A/N: Triple Update, Happy Valentine's Day ♡

𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The flashing cameras, the staged poses, the distant sound of a stylist adjusting someone's collar—it was all just another day at work.

The cast and I had done a million of these photoshoots, but that didn't mean we weren't going to make it as chaotic as possible.

JD and Madison were in full goofball mode, making exaggerated model faces between shots. Drew and Rudy were in the background, talking smack about who looked better in beachwear.

"I'm just saying," Rudy started, "some of us have been working on their summer body."

Drew scoffed. "Yeah? And some of us don't have to." Madison burst out laughing. "He got you there, Rudy."

Carlacia, ever the professional, shook her head. "Can we at least pretend we know how to act in front of cameras?"

JD, grinning, turned dramatically. "We are acting, Carlacia. That's literally our job."

I laughed as the photographer waved us into another round of poses.

After another thirty minutes, we finally got a break. I grabbed a water bottle and slumped onto one of the couches near the dressing area. Madison and JD followed immediately, looking far too entertained.

"So," JD said, stretching his arms behind his head, "you gonna tell us when you're seeing your firefighter friend again?"

I sighed, knowing exactly where this was going. Carlacia smirked as she plopped down beside us. "Oh, yeah. What's her name again? Y/n?"

Madison grinned. "You're acting like you don't remember every detail, Carlacia."

I rolled my eyes. "You guys are so dramatic."

JD gasped, clutching his chest. "Wow. That's crazy coming from you."

Carlacia tilted her head. "So... when's the next meet-up?"

I huffed. "There's no meet-up." Madison squinted at me. "Mmm. Okay. So if I check your phone, there's not gonna be a text thread with her?"

I took a sip of water. "Nope."

JD's jaw dropped. "Wait, wait, wait—you still don't have her number?"

Carlacia groaned, throwing a pillow at me. "Madelyn. Come on."

I sighed, exasperated. "I didn't think about it, alright?" JD pointed at me. "Rookie mistake."

Carlacia smirked. "Oh get off her back, you're still single Jonathan."

Madison and I grinned, laughing at JD who now was rolling his eyes.

"Just make up a reason to see her again," Madison shrugged.

JD gasped. "Ooh! just pretend the fire detectors need checking."

The three of them looked at each other, then back at me. I groaned. "You guys need a hobby."

Carlacia smirked. "And you need her number."

I rolled my eyes, but I wasn't gonna admit they were absolutely right.

𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The firehouse was buzzing with post-shift energy, but for me, it was winding down. I was ready to shower and go home, but Caleb? He was thriving. I swear, I've been working practically back to back and I can't wait to be in my bed.

"You can't be serious," I said, leaning against the counter in the kitchen.

Caleb, standing across from me, waved a bag of chips in the air. "Tell me this isn't the best flavor."

I stared at him. "Salt and vinegar is disgusting." He gasped like I'd just insulted his entire family. "Take that back."

I smirked. "Nope."

Caleb dramatically placed a hand over his heart. "I don't even know who you are anymore."

I grabbed a bag of barbecue chips from the counter and held it up. "This is the superior choice."

Caleb scoffed. "You're so basic."

I rolled my eyes, tearing the bag open. "At least my breath doesn't smell like straight-up battery acid after I eat."

Caleb shook his head. "Unbelievable. I thought we were friends."

I chuckled, throwing a chip at him. "We are. That's why I'm telling you the truth."

For a moment, we just stood there, munching on chips, like we hadn't just had a full-blown debate over snacks.

Then Caleb smirked. "You wanna play ping pong before you crash?"

I groaned. "Caleb. No. I'm done with the shift, I'm not about to get roped into another game where you cheat and somehow pretend it's skill."

Caleb looked personally offended. "I never cheat."

I arched a brow. "Mmm. Okay and I'm the Queen of England,"

"You just suck."

I threw another chip at him before running to the bathroom, knowing he'd try and catch me if I didn't. I don't know who hired us at the same station after the academy but, I'm sure my job wouldn't be as fun if they didn't.

The second I stepped out of the shower and changed, I grabbed my bag and started heading for the exit—until I noticed someone leaning against a car just outside.

I squinted. There was no way.

...Madelyn Cline was back. I walked outside, raising an eyebrow. "You again?"

Madelyn grinned. "What? Can't a girl visit a firehouse just for fun?"

"You sure you don't have, like, a show to shoot?"

Madelyn shrugged. "Maybe. But I figured I'd see if you actually check fire detectors."

I blinked. "...What?"

She crossed her arms, completely unbothered. "Yeah, I think my apartment needs a fire safety check."

I squinted at her. "You drove all the way here just to tell me that?"

She smirked. "I like to be thorough."

I pinched the bridge of my nose trying to cease the smile that almost spread across my face. "You could've just called the department."

Madelyn smiled. "I could have but why do that when I could call the one firefighter I already know?"

I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. "You couldn't call me, you don't even have my number."

Madelyn grinned. "My point exactly," Madelyn smiled as she pulled her phone out and handed it to me.

"Smooth," I muttered with a smirk as I typed my number in and called myself to save her number.

Madelyn, smirking like she won something, locked her phone, sliding it back into her pocket.

"Now that wasn't so hard, was it?" she teased.

I rolled my eyes, but I was smiling. Madelyn lingered for a second, like she wasn't in a rush to leave.

Madelyn glanced at me. "So... I guess I'll see you soon?"

I smirked. "Guess so."

𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The second I got back to my car, I pulled out my phone and messaged the OBX group chat.

POGUE HOES ⚓️

Kook Princess 🤍:
Y/n may or may not be coming to check the fire detectors at the apartment...

JD IMMEDIATELY responded.

JD 🏀:

Lacey ✨:
You did not?!

Starkey 💩:
Lmfaoooo, Madz, why are you so down bad

Maddie Bailz 💜:
I love the confidence to go after what you want, that's my kook princess

I sighed.

JD sent a gif of someone slow-clapping.

JD 🏀:
Proud of you, Madz, never thought we'd see the day

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't stop smiling. I finally got her number.