Chapter 31

The soft glow of the early morning light filtered through the hotel curtains, casting a golden hue over the tangled sheets and the warmth of Billie's body beside me. The room was quiet except for the slow, steady rhythm of our breathing, the remnants of the night before still lingering in the air like a secret only we knew.

I shifted slightly, feeling the soreness in my limbs, a reminder of everything that had happened between us. Billie was still asleep, her dark lashes resting against her cheeks, her face relaxed in a way that made my heart ache. One arm was draped lazily over my waist, her fingers lightly curled against my skin, like even in sleep, she wasn't willing to let go.I studied her in the morning light, tracing my fingers lightly along the curve of her bare shoulder. She looked different like this - unguarded, peaceful, softer than the bold magnetic energy she carried on stage. Here, in this quiet moment, she was just Billie. just mine.

I smiled to myself, letting my head drop back against the pillow as I tried to commit every second of this to a memory. It was dangerous, how easy it felt to get lost in her like this - to let myself imagine a world where we didn't have to keep this hidden, where I could wake up beside her every morning without second guessing what it meant, and what we are.

As if sensing my thoughts, Billie stirred beside me, letting out a sleepy little hum before nuzzling closer, her nose brushing against my collarbone.

"mmm... too early" she mumbled, her voice rough with sleep

I chuckled softly, running my fingers through her messy hair

"it's not that early"

She groaned dramatically, burying her face in my neck.

"don't care. staying right here"

I felt her lips press a lazy kiss against my skin, my stomach flipped, heat curling in my chest at how effortlessly affectionate she was when no one was watching. I let my fingers trial down her back, relishing the way she sighed contentedly against me.

"we should probably get breakfast" I murmured, though I made no move to get up.

Billie groaned again, this time to protest"noooo. im still full from dessert" Her lips curved against my skin

"besides... I think I like waking up like this better"

I bit my lip shaking my head"You're impossible"

She finally lifted her head, sleep still heavy in her eyes, but there was something else there too. something warm and unguarded"yeah, but you love it" She teased, her fingers tracing patterns on my wrist

I swallowed, heart stuttering in my chest at how easy she made it sound. love. the word sat between us, unspoken but not unnoticed.Billie seemed to realize it too because her teasing expression softened just slightly. She shifted onto her elbow, looking at me in a way that made me feel like I was the only thing in the world worth looking at

I reached up, brushing a strand of her hair from her face" i do" I admitted, voice barely above a whisper

"I love every second of this"

Billie didnt say anything right away, but the way she leaned down, pressing the softest, slowest kiss to my lips, said enough

When she pulled back, her forehead resting against mine, she whispered

"me too"

--

The morning had stretched into a lazy blur of tangled sheets, soft kisses, and Billie refusing to get out of bed until I bribed her with a coffee. Now, a few hours later, we were int he back of another SUV, heading to one of her scheduled interviews. Billie was half draped over me, her head resting on my shoulder, scrolling through her phone while I played with the rings on her fingers.

"you sure you wanna come?" She asked, voice a little scratchy "it's just a quick press thing, could be boring"

I gave her a look" i've sat through hours of your studio sessions where you played the same verse of loop for like, three hours. I think I can handle a thirty minute interview, plus i've done plenty myself, they can be fun"

Billie huffed a laugh, squeezing my fingers"fair point"

The car pulled up to the building, the energy shifted instantly. Outside, a small crowd of fans had gathered, cameras flashing the moment they spotted the SUV. Billie sat up, rolling her shoulders like she was shaking off the softness of the morning and slipping into her public persona. It was something ii'd seen her do before, and effortless shift between being just Billie and being Billie Eilish.

I reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze before she pulled on her sunglasses and stepped out. I followed a few steps behind, keeping my expression neutral as security led is inside.

The interview was set up in a sleek, modern studio space. Cameras, crew members, and a PR rep milled around, making last minute adjustments while Billie got mic'd up. I stayed off to the side, watching as she settled into the chair across from the interviewer a polished woman with a warm but calculated smile.The interview started smoothly, They covered her tour, her music, the creative process, typical stuff. Billie was effortlessly charming, cracking jokes, leaning into her usual laid back attitude. But then, about fifteen minutes in, the questions took a turn.

"So, Billie" the interviewer started, tilting her head with a knowing smile"fans have noticed you and Ember Rae have been spending a lot of time together lately."

I felt my stomach tighten.

Billie didnt flinch, but I saw the subtle way she shifted in her seat."yeah" she said smoothly

"thats my best friend, she's with me on tour, just hanging out and keeping me sane"

The interviewer hummed"best friends? thats all?"

Billies jaw tightened just slightly, but her media training kicked in before anything could slip. She gave a light laugh, shaking her head

"yeah, we're just friends."

I felt my nails press into my palms

"Some people might say theres more going on" The interviewer pushed, her tone playful but pointed

Billie shrugged easily"people say lots of things"

The interviewer let it linger fora beat before moving on, but the damage had already bee done. Even though i'd expected it - knew this was how it had to go - it didnt make it sting any less.

The rest of the interview passed in a blur. I kept my expression unreadable, but inside, something twisted. I knew it wasn't her fault. I knew she was saying what she had to say. But hearing it out loud, hearing her deny us - even in the most careful way - felt like a punch to the ribs. and to make it worse, there officially wasn't an us.

When the interview wrapped, Billie pulled off her mic, flashing a quick charming smile at the crew before heading straight toward me. "ready to go?" she murmured.

I nodded, forcing a small smile"yeah"