Pairings Poppy x MC
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Have you read those cheesy novels? Yes, the super romantic ones. I know you did—don't lie. That's the best way I can describe what's happening right now. Poppy holds a puppy in her hands, rubbing its belly happily. She hasn't seen me yet, and honestly, I'm glad. I can't hear the conversation between her and the guy who works here, but her laughter fills the room, and my stomach turns at the sight.
It's the first time I've seen Poppy so free—she must feel right at home. I smile, approaching slowly. She turns around, her expression changing completely. Adorable Pops.
"Aww, I didn't know you had a soft spot," I tease.
Poppy rolls her eyes, but I can tell she's trying to hide a smile. "If you tell anyone about this, I won't hesitate to end your career, kick you out of Belvoire, and make your life miserable."
Oh wow, she didn't even stutter. That's impressive. Should I be turned on or scared? Maybe both? My gaze falls to the adorable puppy in her hands, and I can't help but pet its little head.
Her eyes soften for a moment, and all I can do is be fascinated and surprised by this new side of her.
"My daddy bought me this animal shelter when I was eight years old."
"Oh… um, nice? Is that what rich people do when they want a pet?" I tease, but her eyes seem to grow distant, and I think I might've just hit a sore spot. Damn it.
"I wanted a puppy, but my mother didn't allow pets inside the house, so Daddy got me this instead. It's nice, but I don't think they quite understood my point of view." I look around, noticing we're left alone. The crew is probably getting ready for the shoot. I reach to place my hand on her shoulder, but I stop mid-air, remembering that we're supposed to be enemies. But are we?
Her gaze falls to my hand as I pull it back. I don't know if it's my mind playing games, but I swear I see a mix of relief and disappointment in her eyes.
She lets the puppy down, walking toward a room. I guess that's my cue to follow. As I do, I notice the height difference between us and smile to myself. She's so cute, really.
She leads me to a room filled with pink pillows, small pet beds, and toys. She runs her hand along a shelf lined with beautifully framed pictures. Why would she bring me here?
"This used to be my favorite place because no one could interrupt my thoughts," she says, holding up a frame and gesturing for me to come closer.
"This was my first pet. Her name was Lucy," she taps on the glass. And—aww—it's the cutest thing I've ever seen. A beautiful brown Pomeranian. Oh my god.
"Is that little Poppy?" I gasp, surprised by how innocent she looks. Of course, she's wearing designer, but the look on her face is… genuine happiness. I realize I've never seen Poppy smile like this before.
She yanks the frame away, putting it carefully back. "I shouldn't have shown you." Did I just make her shy? Damn. Where's the real Poppy? Is this her kind twin sister?
"Oh, come ooooon. You were beautiful as a kid, huh?"
She looks me in the eyes, and I can see a rouge color forming on her cheeks. She walks past me, sitting on an extremely pink couch. I hesitate, unsure whether to sit beside her or stand awkwardly where I am. She pats the spot next to her, and my heart starts racing.
"Sooo, this place is amazing. I don't see why you didn't want it," I say, resting my head on my palm and watching her intently.
She sighs, looking at me without hesitation this time. "My parents were never around when I was growing up, so I really wanted company. But they always had to do everything in their own way."
The puzzle pieces start to fit together as I learn more about her past. I see pure vulnerability in her eyes. In her own way, she makes me feel special, and I won't take that for granted.
"Do you wish you could've grown up in different circumstances? Like mine?" I ask curiously.
"Is this a trap?" She raises an eyebrow, and I roll my eyes.
"No, I'm a great listener. I'm just trying to understand you."
"Why would you want that?"
Good question, Bea. Why would you want that? Aren't you supposed to hate her guts? Then why is your heartbeat quickening? Why is your mind racing?
She notices my pause and, to avoid the awkward silence, speaks again. "Can I imagine myself without designer clothes? Hell no." I chuckle. "That was a nice way to deflect my question."
Poppy smiles, and it's the cutest thing I've seen all day, despite all the adorable animals here. "You dork," she teases, leaning closer. Her eyes widen in realization.
"I won't judge you. In fact, I knew you were mean for a reason." I can now see her eyes sparkle, and all I can do is sit back and admire her.
Today, she's especially beautiful. Her perfume fills my senses. She's put in extra effort this afternoon. Is it for the commercial, or is it because she planned for us to be alone? Honestly, I kind of hope it's the latter.
"I asked you to help me bring Chloe down, not to become best friends."
"And who told you I want to be your best friend?" I smirk, daring to take her hand in mine. At first, she just stares but doesn't pull away.
"No one deserves to feel alone during their best years. When I was growing up, we didn't have much, but I got to spend time with my mother on the farm."
I can feel tears forming, so I wipe them away, knowing I'll look weak. Since I got here, I've missed my hometown more than anything—the smell of the earth, the fresh air, everything.
"Oh, right, because spending time with pigs covered in dirt sounds like so much fun," Poppy responds sarcastically. For a moment, I regret opening up, but then she pats my hand.
"I… I wish I had a simpler childhood," she admits, and I can clearly see tears ready to roll down her perfect face.
Before she can wipe them away, I place both hands on her cheeks, gently wiping each tear away. Her eyes close, avoiding my gaze, but suddenly, she pulls back, stunned.
"I—we shouldn't even talk about that, Farmsville! Ugh, you're so annoying."
It's obvious that emotions aren't her strong suit, but I'm trying my best to make her understand that feeling sad and nostalgic is normal.
"Hey, hey! Not now that we've made progress, damn it," I say, pulling her closer. That's when my breath catches.
"What are you—"
"Take a deep breath and look at me," I instruct gently. Though she's about to protest, she swallows hard and follows my lead.
I take her hand and place it over her heart. At first, she looks confused, but I press it against her chest.
"Can you feel your heart beating? That makes you human. Humans are capable of feelings. It's normal to have emotions—even more normal to rant about something that troubles you. Do you understand me?"
I get lost in her eyes. Her lips part as if to respond, but words seem to fail her. She takes a shaky breath, and without a second thought, she closes the distance between us with a kiss.
She presses her body against mine, sighing happily, eagerly. She caught me off guard, but I quickly fall into rhythm. Poppy is starving for affection, so I make this soft and gentle.
I stroke her hair as my thumb runs circles on her cheek. I feel her shudder, overwhelmed by the emotions washing over her. I can't help but smile against her lips, and she does the same.
"No one's ever talked to me this way," she whispers breathlessly.
I rest my forehead against hers, sighing. "You deserve so much more than you think you do."
And, of course, we're interrupted. Someone knocks at the door, and Poppy jumps, snapping back to reality. God damn it.
"Miss Min-Sinclair, are you ready?" a man calls from outside. I roll my eyes. Good job, buddy. We were having a moment.
"Y-yes, I'll be out in two minutes," she stammers, clearly flustered.
"Go out first. I need a moment," she says, pushing me toward the door. Oh, so now she's back to ignoring everything I just said?
"But—"
"This is not the time for questions. Go, go, go!" Aw, frustrated Poppy is adorable.
I reach the door but stop, turning to smile at her. "We're not done yet." With that, I step out, leaving a clearly confused Poppy behind.
Every thought of her fills my mind as I walk away. She's different—I knew it, but I never thought things would turn out like this. I smile to myself, picturing a future with Poppy. I won't stop until I've tried everything I can.
I'm coming for your hand, Queen Bee—not your crown. So be ready.