REAL LIFE
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heathrow airport, departures
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─ "i'm gonna miss you," cariad hummed as she pulled joshua into a tight hug.

"we're only going to be apart for four days and then we're back in salt lake, you idiot," he laughed, "and besides, you have a single coming out in 4 hours you should be more concerned with babe!"

cariad bit her lip, remembering the single release.

the reason she'd not disclosed the title of the single was that she'd not selected which song would be the lead single at the time, having two options in mind — one more terrifying than the other.

"i can see you're working yourself up over it again," josh rubbed her shoulder as they pulled away from the hug, shooting her a sympathetic smile, "but picking family friend was a good idea. you got your true feelings off your chest and then it's up to tom to decide what to do with that."

cariad nodded a little, shifting her weight between the balls of her feet repeatedly as anxiety bubbled furiously in her abdomen.

"if he doesn't feel the same and never did, what am i going to do? the world will know it's about tom, and i don't know if i can deal with such clear, in-your-face rejection." she looked down at her feet with a frown etched on her face.

joshua shook his head, "everyone knows he feels the same, cari. alison asked me if we were together the other day and looked so...unsurprised... when i said no... even she knew her boyfriend was in love with you, and in the few days i've known him i can see it clear as day. please don't worry."

he meant it — the way alison had looked at him when he said they weren't together told him she too was certain cariad's feelings belonged with tom and, moreover, tom's feelings belonged with her too.

"i just hope you're right," she smiled sadly, eyes briefly meeting those of a young girl who appeared to be a fan and was taking photos of their emotional goodbye. there was no doubt there'd be further speculation about their relationship but her current worries prevented her for worrying too much.

cariad hugged him once more, her shoulders slumping as she heard the call for his flight over the speakers.

"guess this is goodbye for now, joshy."

"it is, cari, for now. good luck, princess, you got this."

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the single is family friend by the vaccines but... we're pretending she sings it ok :-) i know this is short but there's ... better things on the way soon so !