Never Just Friends

Shadows of Doubt

Hanna woke to the first rays of sunlight filtering through her blinds, but the message from the night before haunted her. She read it again, her heart pounding:

“This isn’t over, Hanna. You’ll regret crossing me.”

The words played over and over in her head, her gut twisting with unease. Was it a bluff? Or was Ciara planning something even more sinister?

She reached for her phone and typed a quick message to Finn.

Hanna: Are you free? I need to talk.

His response came almost instantly.

Finn: Always. Meet me at the park in 20.

~

The park was quiet when Hanna arrived. The crisp morning air bit at her cheeks, and her breath hung in soft puffs as she walked to the bench where Finn was waiting.

“Hey,” he said, standing as she approached.

“Hey,” she replied, her voice soft.

Finn pulled her into a hug, the warmth of his arms chasing away the cold. “What’s wrong?”

Hanna stepped back, holding up her phone to show him the message.

Finn’s expression darkened as he read it. “She’s not giving up.”

“No,” Hanna said, her voice trembling. “And I don’t think she ever will.”

Finn cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “Whatever she’s planning, we’ll face it together. She doesn’t get to control you anymore.”

Hanna leaned into his touch, her heart steadying. “I just want this to be over.”

Finn kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. “It will be. I promise.”

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