Against the Rules (Taylor Swift x Reader)

Y/N's POV
The elevator hummed softly as it ascended, each floor bringing me closer to a place I had only dreamed of. My palms were damp against the strap of my bag, and I fought the urge to check my reflection in the mirrored walls for the tenth time.

This wasn't just an internship. It was Taylor Nation.

The doors slid open, revealing a reception area that looked like it belonged in a lifestyle magazine. Everything was sleek and modern, from the white marble floors to the abstract art pieces lining the walls. A massive screen looped clips of Taylor Swift's greatest moments—concert footage, award speeches, music videos.

I stepped forward hesitantly, clutching the folder that held my onboarding documents. Behind the reception desk, a woman with perfect hair and an even more perfect smile looked up. Before I could speak, a voice cut through the air.

"Y/N Y/L/N?"

I turned to see a tall, poised woman in a tailored suit. She held a clipboard and had the kind of sharp gaze that made you want to stand up straighter.

"That's me," I said, willing my voice not to waver.

"Lily. HR." She gestured for me to follow, already turning toward a hallway. "Come with me."

I hurried after her, struggling to keep up with her quick pace. As we wove through the building, my nerves only grew. Employees moved with purpose, their conversations a blur of marketing jargon and creative brainstorming. Every wall seemed to display something related to Taylor—album covers, tour posters, framed magazine spreads.

"This way," Lily said, leading me into a spacious open workspace. The room was bright and buzzing with activity, desks arranged in clusters and walls adorned with mood boards and campaign drafts.

"This is your station." She pointed to a desk near the window. "Your supervisor will brief you shortly."
"Thank you," I said, trying not to sound as nervous as I felt.

Lily's gaze softened slightly. "You'll do fine. Just stay focused and—oh." She glanced over her shoulder, her expression shifting into something more formal. "Speak of the devil." I followed her gaze—and froze.

Taylor Swift walked into the room.

She wasn't just beautiful; she was magnetic. Her tailored blazer accentuated her tall frame, and her golden hair shimmered under the overhead lights. She moved with a quiet confidence that made everyone else seem smaller in comparison.

My heart skipped as her gaze swept across the room—and landed on me. For a moment, I couldn't breathe.

Her expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes. Recognition? Amusement? Whatever it was, it sent a jolt through me.

She offered a polite smile, the kind you give in passing, before turning her attention to someone calling her name.

"Breathe," Lily murmured beside me, clearly amused.

I let out a shaky exhale.

"Impressive, isn't she?" Lily said.

I nodded, unable to form coherent words.

"Don't worry," she added with a small smirk. "You'll get used to it. Or not." She glanced at her watch. "I'll check on you later. Good luck."

As Lily walked away, I sank into my chair, my heart still pounding. I was here to work, to learn, to prove myself.

But as I watched Taylor command the room with little more than a glance, one thought nagged at me.

How was I supposed to stay focused when she was in the same building?

Taylor's POV
I moved through the office, nodding at familiar faces and skimming through updates on my phone. The day had been relentless so far—meetings, calls, and more meetings.

I should've been used to it by now, but some days felt heavier than others. The expectations, the scrutiny, the relentless need to stay ahead—it was exhausting.

Still, I couldn't let it show. Not here.

As I entered the intern workspace, my gaze swept over the room out of habit. Most of the interns were exactly what I expected—eager, slightly overwhelmed, and blending into the background.

Except for one.

She sat near the window, her shoulders stiff and her hands fidgeting with the edge of her desk. Y/N Y/L/N.

Her name was familiar. I'd glanced over her resume earlier this week. Ambitious, creative, and apparently a little nervous. But there was something about her that made her stand out.

Her eyes met mine for the briefest moment, and I saw a flicker of something I couldn't quite place. Admiration? Curiosity? Whatever it was, it lingered in my mind longer than it should have.

"Taylor?"

I turned to see Lily approaching. "Are you ready for the strategy session?"

I nodded. "Let's go."

As I followed Lily, I couldn't help but glance back at Y/N.

I didn't know why she caught my attention, but she did.