“and ooh, we’re hanging on by threads. and I can’t hold it any harder on my end, no.” - role model
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And somehow, you were going there—with someone you loved.
You sat by the train window, your reflection faint against the glass as the scenery blurred past in soft greens and golds. Music played quietly through your earbuds, the rhythm matching the steady motion of the train.
You let yourself get lost in it—the views, the quiet, the feeling of being here.
Then Daniela’s hand slipped into yours.
Your gaze dropped, and a small smile found its way onto your lips.
That had become normal now.
Like it had always been there.
You looked at her, and she was already looking at you—smiling the same way.
You leaned over without thinking, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
Daniela grinned, a quiet, content kind of smile, before reaching up and tugging one of your earbuds out. She placed it in her own ear, then rested her head on your shoulder like it was the easiest thing in the world.
There was no denying that anymore. Not after London. Not after the way she held your hand, the way she looked at you, the way she kissed you like she meant it.
Even if there wasn’t a label.
Even if nothing had been said out loud.
“Because I felt like it.”
The words echoed, quiet but persistent.
You didn’t know why they stuck so much.
Maybe it was because you wanted it to mean more.
You swallowed, your fingers tightening slightly around hers before you forced yourself to relax.
You weren’t going to ruin this moment.
Not when she was right here.
Not when she chose to sit beside you, to hold your hand, to share your music.
You let out a quiet breath, resting your cheek gently against the top of her head.
Even if a small part of you still wondered…
If it was enough for her too.
Daniela pulled out her phone, opening what looked like a packed schedule, her brows slightly furrowed in concentration.
“Okay… when we get to Paris, we’ve got a fan signing event,” she said, glancing up at you. “Do you wanna just stay at the hotel for that?”
You nodded. “Yeah, I’ve got a call with my manager, Gia, anyway.”
“Perfect.” She dipped her head back down, scrolling.
“The fan signing is gonna take forever,” she groaned softly. “By the time I get back, it’ll be so late we won’t even get to do anything.”
You let out a small chuckle. “That’s okay. We’ve got, what, five days here?”
She paused, then nodded. “You’re right.”
Her finger kept moving across the screen.
“Okay… tomorrow we have the NRJ Music Awards,” she continued. “That’s basically the whole day gone.”
You listened quietly, watching the way her expression shifted—focused, thoughtful, a little stressed.
“We could go see the Eiffel Tower the day after,” she murmured, mostly to herself. “Or… we could go late at night. The lights stop at midnight, so we’d have to get there in time…”
She trailed off before looking back up at you.
You smiled softly, eyes lingering on her for a second.
“I’m good with whatever, Dani.”
She clicked her tongue, shaking her head slightly. “Y/n.”
“It’s your first time in Paris too,” she said, more serious now. “I want you to actually enjoy it. Like… really enjoy it.”
Something about the way she said it made your chest feel warm.
“Dani, I will,” you reassured gently. “Just focus on your work stuff for now.”
She studied you for a second, like she was debating arguing—
Her lips curved into a small smile.
“We’ll go the night after the award show, okay? Then we can spend the whole next day just… wandering around. Frolicking through Paris like those annoying couples in movies.”
You laughed. “Sounds perfect.”
“Good,” she nodded, satisfied.
Then, without thinking much of it, she leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to your lips—
Like it was second nature now.
And just as easily, she pulled back, going right back to her phone like nothing happened.
Your smile lingered, even as you turned your gaze back to the window—
Paris getting closer by the second.
The seven of you arrived at the hotel and quickly split off, each heading to your own rooms.
The second you stepped inside, you made a beeline for the window.
The view was unreal—Paris stretching out beneath you, soft light spilling over rooftops, the distant hum of the city drifting up. And through the slightly cracked window, the scent of fresh pastries and coffee lingered in the air.
You let out a quiet breath.
Arms wrapped around your waist.
A familiar weight settled against you as Daniela’s chin rested on your shoulder.
“Is it everything you’ve ever dreamed of?” she teased softly.
You laughed under your breath, leaning back into her without thinking.
You turned your head slightly. “You heading to glam now?”
“Yeah,” she sighed, though she didn’t move. If anything, she nuzzled closer. “I probably should before they come looking for me.”
You smiled faintly at that.
“I’ll see you in a bit, okay?” she added.
You turned in her arms, now facing her, your hands resting lightly on the railing behind you.
For a second, neither of you moved.
Pressing a soft kiss to your lips.
You melted into it instantly, your eyes fluttering shut.
This was your favorite part.
Not the big moments, not the teasing—
Just this. Quiet. Soft. Real.
When you pulled back, Daniela didn’t move away.
Your smile softened slightly, a small hint of nervousness creeping in.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” you asked.
“Like what?” she tilted her head, playing innocent.
“Like…” you trailed off, searching for the words. “Like I’m something you’re trying to figure out.”
Daniela’s expression shifted—just slightly.
Something softer. Deeper.
“I am,” she admitted quietly.
Her hand came up, brushing lightly along your arm, lingering there.
“You confuse me,” she continued, a small smile tugging at her lips. “In a good way.”
You let out a small, nervous laugh. “That’s reassuring.”
“I mean it,” she said quickly, her tone gentler now. “You’re… different.”
And for a second, it felt like she was about to say more.
She just smiled again, softer this time.
“I should go before they send a search party,” she murmured.
You nodded, even though part of you wanted her to stay.
She took a step back—then hesitated.
Before leaning in one more time, pressing a quick kiss to your lips like she couldn’t quite help herself.
Leaving you standing there by the window—
Still trying to catch up with everything she didn’t say.
You let out a soft sigh, your eyes lingering on the door long after Daniela had walked out.
For a moment, the room felt… quieter.
Then something caught your attention.
It was sitting on the bed, screen dark.
You frowned slightly and walked over, picking it up. “Dani…” you muttered under your breath, already turning toward the door to catch her before she got too far.
Your hand reached for the handle—
The screen lit up in your hand.
Your thumb hovered for a second, your mind racing.
It would take two seconds.
Still, that uneasy feeling crept in anyway, settling in your chest as your thoughts started spiraling faster than you could stop them.
Before you could even process it—
The door suddenly opened.
You jumped slightly, turning around.
“Hey, y/n, I think I left my—” Daniela stopped mid-sentence, her eyes landing on the phone in your hand.
“Oh,” she smiled lightly. “You found it.”
You swallowed, stepping forward and handing it back to her.
Your voice came out more neutral than you felt.
“Thanks,” she said, taking it from you, her fingers brushing yours for a second.
Then, like it was nothing—
She leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to your cheek.
And just like that, she turned and walked out again.
The door clicked shut behind her.
The warmth from her kiss still on your skin—
But your mind stuck on something else entirely.
You stood there for a long moment, staring at the door.
The room felt different now.
You let out a slow breath, dragging a hand down your face before turning away.
You tried to convince yourself.
People don’t always block their exes right away.
Maybe she hadn’t even been replying to messages he’d sent her before, if there were any.
There were a hundred explanations—
And yet your chest still felt tight.
You shook your head, like you could physically knock the thought out of your mind.
“No,” you muttered. “You’re not doing this.”
So why did it bother you this much?
You paced the room for a second before eventually grabbing your phone, trying to distract yourself. Social media, texts, anything—
Your mind kept drifting back.
To his name lighting up her screen.
To the fact that she didn’t say anything about him.
To the way things between you still didn’t have a name.
You exhaled sharply, dropping your phone onto the bed and flopping down beside it.
“Get it together,” you whispered to yourself.
You stared up at the ceiling, trying to focus on anything else—
Because everything about her mattered to you now.
Way more than it probably should.
You ended up spending most of your first day in Paris out on the balcony.
Phone in hand, mindlessly scrolling through an endless feed that you weren’t really paying attention to.
The only time you left was to walk down to a small bakery a few blocks away—grabbing something warm, something sweet—before coming right back up.
Because no matter how hard you tried to ignore it, your mind kept circling back to the same thing—
Your thoughts being completely taken over by the idea that she might still be talking to her ex.
You and Daniela weren’t even labeled.
You had no right to feel like this… right?
But with the way she acted around you now—
The kisses, the way she held you, the way she looked at you—
It didn’t feel like friendship.
You sighed, leaning your head back against the chair, eyes closing as you let the cool Paris air wash over you.
You tried to just breathe.
You heard it, but didn’t move.
A few seconds later, you heard soft footsteps approaching.
Daniela stepped out onto the balcony, now changed into something more comfortable, her makeup gone, her hair slightly messy from the long day.
“It’s freezing,” she muttered, hugging herself as she stepped closer. “Why are you out here?”
You finally opened your eyes, glancing up at her with a small shrug.
Then, without hesitation—
She sat right on your lap.
Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Curling into you, nuzzling closer for warmth.
Your arms instinctively wrapped around her waist, pulling her in, your chin resting on the top of her head.
Everything softened again.
“How was the event?” you asked quietly.
Daniela hummed. “Tiring… but good. The French fans were adorable. Their accents? Insane.”
You smiled faintly at that.
She tilted her head slightly, looking up at you. “What’d you do all day?”
You hesitated for a split second.
“Just… stayed out here,” you admitted. “Grabbed some pastries earlier. Scrolled, read a bit.” You shrugged lightly. “Nothing exciting.”
Daniela frowned slightly.
“I’m sorry you’re stuck here while I’m working all day,” she sighed.
You shook your head, a quiet chuckle slipping out. “Don’t be. I knew what I was signing up for.”
“Still,” she murmured. “Doesn’t make it fair.”
You looked down at her for a moment.
“A little,” she admitted. “But… it’s nice being here with you. I didn’t see you all day.”
She curled closer, seeking warmth, and your hold on her tightened just slightly.
For a second, everything felt okay again.
“Okay,” you said after a moment, glancing around. “If we’re staying out here, we need a blanket.”
Daniela laughed softly. “Yeah… definitely.”
She just stayed right where she was—
You woke up to an empty bed.
The space beside you was cold now, sheets slightly rumpled—only a small sticky note left behind on Daniela’s pillow.
You blinked a few times, rubbing your eyes as the soft morning light filtered through the curtains.
Reaching over, you picked up the note.
Glam and extra prep for the carpet started early! Have a good day, lovely. Remember to eat and drink! – Dani
A small smile tugged at your lips.
Of course she’d leave a note.
You let your hand fall back onto your stomach, staring up at the ceiling.
But the smile didn’t last long.
Because the second you were fully awake—
Even with Daniela right beside you.
Normally, that alone would’ve been enough—her presence, her voice, the way she’d absentmindedly hold onto you in her sleep.
It didn’t quiet your mind.
“Because I felt like it.”
And the fact that whatever this was between you two—
Still didn’t have a name.
You exhaled sharply, dragging your hands over your face.
It was driving you insane.
With a groan, you grabbed your phone from the nightstand.
Everyone was probably asleep.
You pressed his contact anyway.
The phone rang—once, twice—
Then his face popped up on the screen, lit by the glow of his computer.
You rolled your eyes immediately. “Bonjour to you too, Tom.”
“How’s Paris treating you?”
You hesitated. “Uh… I haven’t really seen much yet. Daniela’s been busy with work. We said we’d explore together.”
You frowned. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You didn’t have to,” he said simply. “Your face says everything.”
You huffed. “Yeah, I’ve been told.”
He leaned forward slightly. “So tell me.”
You sighed, flipping onto your stomach and burying your chin into the pillow.
“I don’t know what to do about Daniela,” you admitted. “We kissed… more than once. But we’re still unlabeled. And—” you paused, frustrated, “—she got a text. From her ex. She hasn’t blocked him, Tom. And she hasn’t even mentioned it.”
Tom’s brows lifted. “Wow.”
“I was hoping this wouldn’t be that loaded of a conversation,” he added quickly.
“I’m kidding!” he held his hands up. “Relax.”
You groaned. “Just help me.”
He tilted his head, like the answer was obvious.
You immediately buried your face in the pillow. “I knew you were gonna say that.”
“I’m serious, y/n,” he continued. “Nothing’s gonna change unless you actually talk to her. About the ex. About… whatever this is between you two.”
You stayed quiet for a second.
You sighed. “That’s it? That’s your amazing advice?”
“Yep,” he smiled. “And also—get out of that bed. Go explore. Stop overthinking everything for five minutes.”
You let out a small laugh despite yourself.
“Alright, alright. I promise.”
His expression softened. “You’ll figure it out. You always do.”
He waved. “Go enjoy Paris.”
The room fell quiet again.
You stared at your phone for a second before setting it down.
Talking to her was the only way you were gonna get answers.
And sitting in bed spiraling wasn’t helping anything.
You let out one last sigh before pushing yourself up, swinging your legs over the side of the bed.
Time to stop overthinking.
You made your way into the bathroom, turning on the light and staring at your reflection for a moment.
Your day had been unexpectedly peaceful.
You walked more than you thought you would—stopping at bakeries, wandering into little souvenir shops, sitting in a park for a while just sketching in your journal without any real goal.
No spiraling. No overthinking. Just being.
You met fans, ate good food, and let yourself enjoy Paris the way you were supposed to.
For once, your mind felt quiet.
Now you were back in the hotel room, sitting on the bed with a croissant in hand, watching some French show you didn’t understand at all. Subtitles were doing all the heavy lifting.
Then the door clicked open.
Familiar footsteps. Shoes kicked off. A soft sigh.
She stepped into view still in her red carpet outfit—hair slightly messy now, makeup smudged just enough to show how long her day had been. Tiredness was written all over her face.
“Well don’t you look like a ray of sunshine,” you teased.
She gave you a weak look before dramatically flopping face-first onto the bed.
“My feet are killing me,” she groaned into the pillow.
“Heels will do that,” you agreed, casually continuing your show.
“I could pass out right now,” she mumbled.
“You should probably change first,” you said lightly. “And take your makeup off, right, Dani?”
Another groan. “Can you do it for me?”
You exhaled through a small smile. “Seriously?”
But you were already getting up.
You walked over to her suitcase, pulling out soft sweatpants, then crossed to yours and grabbed the dark red F1 hoodie she had liked before.
You tossed it gently onto the bed beside her.
“I’ll grab makeup wipes,” you said.
She gave a tired thumbs-up while already starting to change where she was.
When you came back from the bathroom, she was in the hoodie and sweatpants, barely upright, swaying slightly from exhaustion.
You let out a soft laugh at the sight.
“Come here,” you murmured, sitting across from her on the bed.
She leaned forward immediately.
You gently wiped away the remnants of her makeup, careful and slow, her eyes half-lidded as she tried to stay awake.
Not a word between you two—just quiet familiarity.
When you were done, Daniela let out a soft sigh and collapsed back onto the pillow, pulling the blanket up over herself.
“Thank you, y/n,” she mumbled.
“Anytime, Dani,” you replied softly.
You leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her temple.
The room dimmed as you turned off the lamp.
Only the glow of the TV remained, casting soft light across the bed as you settled beside her again.
Daniela shifted closer without even thinking, like her body already knew where it belonged.
And for the first time all week—
Your thoughts didn’t feel loud.
You and Daniela had an early start to the day, already checking off a few places from her carefully planned list.
Everywhere you went, there were photos. Little moments caught in between walking, laughing, pointing out random details in the streets of Paris. It all looked perfect from the outside.
But somewhere in the back of your mind, the same thought kept creeping in.
You hadn’t talked to her about it yet.
Not about anything that actually mattered.
You tried to push it down, forcing a smile as you walked beside her through the busy streets. Acting like you were fully there. Present. Fine.
But it didn’t fully reach your eyes.
She didn’t say anything at first. She just kept walking beside you, her hand brushing yours every so often like she was checking if you were still there with her. Like she already knew your mind was somewhere else.
“You’re quiet today,” she said eventually, voice light but careful.
You blinked, glancing at her. “Am I?”
“Mm-hm.” She nodded once, watching your face instead of the street. “You’ve been smiling, but… it’s kind of distant.”
You let out a short laugh, a little too quick. “I’m just tired.”
Daniela didn’t respond right away.
That silence said enough.
After a second, she gently reached for your hand, threading her fingers through yours like it was second nature now.
“You don’t have to pretend with me,” she said softly.
Your grip tightened slightly without meaning to.
“I’m not pretending,” you replied, but it came out weaker than you wanted.
Daniela slowed her steps, turning slightly so you had no choice but to look at her.
Her expression softened. Not accusing. Not upset. Just… understanding in a way that made your chest ache.
“Something’s on your mind,” she said quietly. “I can tell.”
The words you’d been avoiding since London, since the phone call, since everything between you shifted—they all pressed at the back of your throat.
But instead of saying them, you just squeezed her hand and looked away.
“I just… want today to be good,” you admitted finally.
Daniela studied you for a moment longer, then nodded slowly.
“Okay,” she said. “Then we’ll make it good.”
She gave your hand a small tug, pulling you forward again into the flow of the street.
And for a little while, you let yourself follow her.
But even with her hand in yours—
The silence between what you felt and what you hadn’t said was still there.
The night felt too quiet for how loud everything inside your chest was.
You and Daniela stood in front of the Eiffel Tower, both leaning against the railing as it shimmered in gold light, glowing softly against the Paris sky. Tourists moved around in the distance, laughter and cameras blending into the background.
But for you, everything had narrowed down to one thing.
You could feel her looking at you before she even spoke. That familiar weight of her attention that usually made you feel warm—now just made your throat tighten.
“Okay,” Daniela said at last, voice calm but careful. “I thought I could ignore it and it would go away, but you’ve been acting weird ever since we got here. What’s going on?”
You let out a shaky breath and turned toward her fully.
Daniela blinked, then let out a small laugh like she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She glanced around for a second before looking back at you.
“This is what’s been bothering you?” she asked. “Y/n, I already told you—“
“That’s not a real answer, Dani.” Your voice rose, sharper than you intended.
Her brows lifted slightly. “Then what do you want me to say?”
You swallowed hard. Your hands curled into your sleeves as you tried to steady yourself.
“I want you to be honest,” you said, voice cracking just a little. “Why did you kiss me? Was it just the moment? Was I—was I just giving off signs or something?”
Daniela frowned immediately. “I kissed you because I wanted to. That’s it.”
But it didn’t feel like enough.
Your breathing hitched. “Or was it because you were trying to get over Jonah?”
That finally shifted the air between you.
Daniela’s expression changed instantly.
“I don’t want to be a rebound, Daniela,” you rushed out before she could interrupt. “I don’t want to be something you fall into because it’s easy. I—I want you. That’s all I’ve ever wanted since we met.”
Her eyes widened slightly. “You’re not a rebound—why would you even think that?”
Because I saw the message.
Because I don’t know where I stand.
You swallowed, jaw tightening as your emotions caught up to you.
“I saw the texts, Daniela.”
Not the peaceful kind that normally fell over you two.
The kind that made everything feel like it was collapsing in slow motion.
Daniela opened her mouth—but you shook your head before she could speak.
“I don’t want to hear it.”
Her voice softened instantly. “Y/n—”
“I’m leaving tomorrow,” you said quickly, the words spilling out before you could stop them. “Gia called. I have to go.”
That part wasn’t true. Not really.
But it felt like it had to be.
“What?” Her voice wavered, barely above a whisper.
Her eyes started to glass over, and that alone nearly broke you.
“I can’t do this, Daniela,” you said quietly. “Not until you know what you want.”
You didn’t wait for a response.
You turned and walked away.
Behind you, the Eiffel Tower glowed like nothing was wrong in the world.
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