the day before a big event was always the hardest for me. not because of the aftermath — i was used to that — but because it always left me feeling like a bit of a wreck. interviews, press, all that nonsense, it drained the life out of me. and it wasn't even the fact that i had to deal with all the attention; it was that everything felt like a game. everything was calculated, everything was about what people saw, and how they saw me. the pressure to constantly be "on" wore me down.

but today was different. today i had an event to attend, and for once, i wasn't excited about it. the problem? i had to go alone. i hated going solo to these things — i needed someone by my side. someone who wasn't there for the spotlight, but who was just... with me. and if i'm being honest, there was only one person i wanted to go with. imogen.

it was a gala thing, all glitz and glam, and my team kept pushing me to go. and honestly, i just couldn't be bothered. i'd already been to a million of these things, and they all blended together. the red carpet, the cameras, the fake smiles. i hated it all. but now that imogen was in my life, things were different. i didn't want to face this world without her by my side.

so, there i was, pacing around my living room, ranting to her over the phone. i was on my third cup of coffee, already jittery from too much caffeine, and i was trying to talk myself into going to this event.

"i just don't wanna do it," i said, running a hand through my hair. "it's always the same shit, imogen. i can't stand it. i don't wanna go without someone."

"what's the problem?" she asked, her voice so calm and sweet, like she wasn't dealing with a complete mess. "it's just an event, lou. you're gonna be fine."

"no, it's not just an event," i said, the frustration creeping in. "it's a goddamn circus. you know how it is. everyone staring, flashing cameras, people making fake small talk. i hate it. and i don't wanna go alone."

there was a slight pause on the other end, and then i heard her voice, soft and teasing, like she knew exactly what she was doing. "you're really not good at this, are you?"

"no, i'm not," i admitted, laughing a little. "that's why i need you to come with me. please."

"louis, it's just an event," she said again, but there was something different in her tone now. a playfulness, maybe? i could practically hear the wheels turning in her head.

"yeah, but you're my date, imogen," i said, half-seriously. "come with me. i can't stand doing these things alone anymore. i want you by my side."

i could hear her giggling on the other side, and i had to admit, hearing her laugh made the whole situation feel less like a nightmare and more like something i could get through.

"so what do you say?" i asked, my voice low and a little bit desperate. "please."

there was a beat of silence, and then i heard her answer, her voice full of mischief. "only if you hold my hand the entire time."

i stopped in my tracks, caught off guard by her response. "what?"

"you heard me," she said, clearly enjoying this. "if i'm going, you've got to hold my hand. no running off and pretending you're still single."

i felt a grin tug at my lips. "oh, i see how it is. you're going to make me commit in front of a crowd?"

"yup," she said cheerfully. "you're going to have to show the world you're not just a heartbreaker anymore. you're mine, louis."

hearing her say that sent a thrill through me. my chest tightened, and i couldn't help but smile, feeling a mix of happiness and excitement. imogen and i had always been close, but this felt like a step forward. she was making it clear, in her own sweet way, that she was in this with me.

"deal," i said, my voice suddenly more serious. "i'll hold your hand, and i'll make sure everyone knows you're mine. i want everyone to know, imogen. i want everyone to see how lucky i am."

"good," she replied softly. "because we both know you need me to get through this."

i let out a chuckle, the nerves i'd been feeling fading as her words sunk in. "don't worry, bluey. i've got you."

"and i've got you," she said, her tone tender.

we both stayed silent for a moment, and i could almost feel her smile through the phone. it was a rare kind of moment, something that felt special. i didn't need to impress anyone with my career or status. i didn't need to be "the guy" they all wanted to know. with imogen, i could just be myself. and that felt like enough.

"so," i said, breaking the silence, "are you ready to get dressed up and make everyone else jealous? because, trust me, you're going to steal the spotlight tonight."

"i'm ready," she replied, a teasing tone in her voice. "but only if you look as good as you sound."

"i'll do my best," i said with a grin, knowing full well i didn't need to try hard when imogen was already making me feel like i was the luckiest guy in the world.

after we hung up, i couldn't help but feel the weight of what was happening. i had no idea how tonight was going to go. i'd never been one to be public about my relationships — i'd always kept that side of my life private. but with imogen? something had changed. i wanted to shout from the rooftops about how amazing she was. i wanted the world to see her, to know that she was mine.

and if tonight was the night we'd start showing everyone that? i was ready. ready to let them see exactly how happy she made me.

when imogen arrived later, i couldn't help but feel a little nervous again. this was it. tonight was the night.

"you look amazing," i said, eyes wide as i took her in. she was stunning, her dress simple but elegant, her smile lighting up the room.

imogen smirked, giving me a once-over. "you don't look so bad yourself."

i held out my hand to her, the moment feeling more significant than it ever had before. she took it, her fingers wrapping around mine, and i immediately felt the nerves melt away.

tonight, we were doing this. and whatever happened next, i knew i wouldn't want to be anywhere else.