A/N: Another update because I'll be super busy this weekend and probably won't get around to posting until Monday/Tuesday! ♡

𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

I had been preparing for this.

I'd been in press circuits before, sitting in these chairs, under these lights, smiling as questions were fired off from every direction. I had done this so many times I could answer in my sleep.

I knew how to navigate awkward moments, how to dodge invasive questions with charm, how to keep things light and playful for the audience.

But today felt different.

Today, I knew what was coming.

I could feel it in my bones, in the way the reporters lingered a little too long when I walked in, in the way their eyes flickered toward their notecards, itching to get to the question. The one that had taken over the internet for the past few weeks.

I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as I adjusted my posture, smoothing down my dress. The cameras were rolling, the lights were hot against my skin, and Drew was sitting beside me, a reassuring presence as he always was.

The interviewer, a woman with a practiced smile and a perfectly rehearsed voice, leaned forward slightly, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Madelyn, you've had an incredible year—projects lined up, so much fan support. But of course, we have to talk about the internet's latest obsession."

I already knew where this was going.

I forced a small smile, tilting my head slightly. "Oh?"

She grinned. "Your Instagram post. The Instagram post. You've got everyone talking. We all want to know... who's the mystery woman?"

I kept my expression neutral, even as my stomach twisted.

Drew subtly shifted beside me, his body angling slightly like he was already preparing to step in if needed.

I let out a small, polite laugh, leaning back in my seat slightly. "I think the internet's been having fun piecing things together, huh?"

The interviewer wasn't going to let up that easily. She smirked. "I mean, it's rare to see you post something so personal. And that caption... pretty romantic. Would you say this is your way of confirming a relationship?"

I hesitated for half a second—barely noticeable, but I knew it was there. I had rehearsed a dozen responses in my head, ways to steer the conversation, but being asked so directly like this still made my heart pound.

I gave a small shrug, keeping my smile in place. "I think some things are nice to keep private, you know? Not everything has to be for the public eye."

She nodded, but I could tell she still wasn't finished. "Of course, but given how invested your fans are... it's only natural they'd be curious." She paused, then with a tone so casual it almost caught me off guard, she asked, "So, would you say you identify as a lesbian?"

My breath hitched.

It was such a straightforward question, thrown in so effortlessly like it wasn't something personal, like it wasn't something I hadn't even fully spoken about yet.

Drew immediately shifted beside me, and I could feel him tense. I kept my expression smooth, forcing myself to stay composed, but my nails dug slightly into my lap.

I felt like the air had been sucked out of the room.

The interviewer wasn't done. "I mean, some fans have always speculated or hoped, but this is the first time we've seen anything that seems like real confirmation. Was this your way of coming out?"

Drew didn't even let me answer before he leaned in slightly, his voice calm but firm. "I think what Madelyn is saying is that not everything needs to be labeled or dissected for the public."

The interviewer turned to him, unfazed. "Of course, but—"

Drew smiled—polite but final. "And I think we're good to move on."

The interviewer hesitated, clearly debating whether to push further, but the shift in the energy was enough to make her back off. She gave a small nod, quickly switching gears. "Fair enough. Let's talk about Outer Banks season four!"

I barely heard the next question. My ears were ringing, my chest felt tight, and I couldn't stop my hands from gripping the fabric of my dress just to keep them steady.

I had expected this. I had known it was coming. But that didn't make it any easier.

Somehow, I made it through the rest of the interview, smiling when I needed to, nodding at the right moments. But the second we were off-air, Drew grabbed my wrist gently, pulling me aside.

"You okay?" he murmured.

I swallowed hard, forcing a small laugh as I blinked rapidly, willing away the sting in my eyes before it could ruin my makeup. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine."

Drew gave me a look. He didn't believe me.

I let out a shaky breath, pressing my fingers against my temples for a second before dropping my hands, exhaling. "I knew it was coming. I just..." I shook my head. "I didn't expect it to hit like that."

Drew didn't say anything—just pulled me into a long, tight hug. I melted into it, letting my shoulders relax for the first time since the cameras started rolling.

"You handled it," he murmured. "Better than most would."

I gave a small, weak chuckle against his shoulder. "Barely."

He pulled back, his hands squeezing my arms. "They're gonna talk no matter what. But you don't owe anyone an explanation, okay? You share what you want, when you want. That's it."

I nodded slowly, inhaling deeply, letting his words sink in. "Yeah. Okay."

Drew smiled, giving me a reassuring nod before glancing over my shoulder. "You good to go take pictures now? Or do you need another minute?"

I groaned, rubbing my face. "God, I forgot about that part."

"Yeah, well," Drew smirked. "Hate to break it to you, but they're waiting for you."

I sighed dramatically, already dreading it. "Fine. Let's get this over with."

I took another deep breath, squared my shoulders, and walked toward the next wave of flashing cameras, plastering my best red carpet smile in place—because, like always, the show had to go on.

. . .

The moment I stepped off the press stage, I wanted to be anywhere but here.

The pictures, the flashing lights, the endless smiling—it was all second nature by now, but today, it felt suffocating. The weight of the interview, of the questions I hadn't been ready to answer, still clung to me like a second skin.

I just needed a second. A break. A breath of air that wasn't tainted with speculation and headlines already being typed out.

But of course, I didn't get that.

Because the second I turned the corner, I walked straight into Chase.

"Madelyn," he said, his voice too familiar, too casual, like we were still the people we used to be.

I tensed immediately, every muscle in my body locking up as I took a half-step back. "Chase."

He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest, giving me that smirk that used to feel charming but now just felt like a warning sign. "So... that was a hell of an interview."

I clenched my jaw. "Not really in the mood right now, Chase."

He let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "No, I bet you're not." His eyes flicked over me, assessing, like he was waiting for something. "I gotta say, though, this whole mystery girlfriend thing? Bold move, Madz."

I exhaled sharply, already regretting not walking away the second I saw him. "Not a move. It's my life."

Chase shrugged, his smirk still in place. "Hey, I'm just saying—it's wild, right? The whole internet going crazy, people digging up every little thing about you, about her." His eyes darkened slightly. "Bet that's been fun."

I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms. "If you have something to say, just say it."

Chase tilted his head, feigning innocence. "Me? Nah. I'm just looking out for you."

My fingers twitched at my sides. "Looking out for me?"

"Yeah," he said, stepping just the slightest bit closer. "You think all this is gonna end well? That people are just gonna move on? You know better than anyone how this industry works. They build you up just to tear you down."

I felt my stomach twist, but I refused to let him see it. "I can handle it."

Chase raised an eyebrow. "Can she?"

My jaw locked.

He smirked again, like he'd found exactly where to press. "She's not in this world, Madelyn. She doesn't know how it works. You think she's ready for people digging into her job? Her family? You think she's ready for the headlines that'll come when they finally get a good enough picture of you two together?"

My nails dug into my palms. "You don't know anything about her."

He laughed under his breath, shaking his head. "Sure. But I know you." He took another step forward, his voice lowering just enough to feel like a challenge. "And I know how this ends."

Something inside me snapped.

"You don't know shit," I seethed, my voice quiet but cutting. "Not about me. Not about her. Not about anything."

Chase held up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No need to get worked up."

My whole body was tense, my heart pounding in my chest. "Stay out of my business, Chase."

Before he could respond, a voice cut in.

"Yo, dude, knock it off."

I turned just in time to see Drew and JD approaching, both of them looking somewhere between annoyed and done.

Drew stepped between me and Chase, his eyes sharp. "That's enough. You know she's already having a rough day."

Chase scoffed, shaking his head. "Relax, man. We were just talking."

JD crossed his arms. "No, you were stirring shit up. Let it go."

Chase rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath before stepping back. "Fine. Whatever. Just don't come crying when—"

"Walk away, Chase," Drew said, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument.

For a second, it looked like Chase wanted to push back, but then he sighed, throwing his hands up before finally turning and disappearing down the hallway.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. JD turned to me, his expression softer now. "You okay?"

I forced a small nod, still trying to shake off the weight of the conversation. "Yeah. Thanks, guys."

Drew frowned. "You don't have to deal with that alone, you know."

I exhaled, rubbing a hand over my face. "I just—I just need to get through the rest of today."

JD nudged my shoulder lightly, a small attempt at getting me to smile. "Well, good news is, fans are already hyping you up outside. They're gonna make you feel better than any of this bullshit."

I managed a small smile, nodding. "Yeah. You're right."

Drew gave me one last look before squeezing my shoulder. "We got your back."

And just like that, some of the weight lifted.

I took another deep breath, squared my shoulders, and prepared myself for the next round.

. . .

I shook my head, forcing the thoughts away, before heading toward the back entrance of the building where security was leading me out. Drew and JD had stuck close the whole time, and I was grateful for it, even if I hadn't said anything.

But the second I stepped outside—

All the heaviness, all the frustration, all the tension from the day?

It melted just a little.

Because waiting outside, lined up along the barricades, were my fans.

And the second they saw me, they erupted.

"MADZ, WE LOVE YOU!!"

"YOU LOOK SO GOOD!!"

"ICONIC QUEEN!!"

Some were holding signs—some funny, some sweet, some just straight-up chaotic. One caught my eye: 'Madelyn, adopt me. I'm serious.'

I let out a breath, my lips twitching into a small, tired smile. The energy was contagious. They didn't care about the drama, the speculation, the headlines. They were just here because they loved me.

And God, I needed that reminder today.

I stepped closer to the barricade, immediately reaching for the hands outstretched toward me. "Hi, oh my God, y'all are so sweet," I said, my voice instantly lighter.

The fans immediately started talking over each other.

"HOW ARE YOU, QUEEN?"

"YOU LOOK AMAZING, WE LOVE YOU!!"

"CAN I GET A SELFIE???"

I laughed, nodding. "Of course!"

I started snapping selfies with everyone, signing posters, chatting about Outer Banks, listening to them tell me how much the show meant to them. The warmth in my chest grew with every second, the weight from earlier loosening little by little.

"How's your night going?" I asked one girl who looked like she was shaking from excitement.

"Better now that I'm breathing the same air as you," she blurted out before immediately covering her mouth, her eyes wide. "OH MY GOD, DID I JUST SAY THAT OUT LOUD?"

I died laughing. "You did, but honestly? Best compliment ever."

Her friend nudged her. "Girl, you literally just flirted with her."

The girl nearly collapsed. "I DIDN'T MEAN TO, I PANICKED!"

I grinned, signing her phone case. "I love you guys so much."

One fan held up their phone. "Madelyn, can I ask you one thing?"

I nodded. "Yeah, of course!"

They smirked. "Blink twice if the mystery girlfriend is real."

The fans erupted.

I bit my lip, laughing as I pretended to adjust my hair—blinking twice in the process.

"OH MY GOD, SHE DID IT!!"

"CONFIRMED!!"

"ICONIC BEHAVIOR."

I just shook my head, giggling. "I didn't say anything."

Someone else yelled, "Y'ALL SEE HOW SHE AVOIDS DENYING IT? SHE LOVES HER!!"

I blushed, my face burning, but I just waved them off, signing more things before stepping back. "Okay, I gotta head out, but I love you guys so much!"

More screams. More love. More warmth.

As I got into the car, I finally let out a long breath, closing my eyes for a second.

The day had been rough. The interview had drained me. Chase had pissed me off. But this?

This made it better.

These people—these fans? They saw me. They cared.

And for the first time today, I didn't feel so alone.

. . .

𝐘/𝐍'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

I had just closed my eyes for the first time in what felt like forever when my phone started vibrating against my chest.

I groaned, barely cracking one eye open as I reached for it. The firehouse bunk room was dim, the faint hum of radios and distant chatter filling the air. I had about four hours left on my 48-hour shift, and I was dead.

But then I saw Madelyn's name on my screen.

And suddenly, exhaustion didn't matter.

I swiped to answer, my voice coming out groggy. "Hey, baby."

There was a pause, a deep breath on the other end, and then—

"God, I miss you."

My heart softened instantly.

I sat up a little, rubbing my face. "Rough day?"

Madelyn let out a dry laugh. "You have no idea."

I could hear the exhaustion in her voice, the way it cracked just slightly at the edges.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice softer now, already shifting into comfort mode.

She sighed. "Press was brutal. Chase was worse. Drew and JD saved my ass, and then fans outside reminded me why I love doing this in the first place."

I frowned immediately at the mention of Chase. "What did he do?"

Madelyn hesitated. "Just... Chase being Chase. Stirring shit up. Saying things he had no business saying."

My jaw tightened. "Want me to beat his ass?"

That got a real laugh out of her. "Tempting, but I think Drew and JD had it covered."

I huffed. "Still. I don't like him messing with you."

"I know," she murmured. "I don't either."

I ran a hand through my hair, letting my head rest back against the pillow. "I wish I was there."

Madelyn sighed. "Me too."

There was a beat of silence, and then, softer—

"Can you just talk to me for a little bit? I just wanna hear your voice."

My heart clenched in the best way.

"Yeah, baby. Of course."

So I talked.

About work, about Storm, about how Caleb and Lili had been making fun of me for not knowing how to properly fold a fitted sheet.

Madelyn listened, humming every now and then, making small little comments that made me smile.

But then—

The fire alarm blared.

I jumped, instantly shifting into work mode, my heart already picking up. "Shit—Madz, I gotta go."

She let out a small noise, barely masking her disappointment. "Oh. Yeah, okay, of course. Be safe, okay?"

I grabbed my turnout gear, shoving my phone into my pocket. "I'll call you the second I get a break, I promise."

Madelyn hesitated. "Okay. I love you."

I softened. "I love you too, baby."

And then I was running.

. . .

𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐲𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The second the call ended, the silence in my hotel room felt deafening. I let out a slow breath, rubbing my temples. I knew Y/n couldn't help it. I knew her job came first. I respected it.

But right now? Right now, all I wanted was to not feel so alone. I hesitated before opening my contacts and pressing another name. The phone rang twice before I heard my dad's voice.

"Madelyn! Hey, sweetheart!"

The tightness in my chest loosened instantly.

"Hey, Dad," I murmured, my voice softer now.

"How's New York treating you?"

I swallowed. "It's... a lot." There was a pause, then a knowing hum. "Ah. Press tour stress?"

I let out a dry laugh. "Something like that." I could hear my mom in the background, her voice faint but concerned. "Is that my baby? Put me on speaker!"

I smiled despite myself. "Hi, Mom."

"Oh, honey, you sound exhausted."

I sighed. "Because I am exhausted."

They both chuckled. "Well, tell us everything. You know we don't keep up with all that Hollywood drama."

And just like that, for the first time all day, I felt okay.

But then, right as I was starting to relax, my dad cleared his throat.

"So when are we meeting her?" My dad questioned. My stomach twisted. I stared at my phone, my parents still on speaker, their voices warm and familiar—yet suddenly carrying a weight that made my chest tighten. They wanted to meet Y/n.

I knew this conversation was coming eventually. I just hadn't expected it to happen like this—not in the aftermath of an exhausting press event, not after my name had been thrown into headlines dissecting my love life.

And definitely not when I hadn't even properly told them about Y/n in the first place.

I cleared my throat, shifting on the bed, suddenly needing something—anything—to keep my hands busy. "I mean... yeah, I guess you should meet her at some point."

My mom scoffed. "At some point? Madelyn, we didn't even know you were serious about someone."

I winced. "I—I mean, I mentioned I was seeing someone..."

"For months, you kept it vague," my dad cut in, his tone even but laced with curiosity. "And now, suddenly, we're seeing all of this unfold online? Headlines? Speculation? You never once brought her up by name."

I pressed my lips together, staring at the ceiling. They weren't wrong. When I first started seeing Y/n, I kept it light in conversation with them—partly because I didn't know where things were going, partly because I