Chapter 1
Mikey didn’t think she was that famous.
Sure, she had fans. People commented on her posts, showed up to things she did, but in her head, it wasn’t that big of a deal. There were people way more famous than her—actual celebrities with die-hard fandoms.
So when someone in the airport practically tripped over themselves to get her attention, she assumed it was a mistake.
“Excuse me—oh my God—wait, are you… Mikey?”
Mikey blinked, hands stuffed in her hoodie pockets. “Uh. Yeah?”
The girl gasped, gripping her phone like it might fly away. “Holy shit! I love you. Like, so much. You’re actually—oh my God, can I take a picture? Wait—do you even do that? Am I being weird?”
Mikey’s ears burned. She wasn’t used to this.
“Uh, I mean—sure?”
The girl squeaked and snapped a quick selfie, practically vibrating as she checked it.
“You’re seriously so cool. You probably hear that all the time, though—”
Mikey shuffled her feet, looking away. “Not really.”
The girl gasped. “That’s a lie.”
Mikey, feeling increasingly like she might combust, just nodded, mumbled something, and walked away.
She didn’t look back.
Meeting Billie
Mikey hadn’t planned on ending up at some fancy, invite-only event, but life had a weird way of throwing her into situations. She was just here for the free drinks and the chance to people-watch.
And maybe also because she had nowhere else to be.
She was sipping on something sweet when she felt someone step into her space.
“Nice mask.”
Mikey turned her head. Billie Eilish was standing beside her, looking at her like she was interesting.
Mikey swallowed. “Uh. Thanks.”
Billie smirked. “Not much of a talker?”
Mikey’s fingers tightened around her cup. “I talk.”
Billie hummed, leaning in slightly. “Yeah?”
Mikey nodded, gripping her drink like it might save her.
Billie’s smirk widened. “Cute.”
Mikey froze. Then, without thinking—
“I need to go.”
She turned so fast she nearly knocked into someone, muttering an awkward “Sorry” as she bolted toward the nearest exit.
She made it about five steps before she heard laughter. Billie’s laughter.
Mikey didn’t look back. She couldn’t.
But even as she escaped into the night, her ears burned with the sound of Billie’s amusement.
And the realization that Billie liked the chase.