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Sitting by the dinner table at Arvid’s house, you eat dinner with him and his family on a Friday night. It’s been good, it’s always good with him, and you’re so happy that his family has taken a liking to you. Stefan speaks up, “I’m excited for you, Arvid. I really, really think this will be worth it. We’re all proud of you, and we know your hard work will pay off.” Arvid looks down after he says that, flustered. This is what he’s always been working for, you think. Even just his previous seasons, he’s always practicing, training, doing what he can. And yet, he still makes time for his family, his personal life, and you. You’re the luckiest girl in the world.
You celebrate him with his family in London, of course, but the following period when he’s not allowed to tell anybody almost breaks him (and his parents, for that matter, how could they not?). He’s beyond happy and almost ecstatic. “I’m so proud of you, everyone is. I’m so glad you’ve reached your goal. Ready to celebrate?” He responds with a kiss to your cheek, sweeping you off your feet. A little cake for him, “Congratulations” with a smiley face, confetti and a colorful party hat. He’s in a good mood all night long, giddy and a little woozy. After his family leaves, and it’s just you and him left, music playing lowly.
He’s in his dress shirt, your favorite. “Many good things to come this coming year,” you lean your head to his side, “And I have a feeling a lot of it will involve us together.” He smiles at you, wrapping his arm around your waist to pull you into him. “Well, of course. How could I do without my lucky charm, my dream girl and my one and only?” he already has a lipstick mark to his cheek but you give him another for good measure.
If your relationship wasn’t made public before, it certainly is now. Even the attention he gets after is loads more than he’s ever been used to. He doesn’t really mind it, but he’s good with keeping his privacy and dodging invading questions. It’s one of the things you appreciate most about him; he’s considerate of your privacy and would never out you in any way you’re not comfortable with. Private, not secret. He’s happy to have you there on those nights. After practice, after races, at events, just you and him.
You continue to be in the background of his photos and with him to most places, though it’s usually never paid special attention to. You’re just glad you can be there to support him and accompany him, especially on the nights when you are apart and all you have is your messages and infrequent calls to hear each others’ voices. Pressing a kiss to his lips, you get up from your seat and snap a photo of him, party hat and all.
After this his circle grows a lot, and you’re rarely unoccupied. But he’s glowing, he’s so happy, proud. He’s getting recognized a lot more, always working and being out with his team. You talk and kiss over facetime, sending messages, listening to your shared playlists. He can’t wait, and you know he will always come back to you even though he’s away so often.
The photo you took of him is later posted to your private Instagram, captioning, “Well congratulations Starboy :)”