Page 75 of Hot Girls Date Shifters

About sold-out venues.

About fans who knew every lyric he'd ever written.

I blink.

“Wait...”

I point at him.

“How are you telling me you're not famous if you’ve got like mega fans?”

He winces.

“It’s okay, Elsie. Out on a stage, my fame might mean something but here? Nah. I’m just me.”

“Oh my God, I've been on a date with a celebrity this whole time?”

“I prefer musician.”

“I can't believe I didn't recognize you.”

“I kind of like that you didn't.”

I study him.

“Really?”

He nods.

“People think fame changes everything.”

“Did it?”

He thinks for a moment.

“It changed a lot.”

“But?”

“It didn't change what mattered.”

I don't know why that answer hits me so hard.

Maybe because it's exactly what I wanted him to say.

Maybe because he doesn't sound like someone chasing applause.

He sounds like someone looking for somewhere to belong.

“I like that answer.”

His smile deepens.

Not the practiced smile of someone used to posing for pictures.

A genuine one.

One that reaches those beautiful green eyes.