𝐔𝐍𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍 | 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐲

𝟎𝟎𝟖.

Sophie couldn't stop thinking about Drew's confession. His words lingered in her mind, replaying over and over: "I like you, Sophie. And I don't think this is just a passing thing."

She had spent the night tossing and turning, weighing every possible outcome. The fear of the unknown loomed large, but every time she pictured herself pulling away, she was met with the same thought: What if it's worth it?

By morning, she knew her answer.

Text Message to Drew🤍

Okay. Let's see where this goes.

You sure?

I'm terrified.

Me too.

But I'm picking you up at 7.

The day passed in a blur. Madison and Madelyn noticed Sophie's distracted state during breakfast, but she waved them off with a sheepish smile. Even though she told them about the date, she didn't really want to talk about it so they said it was fine and forgot about it.

By the time 6:45 rolled around, Sophie was pacing her apartment, trying to calm her nerves.

At exactly 7:00, her phone buzzed.

Text Message from Drew🤍

I'm outside.

When Sophie stepped outside, Drew was leaning against his car, a small, nervous smile on his face. He was dressed casually, but he looked effortlessly good an unfair advantage, in Sophie's opinion.

"You clean up nice," she teased, feeling her nerves ease slightly.

"Funny, I was about to say the same thing," Drew replied, opening the car door for her.

***

Drew had planned something simple yet thoughtful—a quiet dinner at a small, tucked-away restaurant by the water.

It was cozy and intimate, the kind of place where no one would think to look for them. Not even the paparazzi.

The conversation flowed easily, as it always did, but there was an added layer of vulnerability now.

They weren't just co-stars or friends anymore. This was something different. Something more.

After dinner, they took a walk along the waterfront, the soft glow of streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement. Drew reached for her hand, and Sophie didn't hesitate to take it.

"You know this is gonna complicate everything, right?" she asked, her voice quiet but not unsure.

Drew glanced at her, his thumb brushing against her hand. "Yeah. But I think it's worth it."

Sophie smiled, the last of her hesitation melting away. "Me too."