Never Just Friends

Fake Date

Hanna’s POV

I was lying on my bed, staring up at the ceiling, replaying the conversation with Finn in my head. It was bizarre to even be thinking about fake-dating him, but the idea had been running through my mind ever since he proposed it. Could it actually work? Could we really pull this off without everything blowing up in our faces?

A knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in.”

Jacob popped his head in, a playful smirk on his face. “You’ve been weird lately.”

I rolled my eyes. “Thanks, Jake. Super helpful.”

He stepped inside, crossing his arms. “No, seriously. What’s going on with you? You’ve been acting all... I don’t know. Secretive.”

I sat up, narrowing my eyes at him. “I’m fine. I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Like what?” Jacob leaned against the doorframe. “Is it about Finn?”

My stomach tightened at the mention of his name. “Why would it be about Finn?”

Jacob shrugged casually. “I don’t know. You guys have been hanging out more lately. People are starting to talk.”

Heat rushed to my face, and I immediately stood up from my bed. “What are they saying?”

Jacob laughed, shaking his head. “Relax, it’s nothing bad. Just... unexpected. Look, Hanna, I know you and Finn have been friends because of me, but don’t get hurt, alright? He’s got a lot going on.”

I bristled at his words, crossing my arms defensively. “I’m not going to get hurt.”

Jacob eyed me for a long moment before sighing. “Just be careful. Finn’s not exactly great with feelings.”

He left the room, leaving me alone with the nagging doubt that had been growing ever since Finn’s proposal. Jacob’s warning replayed in my mind, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe—just maybe—there was more to this than either of us realized.

***

(Third-Person POV - Finn)

At school the next day, Finn spotted Hanna by her locker. It had only been a day since they agreed to their plan, and already it felt more complicated than it should. As he walked toward her, he noticed Elordi standing nearby, laughing with her. Finn clenched his jaw slightly, pushing down the strange surge of irritation that rose inside him.

“Hey,” Finn said, slipping into the space next to Hanna.

Hanna glanced up, her expression unreadable. “Hey.”

Elordi gave them both a nod before wandering off, leaving Finn and Hanna alone. The silence between them was heavier than usual, thick with unsaid things.

“So, what now?” Hanna asked, shifting on her feet.

“We start today,” Finn said, glancing around. “Ciara’s already watching.”

Hanna followed his gaze, spotting Ciara down the hallway, her eyes locked on them with a barely concealed glare. “She looks thrilled.”

Finn sighed. “Yeah. But this has to be convincing.”

Hanna raised an eyebrow. “What’s your plan, then?”

Without thinking, Finn reached out and took her hand, intertwining their fingers. Hanna stiffened, but didn’t pull away. “Just follow my lead,” Finn muttered, his eyes catching Ciara’s.

Hanna’s heart pounded in her chest. This was happening and everyone was watching—including Elordi.