.

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. I wasn’t sure if I had heard her right.

I wasn’t exactly the best at faking confidence, especially not in front of criminals.

But Lucy’s gaze was intense, and Nyla nodded thoughtfully. They both seemed to believe it could work.

Tim’s reaction was immediate, like a reflex.

“Absolutely not,” he said, his voice harsh and protective, making it clear that no part of him was willing to entertain the idea.

“Tim, listen,” Lucy pressed, her hands going up in a placating gesture.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If she thinks Y/n is her twin, she might open up. We might be able to get the information we need to bring her in without the risk of violence.”

Tim’s jaw clenched. “Or she could see right through it and lash out. No. I’m not putting her in that situation.”

I stayed quiet, my hands twisting in my lap. I knew Tim’s worry wasn’t just about the case; it was about me.

The thought of him losing me in any way made his protective side go into overdrive.

But I couldn’t just sit by while someone else was out there causing havoc.

“Tim, I know it’s dangerous,” I spoke up, my voice quiet but firm.

“But if it means stopping her before someone else gets hurt, I have to try.”

Tim’s gaze snapped to me, and for a moment, it felt like the whole room held its breath.

His blue eyes, usually so calm, were stormy with worry and anger.

“Y/n, this isn’t a game. It’s not a mission I’m willing to risk you on.”

I took a deep breath, feeling my heart pound in my chest.

I knew I wasn’t the obvious choice for something like this, but I couldn’t stand the thought of not doing anything.

“I’m not asking for you to be okay with it, Tim,” I said, my voice steady despite the anxiety building inside me.

“But I can help. I know how to handle myself.”

The room fell quiet, and Tim stood there, his body tense, his gaze never leaving mine.

His protective instincts were strong, and I could see him weighing every possible outcome.

Finally, he exhaled, his shoulders sagging just slightly.

“Fine,” he said, his voice gruff but resigned.

“But I’m keeping an eye on you the entire time. The second things go south, you’re out of there.”

I nodded, the weight of his words hanging over me.

It wasn’t just about the mission anymore. It was about our trust in each other.

And no matter how nervous I was, I knew this was something I had to do.

A few hours later, the team gathered in the briefing room.

Tim was standing at the front, his face set in that usual grim expression, but his eyes softened whenever they flickered to me.

The plan was already taking shape, and now, it was time to fill in the details.

“Here’s what we’re going to do,” Tim said, his voice cutting through the tension.

“Y/n, you’re going to approach her as though you’re a long-lost twin sister. We’ll feed you enough information to make it believable, but you’re going to need to stay sharp. We know she’s tough, and we know she has connections. This won’t be easy.”

I listened carefully, my mind racing through the logistics.

Tim was giving me a look, one I knew all too well... his eyes searching mine for any sign that I might back out.

But I wasn’t going to do that. I wasn’t going to leave him with that feeling of helplessness.

“I’ll make contact with her,” Lucy chimed in.

“We’ve got her location traced from the security footage. She’s been hanging out at a dive bar on the edge of town. We’ll set up a surveillance perimeter.”

“You’ll be going in alone Y/n,” Nyla added, her voice steady.

“The goal is to gain her trust. She’s never seen you before, but the resemblance is undeniable. Use that. We’ll be in your ear the whole time, listening in on every conversation.”

Tim ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident.

“You’re going in alone,” he repeated, his gaze flicking to me.

“We can’t risk anyone else tipping her off. But Y/n, you need to be careful. If she even slightly catches on that something’s off-”

“I know,” I interrupted softly, my voice unwavering.

“I’ll be careful. I won’t give her a reason to suspect anything.”

Tim hesitated, then his face softened, even if just for a moment.

“This isn’t like anything we’ve ever done before. You don’t need to prove anything to me. Just… be safe. Please.”

I smiled faintly, understanding the unspoken fear behind his words.

“I’ll be fine,” I said, trying to reassure him.

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

The team looked at each other, nodding, as they began setting the final steps in motion.

The plan was set. All that was left was execution.

And despite the nerves coursing through me, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of purpose settle over me.

The morning of the mission was tense.

The air felt thick with anticipation, but it was Tim’s worry that weighed on me the most.

We were in the car, parked outside the location where we would begin the operation.

Tim’s knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel, his jaw clenched, his focus unwavering, but there was a nervous energy about him that I could feel.

He glanced over at me, his eyes softening just a little, a small flicker of uncertainty in his gaze.

“You don’t have to do this,” he said, his voice almost a whisper.

“If you want out, now’s the time. No one would blame you.”

I could see the worry in his eyes, the deep concern for my safety.

His protective nature had been on overdrive ever since we started this mission, and now that we were on the cusp of it, I knew it was getting harder for him to let go.

I reached over and placed my hand over his. “Tim,” I said, my voice firm but gentle.

“I’ve made up my mind. I’m doing this because it’s the right thing to do. I know the risks, but I trust you, I trust the team, and I trust myself.”

He let out a slow breath, his grip loosening just enough for me to feel his warmth.

He looked at me then, really looked at me, and I saw a flicker of pride mixed with his anxiety.

“Just promise me you’ll stay safe,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles.

“I promise,” I whispered back, leaning in to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

“And you’ll be right there with me the whole time.”

He didn’t say anything, but the way he held my gaze told me that, for the first time in a long while, he was allowing himself to feel a little bit of relief.

He knew how dangerous this was, but he also knew how determined I was.

Eventually, the car came to a stop at a discreet location near the target area.

Nyla was already briefing the others, while Lucy was in the process of running final checks.

Inside the SUV, the tension was palpable. I could hear my own heartbeat in my ears as I tried to steady my breathing.

Nyla slid into the backseat beside me, her expression serious but focused.

“Alright, Y/n,” she said, giving me a quick once-over.

“This is the part where you have to stay sharp, okay? The goal is simple: we need to get close enough to the suspect, gain her trust, and get her talking. Once you’re in, don’t push her too hard, play it cool, keep it light, but don’t show any fear.”

I nodded, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement. I knew the plan by heart, but hearing Nyla go over it again gave me a sense of confidence.

“Got it,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

“Keep it cool, get the information, and get out.”

“Exactly,” Nyla said, her eyes glinting with a touch of encouragement.

“You’ve got this. When you approach, make sure you tell her the story we agreed on. You’re her twin, you’ve been looking for her. If she buys it, it’ll help us catch her off-guard. Remember, we’ve got your back.”

I took a deep breath, trying to settle my nerves.

“I’m ready,” I said, forcing a smile, even though my stomach was flipping.

“I’ve got this.”

Tim, who had been quietly listening from the driver’s seat, finally turned around to face me.

His expression softened as he gave me a brief, encouraging nod.

“I’m proud of you, Y/n. Just be careful.”

I could feel his eyes on me as I climbed out of the SUV, the weight of his concern following me like a shadow.

I was about to step into the unknown, but I knew I wasn’t alone. He was with me, even from a distance.

My mind raced, but I pushed everything out except for the task at hand.

I spotted the suspect across the street, her dark hair falling in waves, the same confident air about her that I’d seen in the footage.

My heart skipped a beat as I took in her appearance. She really did look so much like me.

A small voice in my earpiece crackled to life, and I heard Nyla’s voice.

“Y/n, it’s time. Approach now.”

I swallowed hard, adjusting my bag on my shoulder as I took the first step toward her.

The street was quieter now, the hum of the city a distant murmur as everything seemed to slow down.

As I got closer, I could feel my nerves tightening again, but I kept my posture steady.

This was my chance.

I hesitated for just a moment, then took a deep breath and spoke, my voice steady despite the racing of my pulse.

“Hey, I know this is going to sound crazy, but…” I paused for effect, giving her a moment to meet my eyes.

“We’re twins. I’ve been looking for you.”

Jenna’s gaze flickered over me, studying me with that skeptical look I had seen in the footage.

She tilted her head, narrowing her eyes.

“Twins? You’ve gotta be kidding.”

But there was a glint of curiosity in her voice, the intrigue still there.

I forced myself to smile, trying to appear more confident than I felt.

“No joke,” I said, keeping my voice light.

“I’ve been searching for you for a long time. I think we have a lot in common.”

She didn’t answer immediately, but I could tell she was thinking it over.

I saw how she studied my face realizing that we in fact did look alike.

I kept the conversation going, careful to stay in control and play the part.

I could hear the faint crackle of Nyla’s voice in my ear again, but this time, it wasn’t just advice; it was encouragement.

“You’re doing great, Y/n. Just keep going.”

As the conversation continued, I knew it was just a matter of time before we got the information we needed.

The team was ready, and I could feel their support, even if they weren’t physically close.

Everything was falling into place.

As the conversation with Jenna continued, I could sense her growing skepticism.

Her eyes narrowed as she studied me, like she was trying to figure out if I was telling the truth or not.

“You know,” she said, her tone shifting to something sharper,

“you look like you could be my twin. But I’ve got to admit, I’m not buying this whole ‘looking for me’ story. You think I’m just going to fall for that?”

I could feel my heart race, but I kept my expression neutral. My mind was working overtime, searching for something, anything that could prove I was who I said I was.

And then it hit me. The one detail that might turn the tide in my favor.

I reached into my bag and pulled out a folded piece of paper, holding it up between us.

“I know this is going to sound crazy, but a few years ago, I found this,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

“It’s an old family picture, one I never thought I’d find. But it’s us, this was taken when we were kids.”

It was a photoshopped picture to make everything more believable.

Jenna’s eyes flickered to the photo, then back to me. She looked almost intrigued, but there was still a slight hesitation in her expression.

I quickly added, “I didn’t know about you until recently, but after I found this, I had to track you down. I knew it was fate.”

Her eyes softened slightly as she reached for the photo, her fingers brushing mine.

She studied it for a long moment, almost as if she was hoping the photo would tell her something she hadn’t expected.

Finally, she looked back up at me, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

“Alright,” she said, her tone lightening a little.

“Let’s say I believe you for now. But that doesn’t mean I’m ready to trust you completely. You might still be playing me.”

I took a breath, maintaining my calm exterior despite the racing thoughts in my mind.

I needed to push further and make her believe me.

“Look,” I said, lowering my voice just a bit,

“I know it’s hard to trust someone who just shows up out of nowhere. But I’m not here to hurt you. I’m just trying to find the truth. And you know what?”

I paused, letting the silence linger before continuing.

“I can help you. I can help you get away from this life. You don’t have to keep running.”

The smirk faded from her face as she regarded me seriously now.

“You think you can just walk in and fix everything for me?” she asked, a hint of doubt in her voice.

“You don’t know anything about me. You don’t know what I’ve done.”

I swallowed hard, the weight of her words pressing down on me. But I didn’t back down.

“I don’t know everything. But I know enough to help. I know you’re scared. You don’t have to keep hiding, Jenna. I’m not here to judge you.”

There was a moment of silence, and then her eyes flickered to the ground, her hands trembling slightly.

She seemed to be weighing something in her mind. Then, to my surprise, her voice dropped to a quiet whisper.

“You want to know what I’ve done? Fine. You wanna know why I’ve been running? I’ll tell you. But you’d better not try to stop me when I say this.”

I nodded, urging her on. My stomach twisted with anticipation. This was it.

“I’ve done more than just that robbery,” she began, her voice cold.

“I’ve been part of some dangerous things... more than I can count. I’ve been involved in setting up people, running scams, and doing things I can’t even talk about. Robbing that boutique? That was easy. But that’s nothing compared to the bigger stuff.”

I could hear the tremor in her voice, but there was also a sense of relief, like confessing was something she’d been holding back for far too long.

I was recording every word, making sure I had the evidence we needed.

“There’s a group... and we’ve been working together for years. It’s not just petty crime. We’re talking about things that could ruin people’s lives, and I’ve been a part of it all.”

She paused, her eyes darting to the street around us as if expecting someone to appear.

“But I’m done. I don’t want any more blood on my hands.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, knowing that I had gotten her to confess, but I kept my face neutral.

I also knew the whole "I'm done" thing she confessed was a big lie. She probably told me that since she didn't trust me.

“You don’t have to do it anymore, Jenna. You’ve got a chance to make things right.”

The moment Jenna finished confessing, I could feel the tension in the air shift.

Her eyes, wide with the weight of her words, slowly began to narrow.

She was still processing what she had said, admitting to the robberies, the dangerous work, and the people involved.

But as she looked at me, something seemed to change.

“You tricked me,” she spat, taking a small step back.

Her body stiffened, and I could see the realization dawning on her.

“This whole thing was a setup, wasn’t it?”

My heart raced in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm.

I had to stick to the plan, to remain steady.

I could feel the tiny earpiece buzzing in my ear, Tim’s voice coming through with quiet reassurance.

“Stay calm. You’ve got this.”

Jenna’s eyes flickered around, now more alert, more paranoid.

“I knew something didn’t add up. You can’t trust anyone, not in this game. You’ve been playing me the whole time.”

She stepped back again, her hand brushing the side of her jacket as though she was about to pull something out.

My pulse quickened.

I had to do something, anything, to keep her calm, make her think I wasn’t ready for what was about to happen.

I gave the tiniest of nods, the secret signal that I had to use to alert the team. That was the first sign.

My fingers were trembling, but I kept my hand steady as I subtly tapped the recorder hidden in my sleeve.

Jenna seemed to miss the movement, her gaze still darting around the alley.

“So what now, huh?” she asked, her voice almost too casual.

“You gonna turn me in? Is that how this works?”

I swallowed hard, holding her gaze, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You’ve already turned yourself in, Jenna. This isn’t a game anymore. This is your chance to make it right.”

But before she could respond, I saw the shadow of movement from behind her.

The officers were closing in, carefully, silently, just like we’d planned.

Jenna hadn’t seen them yet, but I could feel it in my gut that we were running out of time.

Her expression shifted again, suspicion creeping in.

“I don’t buy it,” she muttered, shaking her head.

“I don’t trust you. This is too easy.”

I took a deep breath. “I’m not your enemy, Jenna. The only one you’ve been lying to is yourself.”

My words were quiet but firm, and as I spoke them, I could see Jenna’s eyes flicker.

Her hand twitched again, and for a moment, I thought she might bolt.

I could see a shiny object in her pocket and I could immediately recognize it as a knife.

But I couldn't be scared I had to stay calm.

I took another step closer, my movements slow and calculated.

I had to keep her from panicking or doing something that might harm me.

“Look, I’m not here to hurt you. You’ve done what you’ve done, but it doesn’t have to end like this.”

Jenna’s breath hitched, but she didn’t move. She looked at me, searching for something, for a reason to believe.

Then, just as I could feel the officers positioning themselves, I saw Jenna’s hand slowly move away from her jacket.

She seemed to hesitate like she was waiting for a signal.

That was my chance.

I nodded again, just barely enough to be noticed, and the team moved in.

The quiet shuffle of footsteps grew louder as the officers emerged from their positions, surrounding the alley.

Jenna’s eyes widened in panic as she finally realized what was happening.

“What the hell-” she started, but before she could finish, one of the officers stepped forward.

“Jenna Morrow,” the officer called out, his voice firm and commanding.

“You’re under arrest for robbery, conspiracy, and multiple counts of criminal activity. You have the right to remain silent.”

Jenna froze, her breath catching in her throat.

Her eyes darted around, her hands raised defensively as though she could still escape, but it was too late.

The officers had her surrounded. Her body stiffened, but I could see the resignation in her eyes.

She knew the game was up.

“You tricked me,” she repeated, her voice raw with betrayal, but it lacked the same fire it had earlier.

She looked at me one last time, and I could see the bitter realization sinking in.

“You played me, just like everyone else.”

I met her gaze and shook my head softly.

“No, Jenna. You did this to yourself. I didn’t want it to end this way, but this is the truth.”

As the officers began to secure her hands with the cuffs, she didn’t fight back.

She was too far gone, too tangled in the web she had spun.

Jenna let out a long, defeated breath, her shoulders slumping as she realized there was no way out.

Tim’s voice crackled through my earpiece, warm and full of relief.

“Good job, baby. You were amazing out there.”

I barely had time to respond before the officers led Jenna away, her steps heavy, defeated.

The weight of the mission began to lift off my shoulders, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, but I felt a quiet sense of accomplishment. It was over.

The team had done it.

And I had done it, too.

Tim was waiting by the SUV when the last of the officers brought Jenna to the car.

His expression softened when he saw me, his eyes scanning me for any signs of distress.

As soon as I approached, he pulled me into his arms, his grip firm and reassuring.

“You did it,” Tim said, his voice low, filled with pride.

I leaned into him, feeling the rush of emotions from the mission finally settle.

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” I whispered, my voice catching slightly.

“I knew you were with me.”

Tim pulled back just enough to cup my face in his hands, his thumbs brushing against my cheeks as he gazed at me with a softness I rarely saw.

“I’m so proud of you, babe,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

“You were brave out there. You handled it all perfectly.”

I smiled softly, my heart swelling in my chest.

“I couldn’t have done it without you or the team,” I repeated, my voice full of gratitude.

“You were my rock.”

Tim kissed me gently on the forehead, his arms holding me close.

“I’ll always be your rock, sweetheart.”

We stood there for a moment, just holding each other as the sounds of the arrest faded into the background.

The mission was over, and we had won. Together.

Back at the station, the air was thick with relief.

The operation had been a success, and the team was buzzing with excitement, celebrating their hard work.

Laughter and chatter filled the room, but I could feel someone's eyes on me, Tim.

I caught Lucy’s teasing glance as she looked between us, a smirk pulling at the corners of her mouth.

“So, still think your dear wifey shouldn’t have gone undercover?” she asked, her voice playful.

Tim let out a reluctant sigh, though his eyes never left me.

“I still don’t like it and it was a one-time thing for your information Chen,” he muttered, but I could see the softness in his gaze.

I ducked my head, feeling a bit shy under the attention.

“It worked though,” I said quietly, my voice almost a whisper.

Tim groaned, running his hands through his hair in mock frustration.

“I walked right into that one, didn’t I?” His tone was teasing, but I could see the pride behind it.

The team burst into laughter, and I couldn’t help but smile.

I felt Tim’s gaze warm as he watched me, and even though he was still grumbling about my undercover mission, I could feel the pride radiating from him.

He moved closer, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me in, pressing a soft kiss to my temple.

“You’re never going undercover again,” he murmured, his voice low and reassuring.

I tilted my head up to look at him, a playful glint in my eyes.

“Maybe just once more?” I teased, earning another groan from him.

He sighed dramatically, but there was no hiding the fondness in his expression.

“I swear, woman. You’re gonna be the death of me,” he muttered, but I knew he didn’t mean it. Not really.

The team laughed harder, and I leaned into Tim, resting my head on his shoulder.

In that moment, everything felt right.

All the tension, all the danger, melted away. And I knew, no matter what came next, Tim and I would always be in this together.

And most importantly my evil 'twin' is behind closed bars and won't ever give me a bad image again.

The end

#the rookie fanfiction #the rookie fic #tim bradford the rookie #tim bradford x reader #tim bradford fic #tim bradford imagine #tim x reader #tim bradford #tim bradford fluff #tim bradford x y/n #tim bradford x you #tim bradford x fem!reader #tim bradford angst #the rookie fanfic #the rookie imagine #the rookie x reader

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cherryxbooo · 4 months ago

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#tim bradford x y/n #tim bradford x you #tim bradford fluff #tim bradford fic #tim bradford the rookie #tim bradford imagine #tim x reader #tim bradford x reader #the rookie fic #the rookie fanfiction #the rookie fanfic #the rookie imagine #the rookie x reader

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cherryxbooo · 4 months ago

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Chosen

Summary: You feel dragged around by Oscar, always sidelined in favor of his friend group with no say in their or his plans. But what happens when the bucket finally overflows?

Note: Hey everyone I'm back, and this time with the long-awaited Oscar fic. I just wanted to let all of you know that the second semester of uni has started, so I want to apologize in advance for my inactivity. I hope you enjoy this one! 🌸

Reader x Oscar Piastri

Genre: fluff/angst

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and the sun was just starting to dip behind the clouds, casting a soft glow through the windows.

Oscar and I were sprawled out on the couch, his arm wrapped around me, his fingers gently tracing patterns on my arm.

The TV was on, but neither of us was paying much attention to it. We were content, enjoying the stillness of the moment, the quiet of our own little world.

"I’m glad we’re finally having a day to ourselves," Oscar murmured, his voice low and warm, sending a shiver down my spine.

He tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, his touch so gentle it almost felt like a caress.

"Me too," I whispered, leaning into him, breathing in the familiar scent of his cologne mixed with the soft musk of his skin.

"It feels like it’s been forever."

His laugh rumbled through his chest.

"I know. Feels like we’ve barely had time to just... be."

We sat in silence for a moment, the kind of comfortable silence that only comes from being with someone you truly care about.

I felt safe here with him, like I could stay wrapped in this moment forever, untouched by the outside world.

It was these small, quiet moments that made everything feel okay.

Oscar shifted slightly, propping himself up on his elbow to look down at me.

"Hey babe, so, my friends are meeting up later. You know Jack and the others."

I blinked up at him, already sensing where this was going.

"We’re going to meet up with them?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light, but it was a little harder than usual.

"Yeah, just for a drink," he said, his expression brightening, clearly excited about it.

"You’ll come, right?"

I smiled, but it was more of a reflex than anything.

"Sure, of course."

Oscar didn’t seem to notice my hesitation.

"Awesome. I know everyone will be happy to see you."

He leaned in to kiss my forehead, and I held my breath for just a second, trying to push down the tightness that had suddenly crept into my chest.

But I couldn’t help it. Inside, I felt... different.

I should’ve been excited, right? After all, meeting up with friends was supposed to be a good thing.

It was supposed to be something I looked forward to.

But instead, there was this nagging feeling in the back of my mind, a knot tightening in my stomach.

The truth was, I didn’t feel like I was part of his world when we went out with his friends.

Not really. Not like I belonged, at least. They weren’t unkind, it was just like I was an outsider.

I tried to insert myself into conversations, but they always slipped back into their own comfortable rhythm, talking about racing, about sim racing, about things I just didn’t have the same connection to.

I wasn’t part of that world, and no matter how hard I tried, I could never quite bridge the gap.

And it always seemed like they didn't want me to be part of their conversations either.

But I couldn’t tell Oscar that. He loved his friends. And I loved him.

So I went along with it, even though it made me feel more like an accessory than a partner sometimes.

I didn’t want to disappoint him. I didn’t want to be the girlfriend who said no when he asked her to join him.

I didn’t want to be the one who got in the way of his friendships. If I didn’t go, they’d talk behind my back.

I knew they would. And I didn’t want to be that girl. The one who held him back or made him feel like he had to choose.

So I smiled, nodded, and said, "Sure, of course," even if it wasn’t how I felt.

Oscar’s voice broke through my thoughts. "You’re quiet. Everything okay?"

I blinked up at him, forcing my smile to stay in place. "Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking."

He smiled back, completely unaware of the turmoil inside me.

"Alright, then. I’m looking forward to it."

I nodded, but my thoughts wandered again. There was always this underlying feeling that I wasn’t really meant to be there.

When Oscar wasn’t around, I could feel the silence in the air, like I was standing on the outside of their inside jokes, and no matter how much I tried to join in, it was always just a little too late.

It was easier when Oscar was right there beside me, talking to me, pulling me into the conversation.

But the second he was distracted, even for a moment, it was like I was invisible.

And no one noticed. Not even him. It was like only his friends existed and I didn't have any.

The worst part? It wasn’t just this one time.

It was every time. It was a routine, something that was becoming harder and harder to ignore.

I had tried. God, I had tried so many times to get him to come out with my friends.

Tried to bring it up casually, to suggest that maybe, just maybe, I could spend time with my own group for a change.

But it always got brushed off, like my friends didn’t really matter as much.

"Oh, babe, I thought you wanted to hang out with me,"

he’d say, always with that playful grin, as if the suggestion that I might want a night out with my friends was absurd.

"Come on, you don’t want to miss out on the guys." And before I could even reply, he'd already be dragging me into some new conversation with his friends or making plans for something with them.

At first, I thought maybe it was just a coincidence. Maybe one night with his friends wouldn’t hurt.

But then it happened again. And again.

And each time, my attempt to spend time with my own friends was met with that same dismissive ease, as if it wasn’t even an option.

I couldn’t tell him how much it stung. I didn’t want to cause tension or make him feel bad.

He was just... excited to be with his friends. And I was happy for him, really, I was.

But the more I gave in, the more I realized how much I was missing out on my own life, my own connections.

But I could never say it. Not out loud. Because I didn’t want to disappoint him.

I didn’t want him to think I didn’t care about his friendships, or worse be seen as the girlfriend who couldn’t handle being around his friends.

I kept telling myself I was being unreasonable, that it was normal to spend so much time with his group. But deep down, I knew I was giving up something of myself every time.

And still, I went along with it. Like I always did.

"Alright, I’ll get ready," I said, trying to shake off the unease that had settled in my chest.

"Let’s go meet them."

Oscar grinned, clearly happy to see me gearing up for the night.

"I knew you’d come through," he said, giving me a quick, playful kiss on the cheek.

I returned his smile, but inside, I was already bracing myself for the evening.

For the smiles and the jokes, for the moments where I’d try to laugh along, to fit in, to make it through the night without feeling like I was losing myself a little more with each passing second.

I could do this. For him. Always for him.

But as I stepped into the bedroom to change, I couldn’t help but sigh.

Oscar and I arrived at the pub just as the evening sky darkened, the neon signs casting a warm glow against the wet pavement.

The usual buzz of London nightlife was already in full swing, and I could feel the energy in the air, but it felt so far removed from me.

I could hear the laughter and chatter before we even stepped inside.

Oscar grinned, pulling me by the hand toward the door, and I followed him through the dimly lit space, the noise growing louder with each step.

Inside, the group was already gathered around a corner booth, half of them already in animated conversation.

Mark waved enthusiastically when he saw us, and Max glanced up from his phone with a nod.

The others, Jake, Sam, and Alex were busy talking, their voices overlapping in that easy camaraderie they all shared.

Oscar, being Oscar, was immediately pulled into the conversation, his friends already excitedly discussing whatever they were talking about.

Probably something related to their latest weekend plans or their favorite shows.

He easily fell into the rhythm of their group, nodding along and laughing, without even sparing a glance at me.

It felt like I was invisible, sitting on the edge of this conversation I didn’t quite belong to.

"Hey, Y/n!" Mark said with a grin, leaning over to give me a fist bump.

"How’s it going?"

"Good, good," I mumbled, trying to smile. "Just... chilling."

I took the seat beside Oscar, settling into the booth but immediately feeling the weight of the conversation happening around me.

Oscar was already in a deep conversation with Mark and Max, nodding along and laughing at something one of them had said.

His arm was draped over the back of my chair, but he wasn’t really looking at me.

His attention was all on them. And for some reason, tonight, it felt more obvious than usual.

I glanced at the table, at the half-empty drinks, the clinking of glasses as the guys cheered each other on.

And there I was, on the edge of it all, nursing my drink, my eyes flickering around the room but never really landing anywhere.

Tonight, I wasn’t even trying to engage anymore. It felt pointless.

I wasn’t sure if I had given up or if I was just... tired.

Tired of trying to fit into a space that didn’t feel like mine.

At some point, the conversation shifted, and I overheard Mark suggesting that they should all go snowboarding for the weekend.

The thought of a weekend away, filled with snow and action, was enough to make their voices rise a little louder, their enthusiasm palpable.

But what caught my attention wasn’t the idea itself, it was how quickly Oscar jumped on board.

"Yeah, that sounds awesome," he said, nodding without missing a beat.

"We can go that weekend. It’s perfect."

And just like that, the plan was made.

Everyone agreed, and the group easily fell into the flow of arranging details.

But what made my chest tighten was how Oscar didn’t even hesitate.

Not even a moment's thought. He was already locked in with them.

But worse… he didn’t even ask me.

He didn’t even look at me to see if I had plans or if I had something I wanted to do.

He just assumed, and what hit me harder was when he added, without a second thought, "Y/n will come with us, too."

Like I was an afterthought. Like my opinion didn’t even matter.

I froze, my stomach twisting.

That weekend was the same weekend I had planned to hang out with my own friends.

The same friends I hadn’t seen in forever, the ones I was constantly sidelining to go to Oscar’s hangouts.

It wasn’t that I didn’t like Oscar’s friends. I did, in my own way.

But the more this happened, the more I realized just how much I missed my own group.

I missed their jokes, the way we could just talk about anything and everything without the weight of racing and sim setups hovering over us.

I missed me, the version of myself that wasn’t always Oscar’s girlfriend, the one who had her own life too.

I was getting tired of always saying "yes," of always being the one who dropped whatever I had planned to follow him into his world.

But when I looked at Oscar, when I saw how excited he was to go snowboarding with his friends, I knew he wouldn’t understand.

He wouldn’t get why it bothered me that he didn’t ask, that he just assumed I’d follow him wherever he went.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I needed to say something.

I should say something.

"Hey, Osc," I started, my voice just a little too tight.

"I had plans that weekend, actually... with my friends."

He didn’t even look at me.

He was still talking to Mark, leaning forward, already discussing the finer points of the snowboarding trip.

"Oh, you’ll be fine," he said with a wave of his hand. "It’ll be fun. Everyone’s going, right?"

He didn’t hear me. Didn’t even try to.

He just waved me off, like my plans didn’t matter.

I opened my mouth to say something, to try again, but before I could, Oscar’s attention was already back on Mark, and he was talking to Max about which resort to go to.

I felt the words catch in my throat, lost amidst the noise, as he dismissed me without even realizing it.

"Just wait, okay?" Oscar added his voice light, distracted.

"We’ll talk about it later, but let’s figure this out first."

And just like that, the conversation moved on.

I closed my mouth, my shoulders sinking.

I could feel the old familiar wave of frustration building up inside me, usually, I would just bite my tongue and swallow my pride.

But this time, something inside me snapped.

I was fed up. This was the last straw.

It wasn’t just the snowboarding weekend, it was everything.

The constant pushing aside of my feelings, my plans, my life outside of his world.

The way he always assumed my presence without ever considering what I wanted.

The way he took me for granted, not even realizing how much it hurt.

I couldn’t keep pretending that everything was fine.

I couldn’t keep swallowing my frustration just to keep the peace.

I didn’t want to be the girlfriend who was always there, who always said yes, who always smiled and nodded.

I was done.

Done pretending.

Done sacrificing my own happiness for his.

Done being an afterthought in my own relationship.

It was time for me to finally say something.

After hours of the guys planning their trip, talking and laughing, it was finally time to wrap it up.

I couldn't be more relieved but there was still one thing on my mind and that was confronting Oscar.

We sat in the car as Oscar drove us back home.

The car ride home was silent.

Oscar drove with his usual relaxed demeanor, one hand on the wheel, the other resting absentmindedly on my thigh.

Usually, that gesture made my heart flutter, but tonight it felt more like a formality, a habit.

Something that no longer had the warmth it used to.

I stared out the window, watching the blur of city lights pass by.

My jaw was clenched so tightly I was starting to feel the ache in my teeth, but I didn’t care.

The frustration, the hurt, all of it was bubbling up inside me.

I knew I couldn’t go to bed tonight without getting it out. I had to say something.

So I did.

“Oscar.”

He hummed in response, eyes focused on the road ahead, his fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel.

I hesitated, just for a moment.

But the frustration couldn’t be contained anymore.

“Why do we always hang out with your friends?”

His brow furrowed, and his eyes flicked toward me briefly before returning to the road.

“What do you mean love?”

I turned in my seat, crossing my arms over my chest, fighting the tightening in my throat.

“I mean every single time we go out, it’s always with your group. I never get to see my friends. You never let me make plans with them. Just yours.”

My voice wavered a little. “I always have to tag along.”

Oscar’s grip on the wheel tightened slightly, and he sighed. “That’s not true.”

“It is,” I said, my voice sharp.

“You always say ‘next time,’ but next time never comes. And when I bring it up, it’s like I’m asking for the world. I sit there with your friends, feeling like I don’t even exist, and you’re too busy to notice.”

His eyes flicked to me again, then back to the road.

“Y/n, you don’t have to come if you don’t want to.”

I blinked, stunned by his response. “Are you serious?”

“What?” He shot me a quick look, confusion flickering in his eyes.

“You’re acting like I’m forcing you.”

“You do force me, Oscar,” I snapped, my voice rising.

“You never ask. You just expect me to go along with whatever you’re doing. And the one time I try to suggest something for me, something with my friends you brush it off, or you convince me I don’t need them.”

My eyes stung with frustration.

“I’m not your accessory, Oscar. I’m not just supposed to be there when it’s convenient for you.”

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair.

“That’s not how it is. You’re making this into something it’s not.”

I shook my head, eyes staring out the window.

“Then explain it to me. Explain why it’s always you and your friends. Why it’s always your plans, your world, and I’m just... here. When’s the last time we did something you didn’t drag me into?”

There was a long pause, the only sound the hum of the tires against the road.

Oscar’s jaw clenched, and I could feel the shift in his energy like he was gearing up to defend himself. But nothing came.

Finally, he let out a frustrated sigh.

“You’re being selfish, Y/n. I don’t ask you to come every time. If you didn’t want to, you could just... not come. But you don’t, so don’t act like I’m forcing you to be there.”

My stomach dropped. “Excuse me?”

“I’m serious,” he said, voice tight.

“Why do you care so much? It’s not like they don’t like you.”

“That’s not the point, Oscar!” I practically shouted.

“The point is, you don’t make the same effort for me! You know, the person you’re supposed to care about? I follow you around like some lost puppy. I sit through conversations I don’t even understand, I pretend everything is fine, and every time I try to tell you how I feel, it’s like you don’t hear me. You don’t see me. It’s always about your plans, your life.”

Oscar glanced at me, his grip tightening on the steering wheel, a vein popping in his neck.

“I’m not saying it’s perfect. But it’s not like I’m ignoring you, Y/n.”

“Then why do I feel so damn invisible?” I shot back, my voice trembling now.

“I’m not asking for the world. I’m just asking for a little bit of effort. Just a little bit of balance, maybe, where my life matters too.”

He ran a frustrated hand through his hair, his voice dropping with a sigh.

“God, Y/n, it’s not a big deal. I don’t understand why you’re making this such a huge issue.”

“Not a big deal?” I let out a bitter laugh.

“You don’t get it. You never get it.”

Oscar’s frustration boiled over.

“You’re being unreasonable. I can’t change everything just because you’re suddenly upset about it. You're such a drama queen.”

His words stung, but I wasn’t backing down. I was done pretending.

I was done giving in.

“No, you can’t change everything overnight, Oscar. But you can start by acknowledging that I’m not just here for your convenience. I’m not just your plus-one to every single thing. I’m me. And I have my own life, my own friends, and I need you to care about that, too.”

Silence stretched between us, heavy and thick. Oscar’s jaw was clenched, his knuckles white against the wheel.

The air was thick with the weight of our words, of all the things we’d said that hadn’t been said before.

He didn’t respond at first. Just kept his eyes on the road, the car humming beneath us.

And I could feel the tension in the car, the space between us growing wider, like a chasm I wasn’t sure we could cross.

But I wasn’t going to back down.

“I’m not asking for everything, Oscar,” I whispered, almost to myself.

“I’m just asking to not feel like I’m invisible anymore.”

Neither of us spoke for the rest of the drive.

The night felt colder than it had before.

The drive home felt endless.

By the time we pulled up to our apartment building, the weight of everything hung thick in the air between us.

Oscar turned off the engine, his hand moving from the wheel to rest at his side, but he didn’t look at me.

He didn’t say anything.

The silence was louder than the car’s engine had ever been.

I sat there for a moment, my heart racing, my mind buzzing. I had hoped he would say something, anything.

An apology, an explanation. But he didn’t.

He didn’t even seem to want to acknowledge the fight we’d just had, the frustration and hurt I’d tried to lay out for him.

I wasn’t going to let this fester. Not again.

I took a deep breath, unclipping my seatbelt. Oscar still hadn’t moved, still hadn’t looked at me.

I reached for my bag, not even bothering to look his way.

His silence felt like the final nail in the coffin.

“I’m going to my best friend’s,” I said, my voice steady but cold.

Oscar’s gaze flickered toward me briefly, but his lips stayed pressed together, the weight of his pride holding him back from speaking.

I didn’t need to hear him say it; I already knew.

He was too stubborn, too set in his ways to admit he’d messed up.

I didn’t look back.

I grabbed my things and slammed the door behind me, making my way away from him.

It was truly a blessing that my bestie only lived 10 minutes away from us.

So I started walking, not even glancing back as I didn't want to see him anymore.

I didn’t know if I was more angry or heartbroken.

I should have known.

Oscar had always been more about his pride than admitting his wrongs.

He wouldn’t change, not now, not when I needed him to.

When I finally arrived at my best friend’s place, I knocked on the door with urgency.

As soon as she saw me, she opened it wide, pulling me inside without a word.

I collapsed into her arms, my body shaking as the tears I had been holding back for so long finally broke free.

“Hey, hey,” she murmured, her voice full of concern.

“What happened? What’s wrong?”

“I… I don’t even know where to start,” I sobbed, wiping my eyes.

“It’s Oscar. He doesn’t… he doesn’t listen. I’m not important to him, not the way he’s important to me.”

Her expression softened, and she guided me to the couch, sitting beside me.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I began to pour everything out.

“I feel like I’m just... a shadow in his life. I don’t exist in the way he does with his friends. We’re always with his group, and my friends are pushed aside. Every time I try to make plans, he shuts them down. And tonight… tonight, it was the last straw. I tried to tell him, but he just didn’t get it. He didn’t care. He just sat there, not even apologizing or acknowledging how hurt I was. I... I’m so tired of being invisible.”

She listened intently, not interrupting me, just offering a comforting presence as I vented.

When I finally fell silent, she pulled me into a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry, Y/n,” she whispered.

“You don’t deserve to feel like that. You’re worth so much more than how he’s treating you.”

I closed my eyes, letting myself relax in her arms for a moment.

I wasn’t ready to be okay, but at least here, I didn’t feel alone.

After a long while, she pulled back slightly, her gaze soft but serious.

“You know... everyone has missed you. We’ve all been wondering why you’ve been so distant lately. We haven’t seen you in forever. It’s like you’ve disappeared, and no one knew what to say.”

I sniffled, guilt crashing over me.

“I didn’t mean to shut everyone out. I just… I don’t know. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I’ve been so wrapped up in him. I should’ve been better.”

She shook her head, her expression softening.

“You don’t have to apologize for that. But you do need to come out with us tomorrow. You need to make it up to yourself, too. And to us. We miss you, Y/n. You need to have fun again, and be around people who actually appreciate you for you.”

I wiped my eyes, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

“You’re right. I’ve been so caught up in all of this that I forgot how to just... live. Yeah, I’ll go out tomorrow. I think I need it.”

She smiled warmly.

“Good. It’s time to get back to the things that make you happy. And if Oscar isn’t seeing that right now, then maybe it’s time for you to remind yourself of what really matters.”

I nodded, feeling a weight lifting off my shoulders.

I wasn’t okay yet, but for the first time tonight, I felt like maybe I could be.

I wasn’t alone in this. And tomorrow, tomorrow, I would take a step back into my own world. For me.

As we talked about the plans for tomorrow, I could feel the tension in my chest easing, replaced by a tiny flicker of hope.

Maybe, just maybe, I could start finding my way back to who I was before all of this.

Maybe it was time to stop losing myself.

A few weeks had passed, and I could feel myself slowly beginning to piece my life back together.

It wasn’t easy, but with the help of my best friend and some distance from Oscar, I was starting to remember who I was.

I was going out with my friends again, laughing and enjoying moments I had let slip away.

I even started picking up some old hobbies I had abandoned: reading, painting, and just spending time on myself.

I had a sense of peace that had been missing for a while.

But, despite all that, there was still something or rather, someone missing.

Oscar.

He’d tried reaching out to me multiple times, sending texts, calling, but I wasn’t ready to face him, not yet.

I couldn’t just pick up where we left off.

Not without feeling like I was compromising a part of myself again.

Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was always there, lingering on the edge of my thoughts, no matter how hard I tried to focus on myself.

I tried not to think about him too much.

One afternoon, I was standing in the grocery store, trying to figure out if I was in the mood for pasta or a salad for dinner, when I turned a corner and nearly ran into someone.

“Oof!” I exclaimed, stumbling back a bit.

I looked up, ready to apologize, but then my words caught in my throat.

It was Oscar.

For a moment, neither of us moved. I was frozen, staring at him, and he was doing the same.

He looked… different. Tired, maybe? But still, unmistakably him.

The way his eyes locked onto mine, the way he hesitated for just a second as if he was unsure how to approach me after everything.

It hit me harder than I expected.

“Y/n,” he said quietly, breaking the silence.

“Hey. Uh… wow. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

I forced a smile, though it didn’t reach my eyes.

“Yeah. Small world, huh?”

We both stood there for a beat, unsure of what to say next.

I could feel the tension in the air, thick with the unspoken words between us.

“How… how have you been?” he asked, his voice tentative, like he was testing the waters.

“I’m good,” I said, my tone a little stiff.

“Just been… figuring things out, you know?”

His eyes softened, and he looked like he wanted to say something more, but then I spoke again, cutting him off.

“What about that snowboarding trip? Didn’t you and your friends plan that?” I asked, my voice holding a bit more edge than I meant.

Oscar’s expression faltered, his gaze dropping for a moment.

When he met my eyes again, there was guilt written all over his face.

“I didn’t go,” he said quietly, almost as if it was a confession.

“I felt… I don’t know. I felt guilty. About everything. How I treated you. The way I didn’t listen.”

His words caught me off guard, and for a moment, I didn’t know how to respond.

He hadn’t gone? I hadn’t expected that.

But then again, I couldn’t tell if it was because he truly felt bad or if it was more out of obligation.

I didn’t know if I was ready to hear more.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

“We can’t have this conversation here,” I said, glancing around at the busy store.

I wasn’t ready to talk in front of strangers, especially not with all the emotion bubbling just under the surface.

Oscar nodded, clearly understanding.

“I get it. Um... we could talk at our- I mean my place? If you’re up for it.”

I hesitated. My first instinct was to say no, to walk away and continue living my life without him.

But something about his tone, something about the way he looked at me made me pause.

“I… I need to think about it first,” I said, my voice softer this time.

“I don’t know if I’m ready for that.”

“I understand,” he replied, his voice low.

“Take your time. I’ll be here when you’re ready.”

We stood there for a moment, neither of us moving.

It felt like the world had stopped for just a second, and I had to remind myself that we couldn’t go back to the way things were.

But then, with one last look, I turned and walked away, leaving him standing in the middle of the aisle.

When I arrived back at my best friend’s place, I was still in a daze.

I walked into the living room, where she was sitting on the couch, and collapsed next to her.

“Hey, what’s up?” she asked, looking up from her phone.

But as soon as she saw my face, her eyes softened with concern. “Wait. What happened?”

I let out a shaky breath, the weight of the encounter with Oscar finally hitting me.

“I ran into him. In the store. We… we talked.”

She raised an eyebrow, sitting up straighter.

“And? What happened?”

I recounted everything. The awkwardness, his apology, the way he hadn’t gone on the trip, the way he still seemed so... unsure of what to do with me.

I told her how he asked if we could talk later, and how I had told him I needed time to think about it.

When I finished, she sat quietly for a moment, processing.

“So, what do you think? Do you want to talk to him?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted.

“I’m still so confused. Part of me wants to just leave it behind, but another part of me… I don’t know. I think he really does feel bad. He didn’t go on the trip because of me.”

She nodded slowly, considering my words.

“Y/n, you have to do what feels right for you. But, maybe, just hear him out? I know how much he loves you. And if he’s changed, if he’s willing to try, maybe it’s worth it.”

I let her words sit in the air for a moment, and they resonated in ways I hadn’t expected.

She was right. I needed to make the decision for myself not based on fear, or anger, but on what I truly wanted.

“Okay,” I said, my voice a little steadier now.

“I’ll think about it. I’ll hear him out. But I’m not going back unless I know things are different.”

She smiled, a glint of understanding in her eyes.

“You’re strong, Y/n. Do what’s best for you. You deserve that.”

I nodded, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders.

Tomorrow, I would take that step.

Whatever happened after that, at least I knew I was doing it for me.

And if Oscar was willing to change, then maybe we could find a way forward.

The next day, after spending the night talking with my best friend and sorting through my feelings, I knew what I had to do.

I couldn’t keep avoiding the conversation with Oscar, not if I ever wanted closure or if there was even a chance at rebuilding what we once had.

It wasn’t going to be easy, and I wasn’t going to go easy on him.

But I owed it to myself to at least hear him out, to see if he was really ready to change, or if he was just another disappointment I’d have to swallow.

I arrived at his place in the late afternoon, my nerves tangled in my stomach like a thousand knots.

I stood in front of his door for a long moment, my hand hovering over the doorbell.

I hadn’t been here in weeks, and it felt strange, like I didn’t belong in this space anymore.

But I pressed the button anyway, and soon enough, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching from the other side.

I stood there for a moment, after he opened the door, taking him in.

His eyes widened in shock, his mouth parting like he couldn’t believe I was actually standing there.

But I wasn’t about to let him off the hook so easily.

“You came,” he said, a mix of surprise and something else, hope, maybe.

But I wasn’t about to let that sway me.

I nodded, stepping inside, and closed the door behind me with a soft click.

We stood in silence for a few seconds, an awkwardness hanging between us, but I wasn’t about to give in to it.

Not tonight.

I folded my arms across my chest, my posture stiff but determined.

“Yeah. I came. But don’t get too comfortable, Oscar. I’m not here to joke around. We need to talk.”

His eyes flickered, but he didn’t interrupt. Good.

He knew I wasn’t messing around. We both made our way to the couch, and when I sat down, he hesitated for just a second before sitting across from me.

The tension was palpable.

I could feel the familiar walls between us, the ones that had started to form before I even realized they were there.

I stared at him, holding his gaze with a quiet intensity.

“So. You’ve had time to think. I hope.”

Oscar shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the weight of the situation.

But that wasn’t my problem anymore.

“Y/n, I... I didn’t know how to start. I’m sorry for what I did. I know I messed up.”

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Sorry? Is that all you’ve got?”

His eyes widened. “What do you mean? I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

I didn’t care about his apology. I needed to know why he acted like he didn’t give a damn about me.

It wasn’t just about what he did. It was about how he never listened, never even saw how I was feeling. And that? That was unforgivable.

“You’re sorry?” I repeated, my voice dripping with disbelief.

“Really? Oscar, you’ve said that so many times, but you never change. Do you know why? Because you think that saying sorry is enough. You think you can just say the words and expect me to forget how you treated me. But it’s not enough. Not anymore. Not after everything.”

He opened his mouth to speak, but I didn’t let him.

“You dragged me to hangouts with your friends, never once asking if I was comfortable. You assumed I was fine when I was literally choking on my discomfort, just sitting there, trying not to be invisible. I tried to make it work, Oscar. I really did. I made the effort to be part of your world, even though it never felt like I belonged there. But when I tried to introduce you to my friends? You dismissed it. Over and over again.”

Oscar’s face softened, and for the first time, I saw the guilt settle in his eyes.

He opened his mouth again, but I cut him off.

“No, listen. You don’t get to just apologize and think that’s it,” I continued, my voice firm, unrelenting.

“I gave up my time for you. I sacrificed things that mattered to me, and you never even bothered to try and meet me halfway. When I tried to tell you how I was feeling, you brushed it off like it didn’t matter. It was never about me, Oscar. It was always about you, and that... that’s what broke me.”

His gaze dropped to the floor, shame painting his features. I could see how much it was hurting him to hear this, but that didn’t matter.

He needed to hear it. He needed to understand exactly how much he’d messed up.

“I want to believe you, Oscar. I really do,” I went on, my voice softer now, but no less strong.

“But you’ve got to do better. I’m not some backup plan that you can string along when it’s convenient for you. I’m not going to be okay with you shutting me out and only letting me into your world when you feel like it. I need to see that you’re willing to change. I need to see that I matter to you.”

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration and guilt mixing in his expression.

“I do care about you, Y/n. I never meant to make you feel that way. I was just... I was caught up in my own thing, and I didn’t notice how much I was neglecting you. I get it now. I understand. I’m sorry.”

I shook my head, unwilling to let him off the hook that easily.

“Sorry isn’t going to fix everything. You can’t just say ‘I’m sorry’ and think that erases the hurt. You have to show me that you mean it, that you’re actually going to put in the work. And no, I’m not just talking about saying the right things. I want to see it. I want to see actions. I want to see you make my world as important as yours. I want to feel like I matter, too. Like I’m chosen, not just tolerated.”

Oscar looked at me for a long time, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to find the right words.

I could tell he was genuinely sorry, but he also needed to do a hell of a lot more than apologize.

“I understand,” he said finally, his voice thick with emotion.

“I’ve been selfish. I’ve been an idiot. I’ll do better. I’ll show you. I’ll prove it. I don’t want to lose you, Y/n.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions.

“You’ve got one chance, Oscar. One. If you really want this, you’re going to have to fight for it. And I’m not going to make it easy for you.”

He nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving mine.

“I’ll fight for you. I swear I will. I don’t want to lose what we had.”

I stared at him for another moment, weighing his words. This wasn’t going to be easy.

It wasn’t going to be a quick fix, but something in me, something deep inside felt a flicker of hope.

“Alright,” I said finally, my voice a little more calm now.

“We’ll try again. But it’s on my terms. You have to show me that you can be the partner I deserve. No more half-assed efforts.”

He nodded quickly, relief flooding his face. “I will. I swear.”

I looked at him, trying to read him.

After everything, after all the hurt, there was a part of me that wanted to believe he’d actually changed.

I wasn’t sure if I was ready to open my heart completely again, but I was willing to give him the chance to prove himself.

“I’m not going to wait around forever, Oscar,” I added, my voice steady.

“If you screw this up again, I’m out. No second chances.”

“I understand,” he said softly.

“And I’ll do everything I can to make sure I don’t mess it up.”

We sat there, in that tense silence, for a few moments.

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t even close.

But for the first time in a while, I felt like we had a chance.

Maybe that was enough… for now.

The next few days with Oscar were... different.

I wasn’t expecting everything to change overnight, but I could see that he was genuinely trying.

It wasn’t just about words anymore; he was backing them up with actions..

And little by little, I started to see the man I had fallen for, the one who cared about me as much as I cared about him.

The first time I noticed it was when I came home from work one evening to find the apartment filled with the smell of my favorite dinner.

Oscar was in the kitchen, his sleeves rolled up, humming softly to himself as he cooked.

“You didn’t have to do this,” I said, leaning against the doorframe, watching him with a soft smile.

He turned around with a grin, his face lighting up when he saw me.

“I know, but I wanted to. I’ve been thinking a lot about everything we talked about, and... I want to show you that I can do better. So, I thought I’d start with cooking your favorite meal.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You sure you didn’t burn anything?”

“Not this time,” he said, giving me a teasing wink.

“I’m learning. Slowly.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

It was little things like this, him taking the time to make something for me, that made me realize he wasn’t just doing it to make up for what happened.

He was doing it because he wanted to.

Because he was present.

Another evening, we were sitting on the couch watching a movie. Oscar, without being asked grabbed my favorite blanket and draped it over me, making sure I was cozy.

It wasn’t a grand gesture, but it was thoughtful.

It was him, paying attention to what made me feel comfortable and cared for.

And then came the first big test.

Oscar’s friends invited us out for drinks, and usually, it would have been a given.

He would have agreed without even asking me what I wanted to do.

But this time, as he was texting them back, he turned to me, his expression serious.

“Hey love,” he said, his voice soft but sincere.

“My friends are asking if we want to go out tonight, but I wanted to check with you first. Do you have any plans? What do you want to do?”

I blinked, surprised. “Wait, you’re asking me?”

He nodded, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.

“Yeah, I want to make sure you’re happy too. So, if you want to do something else tonight, we can. I don’t want to just drag you along with them if you’d rather spend time with me.”

My heart melted. It was such a simple question, but it meant everything. smh the bare minimum.

He was considering me, truly thinking about what I wanted for once.

It was the moment I realized he had changed, he wasn’t just saying the right things anymore; he was actually acting on them.

I smiled, feeling the warmth in my chest spread.

“Well, actually, I’ve been wanting to go to that new café downtown. We could grab a coffee and walk around a bit, if you’re up for it.”

Oscar’s face broke into a grin, his eyes lighting up with genuine happiness.

“That sounds perfect. Let’s do it.”

As we got ready to leave, he grabbed my hand, squeezing it gently, as if to remind me that he was here, with me.

I wasn’t just an afterthought anymore; I was chosen. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like we were in this together.

The evening was exactly what I needed. A quiet, peaceful time with Oscar.

No distractions, no pressure. Just us, enjoying each other’s company.

And as we walked hand in hand down the street, I realized that I had never felt more at ease with him.

The old Oscar, the one who would disappear into his world without a second thought, was gone.

And in his place, there was someone who truly cared about us, about building something that could last.

I knew it wasn’t perfect, and there would still be bumps along the way, but as we shared a quiet laugh and a moment of ease, I couldn’t help but believe that we were getting there.

That night, as we walked back home, he pulled me closer, his arm around my waist.

“I’m really glad we did this,” he said quietly, his breath warm against my ear.

“Me too,” I replied, looking up at him with a smile.

“I think this is the start of something really good.”

And for the first time in a long time, I truly believed it.

The end

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