𝘼𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙋𝙊𝙑:
I woke up to the smell of coffee.

For a second, I forgot Chris had stayed over. But as I shuffled out of bed and into the kitchen, I found him standing by the counter, staring at his phone, one hand wrapped around a mug.

He looked tired. His hair was sticking up in about five different directions, and he had that slightly dazed expression that meant he was awake but not functioning yet.

"You look rough," I mumbled, grabbing a glass from the cupboard.

Chris barely glanced up. "Morning to you too."

I smirked, pouring myself some water. "Didn't sleep well?"

He let out a short laugh. "Not exactly."

I didn't ask why.

Instead, I leaned against the counter, watching as he absently sipped his coffee, still distracted by whatever was on his phone.

"What're you looking at?" I asked, curious.

Chris blinked, like he'd just remembered I was there. "Simon just texted."

I raised an eyebrow. "Sidemen Simon?"

"Yeah." He turned his phone toward me so I could read the message.

Si: Bro, we're doing the A-Z eating challenge today. Running around London eating foods in alphabetical order. You in?

I let out a laugh. "That sounds chaotic."

Chris smirked. "Yeah, sounds about right."

"You doing it?"

He hesitated for a second, then shrugged. "Might as well."

I nodded. "Free food."

"Exactly."

Chris typed out a quick reply, then set his phone down and stretched, letting out a groan.

I grabbed a banana from the fruit bowl and peeled it, watching as he lazily scratched the back of his head.

"You should join," he said suddenly.

I snorted. "I'm not a YouTuber."

"So?" He smirked. "Just means you'd be funnier to watch."

"Yeah, no thanks." I took a bite of my banana. "Running around London while you lot stress about food doesn't sound appealing."

Chris grinned. "Coward."

"Absolutely."

His phone buzzed again. Another message from Simon.

Si: Meet at the Sidemen house in an hour. Bring your appetite.

Chris sighed. "Guess I should get going soon."

I nodded, trying to ignore the weird little pang of disappointment.

Not that I wanted him to stay.

Not that I cared.

...Right?

𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝙋𝙊𝙑:

I leaned against the kitchen counter, sipping the last of my coffee while Avery scrolled through her phone across from me.

"You got plans today?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

She shrugged. "Not really. Might go out later, but nothing solid."

I smirked. "So, basically, you're free."

Avery narrowed her eyes. "Why?"

I shrugged, playing it casual. "Just saying."

She gave me a suspicious look but didn't press it.

I set my mug down. "Right, I need to get ready."

Avery glanced at my clothes. "You're wearing the same thing as yesterday."

"Yeah, no shit." I gestured toward myself. "Didn't exactly plan on staying over, did I?"

She smirked. "Shame. Could've lent you one of my hoodies."

I rolled my eyes. "I'll pass."

I grabbed my bag from the sofa and headed toward the bathroom. As I shut the door behind me, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

Messy hair. Wrinkled clothes. Definitely not looking my best.

Sighing, I splashed some water on my face and ran a hand through my hair, trying to make it look somewhat decent.

A knock on the door made me pause.

Avery's voice came through. "I'm coming in."

Before I could respond, the door cracked open, and she slipped inside, leaning against the wall.

I raised an eyebrow. "You just had to be in here, huh?"

She smirked. "It's my flat. If anything, you're invading my space."

"Fair point." I grabbed a towel and dried my face. "Enjoying the view?"

Avery snorted. "Relax. I've seen worse."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smirking.

As I pulled on my hoodie, Avery perched on the edge of the sink. "So, what's the plan for this Sidemen thing?"

I adjusted my sleeves. "Running around London, eating food in alphabetical order, probably getting judged by strangers."

Avery hummed. "Sounds chaotic."

"Because it is."

She tilted her head. "You sure you're not gonna throw up halfway through?"

I shot her a look. "That was one time."

Avery grinned. "One time too many."

I shook my head, smirking as I grabbed my bag. "Alright, I'm off."

We walked back into the living room, and I headed for the door.

But before I left, I turned back. "You sure you don't wanna come?"

Avery rolled her eyes. "I already said no."

I shrugged. "Could be fun."

She hesitated.

Just for a second.

I could see the debate happening in her head.

Then, with an exaggerated sigh, she threw her hands up. "Fine."

I grinned. "Knew you'd cave."

She groaned. "If I regret this, I'm blaming you."

I smirked. "Wouldn't have it any other way."