caught in the act-a cole palmer x yn story
words-450 words
It had started off simple enough — a casual Sunday morning plan. Coffee first, then maybe a quick stroll through town. Cole had been insistent: "Come on, YN, no one’ll even notice. It'll be chill."
You should have known better.
Wrapped up in one of his hoodies that drowned you in fabric (and his cologne), you tugged your cap lower as the two of you wandered into a high-end boutique tucked into a quieter street. Cole, in joggers and a beanie, looked just like any other twenty-something — except, of course, he wasn’t.
Inside, it was easy to forget who he was. You bickered playfully over which sunglasses suited him better, laughed when he tried on an absolutely hideous bucket hat, and pretended not to care when he sneakily paid for the jacket you had been admiring.
“Treatin’ you, innit?” he grinned, nudging you as you exited the shop.
You were halfway down the block, your hands swinging between you, when you heard the unmistakable click-click-click of camera shutters.
Cole stiffened for a fraction of a second but squeezed your hand tighter, not letting go.
"Just ignore 'em," he muttered under his breath, flashing a quick, half-hearted smile toward the swarm. You dropped your head slightly, trying to shield your face without being obvious.
One pap called out, "Cole! Is this your girlfriend?" Another shouted, "Looking cozy today, you two!"
Your cheeks flamed hot under the hoodie, and you glanced at Cole, who winked at you without missing a beat.
"Let 'em talk," he said softly, tugging you a little closer, his hand resting casually on your lower back now. His touch was easy, protective, claiming — as if he didn’t care that tomorrow the photos would be all over the internet.
You managed a small smile for the cameras as Cole leaned down, pretending to whisper something in your ear. Really, he just murmured, "Couldn’t care less what they say. You look mint today, by the way."
You laughed, the sound a little breathless, and it only made the cameras flash faster.
Later, piled into the safety of his car with shopping bags at your feet and adrenaline still buzzing through your veins, you turned to him.
“Next time," you teased, "we're ordering online.”
Cole chuckled, reaching over to tuck a piece of hair behind your ear. “Nah. Where’s the fun in that?"
And with that boyish grin you loved, he pulled away from the curb, the two of you disappearing into the city, together.
