Chapter 3: Fan Meets Idol—Or Does She?

My online ex tried to add me again, wanting to get back together.

Out of the blue, his friend request popped up.

I stared at it for a long time, unsure what to do.

Honestly, I didn't break up just to chase Carter Woods.

It wasn't just about Carter. Nothing felt real anymore.

It's just that online dating is so unstable—a single WiFi drop can tug at my every emotion, and I have no idea who the person on the other side really is.

Was he gone for good?

He told me his name was Danny Eastman—who knows if that's even real.

I never really believed it.

Because I told him my name was Maggie Sue…

And he believed it…

I cringed just thinking about it. Maggie Sue? What was I, a country song?

I accepted his friend request, and he immediately messaged: "Maggie, want to meet up IRL?"

My stomach flipped.

I went silent.

What if he's five-one and not who he says he is?

Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Who knew what he looked like in person?

To me, Danny Eastman was just an anime avatar.

A cute one, sure, but still. The real person could be anyone.

He quickly messaged again: "I got two tickets to Savannah's event from a friend, I'll be waiting for you there."

I replied hesitantly: "I might…"

Before I could finish, he sent: "I'll wait for you there, until the event ends."

Why does he type so fast? And why does he sound so sure I'll show up?

His confidence was almost annoying. Like he knew something I didn't.

I couldn't exactly bail.

And I agreed right away, because Carter Woods would be there too.

Who would've thought karma would catch up to me here.

On the day of the event, I showed up early, blending into the background in the plainest outfit.

My plan was to fly under the radar.

My phone buzzed with a message from Danny: "Hey, I'm here—I'll wait for you."

That message startled me. I looked around—the place was almost empty.

Could he have snuck in as a cameraman?

Is he really this desperate to meet up IRL?

The thought made me laugh, but also a little uneasy. What if he was watching me right now?

"Ms. Reed, please head backstage for makeup," a staffer called, leading me backstage.

I took a deep breath and followed her.

The girl looked back at me, excited: "You're so pretty!"

"We're short on dressing rooms, so you might have to share."

She was so bubbly, I couldn't help but smile.

I smiled and waved it off, keeping my composure.

Inside, I was screaming: "My idol! I'm here! Meeting him!"

My hands were shaking as I opened the door, nerves jangling.

I was about to see Carter Woods. So nervous.

It's been almost ten years, hasn't it?

That face, still as bright and handsome as when he wore his varsity jacket, flashed through my mind.

"Woods, your dream girl is here!" the youngest team member blurted out, looking excited.

I saw Carter Woods, in the middle of changing, snap his head up and meet my awkward gaze.

He froze, halfway into his shirt, and for a split second, time stopped.

He looked at me like he'd seen a ghost.

In that instant, I was back in high school, caught red-handed slipping him a love letter.

My heart pounded in my ears. I didn't know if he remembered me, but the look in his eyes made me hope he did.

I didn't know if he remembered me, so I gave him a hasty smile.

"Long time no see," Carter said suddenly, flashing that little canine.

He grinned, that same lopsided smile from years ago. It was like nothing had changed.

He quickly pulled on a shirt and walked over.

He moved with this easy confidence, like he owned the room.

My hands fumbled with my bag, trying to look busy.

I clenched the strap of my bag under his intense gaze. I replied, "Long time no see."

But really, it hasn't been that long.

I wanted to say more, but the words stuck in my throat.

Did he know I'd been following him all these years?

As soon as I finished speaking, Carter smiled and moved aside, signaling for me to sit at his makeup spot.

He gestured to the chair, all gentlemanly, and I couldn't help but blush a little.

I sat down, nervous, waiting for the makeup artist.

I tapped my fingers on my knee, trying to steady my breathing.

The room was buzzing with energy, but all I could focus on was Carter.

"The makeup artist isn't here yet," Carter said softly from behind. "I did everyone's makeup myself."

I turned, surprised. "You?" He nodded, looking almost shy. It was kind of adorable.

I glanced at the four guys next to me. All I could think was, "That makeup is… passable, I guess."

They looked a little rough around the edges—eyeliner smudged, foundation a shade too light.

I stifled a laugh.

The guy beside me laughed: "Woods did it by following your videos."

My jaw dropped. "No way!" I said, half-proud, half-mortified.

The idea of Carter Woods watching my tutorials was almost too much.

Suddenly, I understood that feeling teachers have when they say, "Don't tell people you were my student."

So embarrassing.

I wanted to melt into the floor. But at the same time, my chest puffed up with pride.

Maybe I wasn't so invisible after all.

I suggested they wait for the makeup artist, but was told she was stuck in traffic and they were first on stage—no time.

It was chaos backstage. Everyone was running late, and the pressure was on.

I sighed, resigned to my fate.

I sighed: "Let me fix you up, then."

I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, grateful for the distraction.

My hands were steady, even if my heart wasn't.

Luckily, they're all young with great skin—just a few pimples from gaming all night that foundation couldn't hide.

I teased them about their late-night habits, making them laugh.

It broke the tension, and for a moment, it felt like we were just a group of friends hanging out.

When it was Carter's turn, I got nervous.

He sat quietly, eyes closed, long lashes trembling.

Just like in high school, when I'd secretly watch him nap.

I remembered those afternoons, watching him from across the classroom, heart fluttering every time he shifted in his seat.

"Hey, why'd you stop?" Carter called out with his eyes still closed, pulling me back to reality.

His voice was gentle, almost teasing.

I realized I'd been staring, brush hovering in midair.

That way of speaking felt oddly familiar.

It was the same tone he used back in the day, when he'd catch me zoning out in class.

Carter had great features—just a touch of foundation and he looked ready for the entertainment industry.

I worked quickly, trying not to let my hands shake.

Up close, he was even more handsome than on camera.

As I was applying lipstick, he suddenly opened his eyes.

I got flustered, caught in his deep, unreadable gaze.

I held my breath, my fingers curling.

I saw a hint of shine in his eyes, like he could see right through me.

He blinked, and I snapped back: "All… all done."

Carter smiled and leaned in close.

He whispered so softly, I almost didn't hear it.

His breath tickled my ear, and I shivered.

I felt his lips brush my earlobe: "Don't be nervous."

The event went smoothly. I stood by Savannah the whole time, just her background.

I tried to fade into the scenery, but every so often, I'd catch Carter glancing my way.

My cheeks burned every time.

How can someone be this beautiful!

Savannah was a goddess—effortless and radiant.

I felt like a potato next to her, but I couldn't help but admire her.

Girls really do make the world go round!

I mean, honestly, women run the show.

Watching all the influencers work the crowd made me proud to be part of it.

But at the end, the organizers stirred things up, pairing the pros and influencers for a friendly match.

I could feel the tension in the room rise.

Everyone wanted to see who would end up with whom.

The influencers played rock-paper-scissors to pick two captains, and the rest chose teams.

I was terrible at games of chance, but somehow, luck was on my side this time.

I didn't expect the winners to be me and Savannah, so I stood at the front with my eyes closed, nervous as hell.

I could hear my heart pounding in my ears.

I peeked at Savannah, who looked cool as ever.

Before I closed my eyes, I heard Savannah's sweet voice: "Woods, you'll pick me, right?"

Would he?

I held my breath, waiting for his answer.

The whole room seemed to pause.

I didn't hear Carter's answer.

After the countdown, I turned around, anxious, and once again met Carter's gaze.

He smiled at me: "I'll help you win."

His words sent a jolt through me.

The way he looked at me—like I was the only person in the room—made my knees weak.

Offstage, the event's livestream chat went wild:

"Carter didn't pick Savannah? Is this some couple act?"

"But the way he looked at Maggie just now was electric!"

"You must not know that Maggie only got popular by pushing boundaries. She's no good."

...

The chat was ruthless, but I tried not to let it get to me.

I focused on the game, determined to prove them wrong.

Savannah wasn't great at League, but our team was all top-tier players, so we won easily.

The match flew by in a blur.

Before I knew it, we'd secured victory.

The crowd cheered, and I let myself smile, just a little.

After a "Victory!" the host stepped up: "Now Savannah will draw a punishment."

I braced myself for drama.

The organizers were out for drama. Savannah hesitated, then drew: "Share your most unforgettable romance."

The room went quiet. All eyes were on Savannah.

The goddess stood beside me, blushing.

She looked so vulnerable, it made me want to hug her.

I saw her glancing at Carter, but he didn't look back.

He kept his gaze fixed on the floor, jaw clenched. The tension was palpable.

Savannah looked down, smiling shyly: "I guess everyone already knows."

Her answer was vague, but the implication was clear. The audience murmured, piecing it together.

A vague answer, but everyone knew it was about Carter's mis-sent message.

He hadn't responded at the time, so the internet just assumed they were together.

The host nodded knowingly: "So this is your way of confirming the relationship, Savannah?"

Then he turned to the dazed Carter: "And Woods, any updates on your love life?"

Carter's empty gaze seemed to light up. He smiled: "I saw her again."

His answer was just as ambiguous, and everyone sighed.

The crowd oohed and aahed, but no one pressed further. It was the perfect non-answer.

I knew all this, but standing next to him still made me a little sad.

I tried to hide it, but my shoulders slumped. Was I just imagining the connection between us?

After the event, I checked my phone and saw a message from Danny: "Did you come? Want to meet up?"

I froze, almost forgetting about him.

For a second, I panicked. I wasn't ready for this confrontation.

"I went, didn't see you, already left," I replied coldly.

I tried to sound casual, but my fingers shook as I typed.

I'd seen a photo in his Instagram story, just his lips.

He was playing coy, as always. But I knew those lips weren't in the crowd.

As a beauty vlogger, I'm sensitive to features.

I could spot a lipstick shade from a mile away.

I never saw those lips at the event.

"You're the best! I knew you'd come! You still love me!" Danny messaged frantically.

Can't you tell I'm just brushing you off…

I sighed, tossing my phone onto the bed. Some people just don't get the hint.