𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 8

Chapter 8:

The Decision

Lena wasn't sure how much longer they could keep this up.

It had been weeks of stolen moments. Secret glances. Lingering touches when no one was looking. Late-night kisses that left her breathless but also left her wanting more.

She loved what they had. She did.

But she hated pretending it didn't exist.

Every day, it got harder to act normal. Harder to keep her hands to herself when Gracie was around. Harder to stay silent when people speculated, when they asked why Gracie seemed different lately, why Lena was suddenly so protective of her.

And now, she had a feeling their luck had officially run out.

Because Noah and Maya?

They were onto them.

The post-show hangout was supposed to be chill.

Just the usual routine: a few drinks, too much takeout, and a cramped hotel room filled with tired but happy people.

It had been one of the best shows yet.

The crowd had been loud, the energy electric. Lena had performed her ass off, and she could tell—Gracie had been so fucking proud of her.

She had felt it in every look. Every whispered you killed it tonight as they brushed past each other backstage. Every little touch when no one was watching.

And now, they were both exhausted, curled up together on the hotel couch.

Well.

They thought no one was paying attention.

But apparently, Noah and Maya had other ideas.

Because one second, Lena was zoned out, playing with the sleeve of Gracie's hoodie, and the next—

"So, when were you two planning on telling us?"

The room went silent.

Lena froze.

Gracie stiffened beside her.

And when they both glanced up, Maya and Noah were staring right at them.

Eli, sitting on the floor next to the coffee table, raised an eyebrow. "Oh, this should be good."

Lena cleared her throat, trying to play dumb. "Telling you what exactly?"

Noah smirked. "Come on." He gestured between the two of them. "You're terrible at hiding it."

Gracie, still clutching onto Lena's hand, let out a nervous laugh. "Hiding what?"

Maya gave her a look. "Gracie."

Lena exhaled. "Fuck."

Gracie bit her lip. "Okay, fine." She glanced at Lena, as if asking permission.

Lena nodded.

And then, just like that—

"We're together."

Maya grinned. "Finally."

Noah shook his head, laughing. "Dude, it was painfully obvious."

Eli smirked. "Took you long enough."

Lena blinked. "Wait. You're not... mad?"

Maya snorted. "Why the fuck would we be mad?"

Gracie hesitated. "I don't know. It's just—we've been keeping it a secret for a reason."

Noah tilted his head. "Because of the fans?"

Lena sighed. "Because of everything."

Maya softened. "Look. I get why you were nervous, but—come on, guys. It's you two. We've all been watching you fall for each other since the first week of tour."

Eli nodded. "It was honestly kinda pathetic."

Lena rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Eli."

Maya leaned forward. "But seriously. You don't have to hide from us."

Gracie squeezed Lena's hand. "Yeah?"

Noah grinned. "Yeah."

And just like that—Lena felt lighter.

But there was still one question left to answer.

Maya was the one who brought it up first.

"So, are you gonna tell them?"

No one had to ask who she meant.

Lena tensed slightly.

The fans. The internet. The people who had already ripped her apart just for existing in Gracie's world.

Gracie hesitated. "I... I don't know."

Noah leaned back against the couch. "I mean, you don't have to. It's your life."

Eli nodded. "Yeah. But if you want to, we've got your backs."

Lena looked at Gracie. "What do you think?"

Gracie looked down, running her thumb over Lena's knuckles.

Then, quietly—

"I don't want you to get hurt."

Lena swallowed. "Gracie..."

"I mean it," Gracie said, voice soft but firm. "I remember what it was like when you first joined the tour. The way they treated you. I can handle the internet losing its mind, but you—" She exhaled. "I just don't want them to hurt you again."

Lena's chest tightened.

She knew Gracie was only trying to protect her.

But the thing was—

"I don't want to hide anymore."

Gracie looked up, eyes wide.

Lena took a breath. "I get why we kept it quiet. And I don't regret it. But I hate pretending I don't love you."

Gracie's breath hitched.

And yeah. That was the first time she had said it.

But she meant it.

She loved her.

And she was fucking tired of acting like she didn't.

Gracie didn't say anything at first.

She just stared at Lena like she was memorizing her. Like she was trying to feel every single word.

Then, slowly, her lips curved into a smile.

"Okay."

Lena blinked. "Okay?"

Gracie nodded.

"We do it," she said. "But we do it together."

Lena exhaled, a slow, relieved smile spreading across her face.

Together.

That was all she wanted.

That night, back in Gracie's hotel room, they didn't talk about the fans.

Or the internet.

Or what came next.

They just existed.

Lena lay in Gracie's bed, curled up in the sheets, as Gracie played with her hair.

"You really love me?" Gracie murmured.

Lena smirked, opening one eye. "What, you need me to say it again?"

Gracie grinned. "Maybe."

Lena rolled over, wrapping her arms around her. "I love you, Gracie Abrams."

Gracie let out a happy sigh. "Good."

Lena buried her face in Gracie's neck. "You love me too, right?"

Gracie kissed the top of her head.

"Obviously."

Lena smiled against her skin.

They had made their decision.

And whatever happened next—

They'd face it together.