A/N: Jaded has reunited and my heart can't cope! I saw the video that they posted early in the morning last Monday and that was literally the best wake up call ever. I cried my eyes out seeing them like that. 😭 But anyways, I also got inspiration for another one shot from that but it's Jerrie of course. 💁 So here it is guys...

Jade, a singer who tours all around the world and Perrie, her girlfriend, a footballer is miles apart from each other. They've sacrificed almost everything just to be near each other and they've conquered a lot but they are terribly missing each other. Adding to this is the pressure from the media and the people around them. Some time after, they'll prove to everyone that no distance can ever tear them apart.

Jade's POV

It has been a very long day for me and I am really tired. First, my voice is beyond exhausted as it is a busy day in the studio because we are recording the new songs for my 5th album. We're still not finished with some of the songs and I am physically and mentally drained since we're still doing some songwriting. I know just what I need right now...

Baba ringing...

I have been trying to contact my girlfriend, the well-known Arsenal football player, Perrie Edwards. Well, we're not out to the public yet because of some circumstances that the management are avoiding to happen for the both of us but we've been dating for two years now and we're still going fine and strong, I might say.

Although it is difficult for the both of us, we can still manage somehow. It's just hard that we can't show affection towards each other in public. Hell, she can't even visit me in New York without being in disguise. It took a lot of understanding and patience to continue this kind of relationship --- long distance and not being open to the public --- and yet Perrie conquers all of these just for me. I am so lucky to have her.

After the 6th ring, the call went straight to voicemail.

"Hey, it's Perrie. Sorry, I can't come to the phone right now but if you'll leave your name and your number, I'll get back to you."

"Baba..., I've really had a long and tiring day..., without you and I'm missing you so bad. I need cuddles right now. I just wish you can give them to me but a face time would do. Call me back as soon as you can. I love you."

I sent the message and placed my phone on the bedside table and decided to do my routine.

After I was done, I turned on the TV, turning it to the Sports Channel where a football game is playing --- Arsenal versus Liverpool --- actually. I completely forgot that she's playing a game today versus their rival. That's why she can't attend to the phone.

"Nelson is switching like lightning with the ball from left to right, left to right, left to right...", I heard the commentator say. Jesy Nelson. That was Perrie's best friend.

"Oh my goodness! She's really damn good with balls.", the other man exclaimed.

I giggled with what he said. He was damn right.

"Oh she passes the ball! SHE PASSES THE BALL! To Edwards, Edwards. She's running fast. She's coming near to the goal. She's there, she's there...", the commentator excitedly said again.

I can't help but have a proud smile plastered in my face. I just want everyone to know that she's my girl so bad.

"If she scores, this will be her 4th for this game and Nelson's 2nd assist. Oh my goodness, she's probably the best football player in the entire universe!", the other one said.

"As you said! She's near, she's near. She's gonna kick it, I just feel it! THERE! EDWARDS SCORES AGAIN!", the first commentator exclaimed proudly and I can't help but to get caught up in the moment. I also jumped up and down and screamed my girlfriend's name.

"EDWARDS DID IT AGAIN! With only a minute or two remaining, the Arsenals would've won against Liverpool with 5-3 and of course, with their main woman leading, Perrie Edwards #6."

The camera focused on the roaring crowd and after, to Jesy carrying a sweaty Perrie on her back. The smile on their faces says it all. I am beyond proud.

The game ended with the Arsenals winning and of course, the player of the match is Perrie so she needs to do an interview.

"Here with us now is Perrie Edwards, the player of the match. Good evening, Perrie!", the interviewer said cheerfully. She's really close to Perrie... which of course, I don't like. I just hope that I am there to turn her away from her.

"Hey, hey. Hello there! Thank you for supporting the Arsenals.", Perrie greeted and she instantly turned my jealousy into sparks.

"So, Perrie, the fans and the critics noticed that you've been playing really well these days. Do you have any new strategies or who motivates you do to even better?", the interviewer asks enthusiastically.

"Well, I might say, I'm doing this for the team, we really want the Championship this year and we're very close in getting it. The fans, have always been there at our backs, catching us whenever we fall and I'm so thankful to have them. My family as well, supports me so much. But you know, there's a really special someone who keeps me going everyday.", Perrie answered cheekily and beamed at the camera.

I blushed. I just really hope...

"Can we know who that person is?", the interviewer interrupted my thoughts and got even closer to Perrie again, enough to have Perrie's sweat passed onto her. I'm getting a bit pissed.

"I can't mention who that person is right now but I'm very happy...", Perrie answered and her smile faltered a bit. I know what she's feeling. I really want our relationship to go public as well..., but we have to follow orders.

"Baba, if ever you're watching, which I hope you are, I hope you know that I love you and I miss you all the time. Can't wait to be with you again."

Although she's not here with me, I can still feel the blush creep up into my cheeks and my heart flutter with every word that she said. How I wish that we can see each other soon.

When the game was done, I turned off the TV and just laid in my bed because I know for sure that Perrie will call now.

Minutes later, I can hear my phone ringing... I just hope that's the call that I'm expecting.

Baba calling...

I picked up the phone and answered the call in a heartbeat when I saw who it is.

"Hey, baby. Sorry I wasn't able to answer your call because you know why. We won baby! And guess who's the player of the match...", she started and with her last statement, I can almost picture her eyebrows wiggling playfully at me. I giggled at her antiques before I replied.

"Congratulations, baba! Who could it be? Jesy maybe?", I teased and played along with her act.

"Close enough but Jesy did play well in today's game. Guess again, baba.", she said.

"Oh! Luke Pasqualino? He's a really great player as well. He's skillful and he also has a good attitude and he's friendly and he's handsome and he's---", my dilemma has been interrupted when she coughed through the phone. I'm just messing with her but my descriptions about Luke, Perrie's new teammate is true yet I only love her.

"Do you like him?", Perrie said sternly. I made her jealous on purpose though...

"Do I?", I challenged. I can imagine the pout forming on her face now.

"Jadey... Do you not love me anymore? You don't even watched my game today. I'm the player of the match, y'know. I played well for you. I even gave a message to you while I was being interviewed.", Perrie said sincerely. With the tone of her voice, I know that she's in the verge of crying. She may look so tough but she's a softie inside and that's what I love about her.

"Baba... Of course, I love you. I watched your game believe me and my heart fluttered with every word that you said. Congrats on being the player of the game, baba. I screamed my lungs out in the room and jumped up and down, you know that? I'm very proud of you. I was just messing with you awhile ago. You know you're my only one...", I assured her.

"Aw, thank you, baby! I really want to announce to the world that I got the best girlfriend that I miss and love very much but sadly, I can't...", she trailed off and she ended with a lonely tone.

How I wish too...

But I need to cheer her up now.

"Baby, we will, someday. I know we will. We'll walk around New York holding hands, we'll go to your place in London kissing every now and then and we won't give a damn about the world. We'll do that someday. Let's just enjoy this moment now yeah? The player of the match shouldn't mope around! You should party and celebrate with your team.", I spoke and I hope that this will cheer her up a bit.

"I believe in you, baba and I have faith in this relationship so yeah, I know we'll conquer."

"I love you."

"And I love you more."

"No, I love you most."

"Nah I love you theeeee most!"

"Okay, baby, you win. Have you changed your shirt yet? You're really sweaty during the interview and yet the interviewer came very close to you.", I said kinda annoyed.

"Oh, my little Jadey is jealous?", she teased.

"Oh, shut up. Say that to the one who's jealous with Luke.", I shot back.

"I guess we're even then. I'll change now baby and you should probably get to sleep. From your previous text, you've been really tired so I want you to rest now, okay?", she asked me.

"But I still want to talk to you.", I said and pouted even though she can't see me.

"Me too but you still have an early schedule tomorrow and I'm tired as well so let's give each other rest, yeah? We'll talk soon, baba.", she persuaded.

"Okay. Promise you'll call me tomorrow?"

"Yes, baby, I will. Love you."

"Love you too, bye."

Those are our last words before I hang up and let myself sleep peacefully.

When I woke up in the morning, I was already greeted by text messages from the management. I didn't bother to read it yet because my eyes caught something much significant.

From: Baba

Sent at 5:45 am

Good Morning, baby! I know you're probably still asleep now and when you read this, you'll wonder why I'm up so early. The team wanted to have an early morning jog and morning training so that we can have the afternoon all to ourselves. Sorry I wouldn't be able to call you this morning. I'll make it up to you tonight. Love you xx.

Poor, Pez. I know how much she hates mornings but for her team and for the sport she loves so much, she'll do it. I adore such a talented and selfless human being.

To: Baba

Sent at 8:20 am

Good Morning, love! I wonder how the team managed to wake you up... I hope you have eaten breakfast first before you went to jog. Take care of yourself and I'll wait for you to make it up to me. I love you! Have fun.

I sent the reply to her and scrolled down to my messages again to read the message from the management.

From: Mr. Murs, management

Sent at 7:35 am

Good Morning, Miss Thirlwall. You, along with the team, some staff and Mr. Niall Horan will have a meeting at 9:30 am in the main hall. The driver will pick you up in your penthouse at exactly 9 am. Thank you.

What would the meeting possibly be about? And why with Niall? Niall is a well-known Irish singer across US. He's been my only guy best friend when I started in this industry but when he admitted his feelings for me when me and Perrie are already together, we kept our friendship down low. Perrie can't help but to get jealous with him and besides, it would have been awkward anyway so, why now? I hope this wouldn't be ridiculous.

I prepared myself and ate breakfast. I was done preparing 5 minutes before 9, buzzer beater. I heard the doorbell rang minutes after which I assumed is the driver and we went to the headquarters immediately.

After car ride...

I am now sitting comfortably in the conference room in the main hall. Niall arrived minutes after I did. He greeted everyone politely before he waved at me and sat beside me. With that smile on his face, I know that he already knew something about this meeting. I seem to be the only one who is oblivious to what's happening.

Mr. Murs soon arrived and we were all huddled in the conference room.

"So, Jade, I assumed Niall already told you about this.", he started.

What is he talking about? And I was right. Niall knew something was off.

"Pardon, Sir. About what, exactly?", I questioned.

"Haven't you told him yet, Niall? You said she already agreed and it seems to be a good idea to boost her publicity.", Mr. Murs said again and it just confused me more.

"Oh, absolutely, Mr. Murs. Jade must have just forgotten about it since she's been very busy but she already agreed.", Niall said calmly.

What the hell? What is this arse saying? (A/N: No hate on that, I love Niall and the 1D boys very much.)

"Okay, so Jade. You and Niall are obliged to act as a couple now. You need to go on dates, hold hands, kiss, be sweet and affectionate to each other in public. It'll help your publicity since the release of your new album is coming and we really need this break.", Mr. Murs confirmed, clearing all my reverie.

"Sir, to all due respect but how would my girlfriend feel about this? You know she's very sensitive when it comes to these things.", I argued, not wanting this idea.

"She should've known the consequences of dating you, dear and when it comes to this industry, strategies are very much needed. Your career is much important than her arguments, Jade. Think about it.", Mr. Murs said. And with the tone of his voice, I know I wouldn't get away with this so I just sighed in defeat.

"Alright, just... No kissing please.", I complained. I don't know how I'll tell this to Perrie.

"Yeah, sure, sure. Whatever she says.", Niall smirked slyly.

We ended the meeting and I went back to writing and recording with my mind clouded of ways to break the news to Perrie.

Later that night...

Baba calling...

I answered my phone quickly when I saw that it was her.

"Hey, baby!", she greeted me cheerfully. I don't know if that will still be the tone of her voice when she heard what I'll be saying. Damn, I don't want to ruin her mood.

"Hey, baba...", I answered, clearly distressed.

"Are you alright? Did I call in the wrong time?", she asked me, concern laced in her voice.

"No, no... It's just. There has been a lot that's going on today and I need to tell you something.", I trailed off.

"Anything, baby. I know it's bothering you so much.", she said sweetly.

"This morning, I had a meeting with the management and well with... Promise, baby, I didn't know.", I started but then rambled.

"Okay, baby, okay. Come on, take your time. I'll try to understand.", she said sweetly.

Why does she have to be so perfect?

"With Niall.", I completed the sentence and I heard her breath hitch.

"Jade, you know how I feel about him. How did the meeting go?", she spoke and I knew that she's stressing out already.

"They... they wanted us to... act like a couple.", I trailed off and waited for her response.

"Is this some sick joke, Thirlwall?", she answered and I know full well that she's trying to keep her cool.

"Sadly, it's not. They said that we need to be as sweet and affectionate to each other in public. It will help boost my publicity for my upcoming album, that's why.", I reasoned out, hoping that this conversation will go well.

Minutes of silence passed and I am silently doubting if she's still in the other line. I was about to call out her name when I heard sniffling on the other side. She's not crying, is she?

"Baby, are you alright?", I asked, worrying.

"Yeah.", she replied although it was a complete lie. More sniffs came out and I know that she's really crying. I don't like seeing or rather, hearing her this vulnerable. It breaks my heart as well.

"I promise, I'll keep it lowkey. No kissing. Touching would only be in public.", I said, trying to lighten the mood.

"It's alright. My cries wouldn't change their decision, would it?", she said and laughed bitterly. I can't help but sigh with her answer.

"It's just funny, you know? You can be in a fake yet public relationship with a person that I hate very much and yet, we couldn't proclaim our love to the world. Is that really how the system works?", she said and I know that she's overthinking.

"Everything will be fine. You know you have me, always. This damn fake thing wouldn't change anything.", I said firmly.

"What if it would? What if you fall for him? What if you break up with me? I couldn't bear the heartbreak Jade. Just thinking about it sucks already but when it happens in---", I don't want to hear her explanations any further so I quickly interrupted.

"Don't you trust me, Perrie? Don't you have faith in this relationship?"

"Of course I trust you Jade. It's just... him.", she replied and I know that she's really sincere with every word.

"So, please, keep that trust with me. You know I love you."

"And I love you too."

How I wish that I can kiss her right now.

"I'll probably sleep now, baby. It's been a long night.", Perrie trailed off and before I could even reply, she already hung up. I don't want her sleeping with thoughts bothering her but I want to give her as much time and space that she needed to let the news sink in to her. I also let myself fall into a faltered slumber minutes after.

Weeks after...

Things have been back to normal between me and Perrie again and the show that me and Niall was pulling really boosted my publicity. I guess we were almost the cover in every New York, US and UK tabloid by now. We don't confirm anything to the media, we're just friends though so it's really not necessary when all of these is over. Although Perrie still complains about it, I always assure her that once this is over, the management will let us go public. I am glad that our situation isn't affecting her performance in the games. In fact, she's playing her best games these past days. I am very proud of her.

I have been very strict with Niall about the no kissing rule and touching only in public and he's been well-behaved as well. He knows his limits. We actually got along again. He's slowly being my best friend again. I hope the progress continues and we would just keep it this way.

Tonight, me and Niall, along with Lauren and Camila, our other friends will go to the club. I really didn't want to go but Niall insisted that I should since we will celebrate about the success of my new single, Secret Love Song. After his persuasion, I finally gave in and went to the club.

In the club...

We have been here for almost 2 hours now and Niall and I are dancing. We still kept the distance between us. Before we went here, I really had a hard time convincing Perrie that this will only be a celebration before she agreed to the proposed idea.

We danced to every upbeat song that plays and we're just enjoying each other's company as friends. Then, a slow song played.

The intro of "The Night We Met" started and Niall looked at me quizzically.

"May I have this dance, gorgeous?", he asked me.

I didn't have the heart to say no and besides, the rules are clear so I didn't doubt him one bit. Some media groups are here to capture us but it's strictly for the management's happiness.

We just started dancing slowly and he complimented me every now and then.

"Your eyes are lovely. I can see the world in them.", he said and flashed me a bright smile.

"Your hair is as perfect as ever.", he continued.

"You're still the Jade I fell for.", he said again and after that, I felt his lips on mine and in my peripheral version, flashes of camera lights immediately lit up our surrounding. This is not good.

I pushed him off with all my strength which he ended up stumbling back but he still gained control of his posture.

"What the hell, Niall!", I boomed out.

"Jade...", he trailed off and was about to touch me when I stopped him.

"You know I'm taken! This is strictly for work! Niall, you fucked up real bad.", I continued to rant.

I don't give a damn about the media. I just want everything to be clear. I didn't gave him the time to reply for I ran away in a flash and found our driver just outside, waiting. I told him to get me to my apartment.

I opened my phone and this thing has a really bad timing. My damn phone is dead and I need to charge it first before I can call Perrie. This is a big mess I'm in.

When I got to my penthouse, I quickly charged my phone. I can't wait to call her. I hope the news wouldn't be on social media that fast. But my luck is really weak today.

After some time, my phone has enough battery and I saw a lot of notifications from Twitter, mentioning mine and Niall's account.

SUN NEWS HEADLINE:

THIS IS THE KISS THAT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! IRISH SINGER, NIALL HORAN WITH HIS ALLEGEDLY GIRLFRIEND, JADE THIRLWALL, NEW YORK'S POPSTAR, HAS BEEN CAUGHT KISSING IN A CLUB IN WASHINGTON DC TONIGHT! HERE ARE ALL THE DEETS!

I feel myself wanting to vomit with the news. But then a series of tweets caught my eyes.

@perrieedwards || 11:22 pm

Can I be him?

@perrieedwards || 11:20 pm

Hope the kiss was good. That's the thing that I wanna do to you but the distance won't allow us to.

@perrieedwards || 11:16 pm

I'm dying inside and you don't even know.

@perrieedwards || 11:12 pm

I don't wanna love you anymore.

@perrieedwards || 11:11 pm

I'm terribly hurting.

Oh no, baby. I love you so much. I dialed the number that I knew full well by heart and she answered only in the first ring. I hope it's not too late.

"Perrie, baby. I'm not cheating on you. Niall was-"

"Jade. It's Jesy.", the voice on the other line proclaimed.

"Oh, Jes. Where's Perrie?", I asked, concerned.

"She hasn't left her room since she found out about the news. She's been crying her eyes out and screaming profanities. She left her phone in the couch though.", she explained.

"Jesy, can I talk to her?", I asked, trying to be calm.

"I'm afraid that she wants to think it through, Jade. You know how she is with these things. Give each other time and you'll settle.", Jesy said.

I know she is right.

"Okay but no. I'll catch a flight to London now. I'll be there. Bye, Jes.", I said and quickly hung up. I called my manager and told him that I'll be out for some time then I called my personal pilot to set the jet to a flight to London.

I'm coming to get my girl.

I arrived at Perrie's flat at 8 am and Jesy opened the door for me.

"Good Morning, Jes. Where is she?", I asked immediately, not wanting to make it longer.

"She's in her room.", Jesy answered and I went there like lightning.

I slightly opened the door first only to find her still sleeping. I went to her side of the bed and noticed that her eyes are sore. Probably because of crying. My poor baby.

I sat beside her and felt the bed dipped. I slowly leaned in and kissed both of her eyelids and after that, I saw the most beautiful ocean eyes that I have ever seen staring into me too.

"J-Jade?", she asked, unbelievingly.

"Yes, baba?", I answered and I felt her sit up and wrap me in a warm hug.

"You're actually here! I thought I lost you...", she said and stuffed her face in my neck as I felt her fresh, hot tears falling again.

"You'll never lose me... I need to explain though.", I said.

She pulled away from me and I told her the whole story and she let every word that I said sink in. After I was done, she just stared at me.

"I know that being with him is not a good idea.", she claimed and I laughed at that.

"But I'm not with him anymore, am I? Nothing's going to come between us, baba.", I assured her.

"I'm glad. But, what about the management?", she questioned, still unsure.

"Well, fuck them because I'm going to tell the world that you're mine.", I said and she giggled. I fished out my phone and decided to post a photo on Instagram, confirming mine and Perrie's relationship.

@jadethirlwall

We're miles apart from each other before but our hearts brought us closer. I'm proud to tell you guys that, @perrieedwards here is my lovely girlfriend. I love you beyond words can ever say, baba. There really is nothing that love can't conquer.

#LoveWins

When Perrie read it she had tears in her eyes again and she slowly leaned into me and we sealed the deal with a kiss.