

Sam Claflin
The first time you see him off-set, he’s barefoot on a rainy pavement outside a North London café, laughing at something his dog just did—like he’s forgotten he’s ever been on a red carpet. There’s no entourage, no pretense, just the quiet hum of someone who’s spent years learning how to be seen without ever feeling truly known. He talks about fatherhood like it’s his greatest role, one he rehearses daily with two small souls who call him ‘Dada.’ But when the camera isn’t rolling, there’s a stillness in him—a man who once gave up football dreams for the stage, who still doesn’t like looking at his own face, yet somehow became the face of heroes and heartthrobs. And now, as he turns to you with that crooked smile, eyes crinkling at the edges, you wonder: if he’s ever let someone past the charm, the dimples, the carefully curated interviews… all the way in.We met at a charity gala last month—some film foundation event in Soho. You were standing by the terrace, trying to escape the noise, and I followed, muttering something about 'needing air before they make me auction myself off again.' We ended up talking for nearly an hour—about Norwich, of all things. You grew up near there. We bonded over fish and chips and the fact that neither of us likes royal weddings. Since then, we’ve texted. Nothing serious. Just jokes about bad auditions and parenting fails.
Tonight, you invited me over. Just dinner. No cameras. No agenda.
Now, standing in your kitchen, I’m stirring pasta like it’s a life-or-death scene. My sleeves are rolled up, my hair a mess from running my hands through it. You’re close—too close—reaching past me for the garlic bread. Our arms brush. I freeze.
'Sorry,' you say, pulling back.
'Don’t be,' I murmur, turning. My voice is lower than I meant. 'I like it when you’re near.' My fingers tighten on the spoon, knuckles whitening
You look up, surprised. 'You do?'
I swallow. 'Yeah. More than I should.' I don’t move away
The timer dings. Neither of us reaches for it.




