Never Just Friends

The Party

Hanna's POV

Jacob had mentioned Finn’s birthday gathering earlier that week. "It's nothing big, just a few people. You, me, Finn—maybe Emily and Elordi," he’d said casually.

It sounded simple enough, but now, as Emily and I pulled up to Finn’s house, I was immediately hit by how wrong that description was. The music was blaring, and there were way too many cars parked along the street for it to be just a "few people." People were literally pouring out of the front door like it was the event of the year.

“This... is not ‘a few people,’” I muttered under my breath as we stepped inside, the bass of the music thumping through my chest.

Emily glanced around, eyes wide. “Finn definitely undersold this. It looks like half the school is here.”

My stomach twisted. I didn’t do well with crowds like this. Finn had made the whole thing sound low-key, but now it felt overwhelming. All the laughter, the loud voices, the music—it was like walking into a storm.

“Relax,” Emily said, nudging me with a smile. “It’s just a party. Besides, we’ll stick together, okay?”

Before I could respond, I felt someone grab my hand. Finn. He appeared out of nowhere, his grip firm as he pulled me away from Emily, cutting off any conversation.

“Come with me,” he said, his voice low, eyes flicking toward the crowded living room.

I blinked, taken aback by his sudden presence. “Where are we going?”

Finn didn’t answer right away. I glanced back, catching sight of Elordi watching us from across the room.

***

Finn’s POV

I didn’t plan on dragging Hanna away like that, but seeing her surrounded by everyone—the noise, the crowd—it didn’t sit right with me. Especially when she was standing there with Elordi. I hated that tight feeling in my chest whenever I saw them together, even if it was part of the stupid plan we’d made. So, I grabbed her, not caring what anyone thought.

“Are you okay?” I asked, finally releasing her hand when we reached the kitchen.

Hanna blinked at me, confusion in her eyes. “Yeah... I’m fine. What’s this about?”

I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. “I just... I wanted to check in on the deal. You said you wanted Elordi to notice you, and I’ve seen the way he looks at you now. So, is it working?”

Hanna bit her lip, glancing down. “Emily says he’s starting to notice. But honestly, I don’t know if it’s real or if he’s just... being friendly like always. And Ciara?”

I leaned back against the counter, crossing my arms. “She’s been the opposite—getting more possessive every day.” I sighed, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. But looking at Hanna, I realized something else had changed. This wasn’t just about our deal anymore.

The music outside shifted to a slower song, and without thinking, I took a step toward her. “Dance with me?”

***

Hanna's POV

I wasn’t expecting the offer, but before I could really think about it, I nodded. Finn took my hand again, leading me back into the crowded living room. As we started swaying to the slow rhythm of the music, his hands on my waist and mine resting lightly on his shoulders, I tried to calm my racing heart.

Neither of us spoke for a while. The room faded into the background, and it was just us. The way Finn held me... it felt different. More than just friendly. I didn’t know what to make of it.

“I wanted to apologize,” Finn said suddenly, his voice rough. “For what you overheard at the party. That I couldn’t date you.. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

I blinked up at him, the memory still fresh. I had tried to push it aside, but hearing it again made my chest tighten. “It’s fine, Finn. It’s really nothing.”

His grip on me tightened slightly, like he wasn’t ready to let the conversation go. “But what if...”

Finn paused, his words trailing off. His eyes met mine, and for a split second, I wondered what he was about to say. What if what?

But before he could finish, the song switched abruptly to something upbeat, and Emily appeared, grabbing my hand.

“Don’t let Finn hog you all night!” she said with a laugh, pulling me away. “Let’s have some fun!”

I let out a laugh, shaking off the moment as I joined her on the dance floor. Soon, Elordi joined us, and the tension melted away. We danced, laughed, and for the first time in a while, I felt free.

***

Finn's POV

I watched from the edge of the room as Hanna laughed and danced with Emily and Elordi. She looked... happy. Really happy. And I hated how it made me feel. I should have been glad that the plan was working, that Elordi was finally paying attention to her. But seeing them together like that, laughing so easily, it made something twist uncomfortably inside me.

I was about to go back and join them when Jacob barged into the group, doing his ridiculous dance moves that had everyone doubled over with laughter. Hanna’s laugh was the loudest. She hadn’t laughed like that in weeks.

Suddenly, hand snaked its way through my arm. Ciara.

“Birthday boy,” she cooed, pressing herself against me. “Why do you look so sad?”

I tried to smile. “I’m not. Go enjoy the party, Ciara.”

She didn’t move. Instead, she eyed me, then turned her gaze toward Hanna and Elordi. “I don’t get it,” she muttered, her voice sharp. “You said you and I make sense. But ever since that stupid party, you’ve been avoiding me, hanging out with that little duck instead.”

I frowned. “I beg your pardon?”

Ciara’s face softened immediately, switching gears as fast as ever. “I just mean... you’ve been distant,” she said sweetly, stepping closer. “And I’ve missed you.”

Before I could respond, she ‘accidentally’ knocked a drink off the table, spilling it all over her top. She gasped, looking down at the soaked fabric clinging to her skin. “Oops,” she said, her voice laced with false innocence. “Can I borrow a shirt from you?”

I sighed, feeling my patience wear thin. “Yeah. Sure.”

She smiled triumphantly, taking my arm again and leading me toward the stairs. I glanced back one more time, my eyes lingering on Hanna as she laughed with her friends.