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The Red Carpet
The moment that their car door opened, the night ejected into chaos.
A number of flashes burst to life, each light of the camera is brighter than the next, chasing them as they stepped onto the red path leading into the SF World Cinema. Voices were overlapped, reporters calling out their names, fans screaming from behind the barricades, and the low utters of security staff with their radios.
Love adjusted her posture as someone who had done this a thousand times before. The dark red gown she wore shimmered under the lights, her lips curved in that practiced yet radiant smile that made crowds lose their breath.
But the cameras weren’t just on her tonight.
Milk stepped out after her, one arm curled firmly around their three-year-old daughter. Muv blinked at the sudden onslaught of lights, her small hands gripping the folds of Milk’s black gown. She whispered softly into her daughter’s ear before angling her body just enough to shield her from the worst of the flashes.
And just like that, the shouting from the crowd has changed.
“She brought Muv!”
“The daughter is here too!”
“Vosbein family shot, please!”
“Little star, over here, sweetie!”
Muv peeked over Milk’s shoulder, her wide dark boba eyes, similar to her mother, taking in the storm of cameras. Then to everyone’s delight, she gave a tiny wave with her free hand. The crowd cooed, a ripple of laughter and affection moving across the line of photographers.
Love’s smile softened, more genuine now. She leaned close, brushing her lips against the curve of Milk’s jaw as though to whisper something to her, but really to calm her. To steady them.
“Your daughter’s stealing the show.” Love murmured, the words almost swallowed by the loud roar of the crowd.
Milk gave her a sidelong look, rolling her eyes though her lips were curved in amusement. “Our daughter. And you don’t sound mad about it, you know?”
Love chuckled, slipping her hand into Milk’s free one as they started to walk down the carpet. The cameras exploded again at the sight. The nation’s sweetheart and darling together as a couple, hand in hand, with their tiny princess that was balanced between the two of them.
Reporters pressed closer at the family.
“Milk, Love, how does it feel attending tonight with your little one?”
“Will Muv follow your footsteps as actresses?”
“A possible project as a family in the future?”
Milk stopped long enough to adjust Muv’s orange headband, then answered with her usual calm voice. “Well, she’s three.” She said, the faintest smile appearing in her lips. “For now, her biggest project is coloring on our living room walls and chasing our fat cats.”
The reporters laughed, jotting the words down.
Love, never missing a beat, added with playful confidence. “But if she does end up in the industry, we’re all doomed. I’m sure she’ll outshine us without trying.”
That earned a roar of cheers. Muv, who is not fully understanding the situation, but still pleased with the noise, clapped her tiny hands against Milk’s shoulder.
They posed for photos with Love leaning just slightly so that Milk was framed beside her. Milk was still holding Muv securely but allowing her to be seen. Muv was tugging Milk’s earrings like they were her toys. The image would be everywhere by morning, no doubt. They are after all the Vosbein family, who are untouchable and untamed.
But under the storm of attention, there were quieter moments that only the family noticed. Love’s thumb drawing small circles against Milk’s soft palm. Milk whispering to Muv about getting ice cream after the movie.
By the time they reached the doors of the cinema, the noise dulled into a heavy hum behind them. Muv’s head was tucked beneath Milk’s chin now, her little voice muffled as she asked, “Mi, are we done yet?”
Milk bent her head, kissing the top of her daughter’s hair. “Almost, baby. Just the fun part left.”
Love reached over to smooth Muv’s hair, which had pink highlights since she wanted to mirror Love’s character in her movie before. Her eyes meet Milk’s over their daughter’s head. In the quiet space between the cameras, something real flickered through. The simple truth of who they were.
Not just actresses. Not just stars.
But a family, walking into the cinema together.
Inside the Cinema
The world outside the cinema doors fell away the moment they stepped into the cinema lobby. The heavy red carpet underfoot muffled the chaos, and the gold chandeliers above washed everything through a warm glow. The energy was now gentler. Guests, may it be producers or actors, were in gowns and tuxedos. The air humming with anticipation for the film about to premiere.
Milk adjusted Muv on her hip, grateful for the hush. Her daughter’s head was nestled against her shoulder now, worn out from the amount of flashes. Love slipped an arm around her waist as if to guide them around.
“Finally…” Love said into her ear, her voice low and intimate despite the dozens of people swirling around them, “If I had to smile for one more camera…”
Milk gave a small laugh, leaning into her wife’s touch. “You’d have done it. And you looked good doing it, as always.”
Before Love could reply, a familiar voice rang out across the lobby.
“Here they are!”
Bonnie came striding toward them, her white gown swishing dramatically behind her. Emi followed, calmer as always, though her grin was just as wide. The two of them practically glowed. It was their night, after all, the result of months of sleepless nights, their film finally ready to meet the world.
Muv perked up immediately at the sound of Bonnie’s voice. “Auntie Bonnie!” She squealed, reaching her arms out. Milk set her down just in time for Muv to tumble into Bonnie’s embrace.
Bonnie scooped her up effortlessly, twirling her once before planting a loud kiss on her cheek. “There’s my little star! Forget about our movie. You’re the real premiere.”
Emi laughed softly, shaking her head as she came in for hugs of her own. “You’re encouraging her.” She said, but her smile gave her away. When she hugged Milk, she lingered just a bit longer, murmuring, “Thank you for coming. It means to us more than you know.”
“Of course.” Milk replied sincerely. “We wouldn’t miss our best friends’ biggest film yet.”
Love clapped Bonnie on the shoulder with a serious yet mocking expression. “You’re about to break my heart with this film, aren’t you? I should’ve brought a lot of tissues.”
“You should have.” Bonnie replied jokingly.
They laughed, falling easily into the rhythm of old friends.
Bonnie passed Muv back to Milk, smoothing the child’s hair as she whispered. “You’ll sit near us during the movie, right?”
Muv nodded softly, then immediately ruined the gravity by asking. “Do they have popcorn, mami?”
That broke everyone into laughter.
Inside the theatre itself, the lights were dimmed low as guests found their seats. Milk and Love settled toward the center with Muv climbing decisively into Milk’s lap before the previews even began. Emi and Bonnie were seated a few rows ahead, the flow of pride already visible in the way they leaned toward each other.
As the opening credits rolled, Milk felt Muv’s small fingers curl into the fabric of her dress. Her daughter’s weight was a familiar anchor, calming her as the screen lit up. Love’s hand found hers in the dark, warm and firm, their rings brushing together.
The film unfolded. It was a story of two women fighting against distance, against time, and against everything that tried to break them apart. Milk let herself be pulled into it, but she couldn’t help the way her mind began to drift. The parallels were too real.
She thought of her and Love’s early days. The stolen glances on sets, the long nights learning lines together, the late night drives, the way they’d learned to build a love in secrecy before the world knew their names.
Beside her, Love squeezed her hand at a particularly raw scene onscreen. Milk turned her head just enough to see the faint shine of emotion in her wife’s eyes. In the flickering light of the screen, she looked so beautiful.
Muv shifted, her eyelids dropping halfway through the film. Soon, her head leaned against Milk’s chest, her breathing soft and even. Milk pressed a kiss to her hair, holding her close, while Love reached over to brush a finger gently along Muv’s arm in a silent caress.
Love leaned closer, her voice no more than a whisper in the dark. “This could’ve been us. Almost was.”
Milk smiled faintly. “It is us. Just…happier.”
When the credits finally rolled, Milk blinked against the sudden brightness. Around them, applause erupted, people rising to their feet in ovation. Emi and Bonnie turned in their seats, faces alight, tears streaking down their faces.
Milk shifted Muv gently in her arms and stood, clapping as well. Love’s other hand came to rest at the small of her back.
Back at their Apartment
Muv was already half-asleep, sprawled across Milk’s lap with her little shoes dangling off the edge of the car’s seat. Her dress wrinkled from the hours of sitting still. Milk adjusted her gently, tucking a soft blanket from the car beneath her chin.
“She didn’t even make it through the drive.” Love said softly, kicking off her heels with a sigh of relief. She reached over to stroke their daughter’s cheek, the exhaustion on her own face softened by the view in front of her.
“She tried.” Milk murmured. “She even told me she was going to clap for Auntie Emi and Auntie Bonnie, but her eyes were closing even then.”
They shared a quiet smile. For a while, the only sound was the hum of the car and Muv’s steady breathing.
By the time they reached home, Milk was reluctant to wake Muv at all. Love helped, sliding an arm under their daughter as Milk gathered the rest of her up. Together, they carried their little girl inside.
Upstairs, the bedroom was dimly lit, toys were piled in the corner, a small shelf stacked with nursery books, and the faint lavender scent of Muv’s nightlight was already glowing. Milk carefully changed her into soft pajamas while Love brushed out her hair, each movement practiced, gentle.
“All done.” Love whispered, smoothing Muv’s bangs away from her tiny face. “She looks like she could sleep for days.”
“After tonight, she probably will.” Milk said, tugging the blanket up to Muv’s chin. She leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. Love followed, pressing her lips to the same spot.
“Goodnight, baby love.” They murmured together, a phrase that had become second nature.
When they finally slipped out, Love left the door open just a crack, the soft glow of the nightlight spilling into the hallway.
Downstairs, the house felt impossibly quiet. Milk eased onto the couch, stretching her legs, while Love returned with two mugs of matcha. They sat in silence for a few moments, the steam curing between them.
Love broke the silence first, her voice low. “Have you ever thought about how different this all is? Red carpets, premieres, our faces on billboards, then nights like this. Coming home, changing into pajamas, kissing her goodnight.”
Milk smiled softly. “I think about it all the time. And I know which part I’d keep, if I had to choose.”
Love tilted her head, a small, wry smile tugging at her lips. “You’d pick coloring books over the spotlight, wouldn’t you?”
“Yeah. I’d choose you and Muv over anything.”
For a while, they didn’t need to say anything else. The clock ticked softly in the background. Somewhere upstairs, Muv shifted in her sleep. Love reached out across the couch, her fingers brushing softly against Milk’s.
“I love you, you know that right?” Milk said in a low whisper.
Love’s eyes softened. “And, I love you.” She leaned her head against Milk’s shoulder.
And in the hush of their home, surrounded by nothing more than the steady rhythm of their daughter’s sleep and the comfort of each other’s presence, the night finally felt whole.