Never Just Friends

A Fragile Trust

The knock on Hanna’s door was soft, but the weight behind it was unmistakable. She wiped her eyes quickly, not wanting to look as broken as she felt, and called out, “Come in.”

Finn stepped inside, his brow furrowed, his usual steady demeanor tinged with frustration. He hesitated for a moment before sitting beside her on the bed.

“You didn’t tell me about the post,” he said, his tone gentle but edged with hurt.

Hanna sighed, her hands twisting in her lap. “I didn’t know how to.”

“Hanna, I’m not just some guy on the sidelines,” Finn said, his voice firmer now. “I’m in this with you. I need to know what’s going on.”

She looked at him, her chest tightening at the worry etched into his features. “I didn’t want to drag you into it more than you already are. This is my fight, Finn.”

“No, it’s our fight,” he said, his hand reaching for hers. “When are you going to understand that? You don’t have to carry this alone.”

Hanna felt the tears welling up again, but she blinked them back, trying to find the right words. “I’m not trying to shut you out. I’m just… I’m scared, Finn. Every time I think we’re getting ahead, Ciara finds a new way to tear everything apart. I can’t stand the thought of her hurting you because of me.”

Finn’s grip on her hand tightened, his gaze unwavering. “You think I care about that? You think I’d rather be in the dark, watching you fight this on your own?”

“I’m trying to protect you,” Hanna whispered, her voice trembling.

Finn shook his head, his frustration softening into something more tender. “I don’t need protecting. I need you to trust me.”

Hanna stared at him, her defenses crumbling under the weight of his words. A tear slipped down her cheek, and Finn reached out, brushing it away gently.

“I do trust you,” she said, her voice breaking. “I just don’t want to lose you, Finn. Not because of her, not because of any of this.”

“You won’t,” Finn said firmly, pulling her into his arms. His voice softened as he murmured against her hair, “Not ever.”

Hanna clung to him, the tension in her chest easing just slightly. For a moment, the world outside faded—the rumors, the posts, the whispers—all of it drowned out by the steady beat of Finn’s heart.

But even as he held her, Hanna couldn’t shake the lingering doubt. Trust was fragile, and Ciara was an expert at shattering it.

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