Plus, it’s the thought that counts, and this one went straight to my heart. I’ve never had anyone make me croissants before, especially not someone who barely cooks in the first place.
The man makes it hard to keep my distance. He’s just too likable, and fucking sexy as well.
Memories of his naked body pressed against me float to the forefront of my mind, and I’m thankful nobody is paying attention to me right now. They’re all focused on Milo, who’s sitting in the makeup chair as the production team does one final touch-up on his makeup before his live TV appearance.
Milo is sparkling and lights up every room he enters. So either I have problems with my eyes, or they did something to him with makeup that makes him look entirely too ethereal.
I’m leaning toward it being a me problem, because nobody else has pointed out the fact that he’s turned into a human light bulb.
He’s so radiant, almost blinding to my eyes, but I can’t look away. My gaze follows every one of his movements, even during his short interview with the host.
He has his professional mask on now. It’s the one he wore the first time I met him at the airport. A face of perfect smiles and charm turned on to the max.
I hadn’t realized it at first, but now that I’ve gotten to know Milo better, I can pick out the subtle differences betweenhis genuine smile and the one he uses for his fans. Milo might say his work persona is fake, but both are still him. Just different parts of him that make up the whole.
He makes easy conversation with the hosts and doesn’t look the least bit concerned that everything is being broadcast live right now. Milo tells a story of a fan excitedly coming up to him and asking for a signature, then thanking him and calling him Yury, which has the host laughing in good humor.
I’ve seen a photo of MYTHS together, and the only similarity between Milo and Yury is their light-colored hair and height.
The host moves on to asking about his newest single and practically begging for a sneak peek of Milo’s next project.
Milo zips his lips and only gives up that he’s working on something magical. I think back to the music I heard the morning after I stayed a night, andmagicaljust about sums it up. The song might be incomplete, but even I, a casual listener of music, can see that it has the potential to top the charts.
The interview portion of the show lasts only a few minutes, then Milo heads backstage to change for his performance.
He returns in a silky white top that splits in a perfect V to reveal the top half of his chest, and black pants that might have been pasted on him. When he goes under the spotlight, his radiance is now brighter than a thousand fucking suns.
Then he opens his mouth to sing, and it’s like a siren’s call. His latest single is an upbeat song about finding your dream. I have a feeling thathehas become the dream for every single person watching live right now.
“He’s amazing, isn’t he?”
A voice rings out beside me, startling me. I glance over to find Ray. He’s watching Milo intently too.
“He is,” I agree.
This isn’t the first time I’ve heard Milo sing in person, but it’s different now. It’s the same face, same body, same voice, but on stage, he comes to life. It’s like he’s put his soul into every single part of the song.
“The first time I met Milo, I knew he was something special,” Ray comments softly. He’s still watching Milo’s performance with a gentle smile on his face. And for once, Ray is calm and still.
“He definitely has the looks, but that’s not enough to survive in this business. There’s a sparkle about him that attracts people, don’t you think?” he asks, casting a glance at me.
The words feel loaded, like Ray is aware of my bubbling emotions. I don’t answer—I can’t—but that doesn’t stop the look of understanding that passes across his face. Like he can see everything I want to keep hidden.
“Milo is popular, that’s for sure. People want to be around him, and Milo doesn’t like being alone. But don’t let that fool you. Despite his easygoing personality, he doesn’t let people in easily. He’s only allowed a handful of people into his heart.”
He’s lonely.
Ray doesn’t say the words I’ve been thinking out loud. The solitary figure, all alone in his giant penthouse. It’s unimaginable for someone wanted by so many people.
“Why are you telling me all this?” I ask quietly.
He turns his body toward me, and despite the dim lighting of where we’re standing, I feel his gaze dig deep into me.
“He’s quite friendly, isn’t he? He’s like that to everyone,” Ray says instead of answering.
I’m confused about where he’s going with this. Is he trying to tell me I’m nothing special? Or is he trying to warn me off?
He’s continuing before I can say anything. “But when he does let someone in, it’s different. He puts his entire heart into it—intothem. He opens himself up, like when he’s singing, and that means he’s open to getting hurt. And after what happened with Jamie—”
