Never Just Friends

The Night of the Trap

The night was colder than Hanna expected, a sharp breeze cutting through the thin fabric of her jacket as she stood in the shadowy park. Every sound—the rustle of leaves, the creak of the swings—made her pulse race.

Elordi’s voice echoed in her mind: “You need to make him believe you’re vulnerable.”

She hated the idea of appearing weak, but this plan had to work. If it didn’t, she wasn’t sure how much more she or her friends could take.

Hanna clutched her phone tightly, her heart pounding as she glanced around the empty park. Mark was late, and the waiting was agonizing.

From her peripheral vision, she caught movement—a shadow slipping between the trees. Her breath hitched as Mark stepped into the faint light of a streetlamp, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp.

“You came alone,” Mark said, his voice low and smooth.

Hanna swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze. “What do you want from me?”

Mark smirked, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. “I want you to know what it feels like to lose. To have everything you care about ripped away.”

Hanna’s stomach churned, but she refused to show fear. “You’ve already lost, Mark. Ciara’s gone. The truth is out.”

Mark stepped closer, his smirk fading. “You think this is over because she’s gone? I’m just getting started.”

***

Mark’s words sent a chill down Hanna’s spine, but she held her ground. She glanced toward the shadows where Finn and Elordi were hiding, her heart aching with the knowledge that this could turn dangerous fast.

“You think you can scare me?” Hanna said, her voice steady. “You’re nothing compared to what I’ve already faced.”

Mark chuckled darkly. “Brave words. Let’s see how brave you are when I’m done with you.”

As he stepped closer, Finn emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding. “That’s far enough, Mark.”

Mark’s smirk faltered as he turned to see Finn, his jaw tightening. “Ah, the knight in shining armor. How predictable.”

“I don’t care what your problem is,” Finn said, his voice firm. “But if you touch her—or anyone she cares about—you’ll regret it.”

Mark laughed, the sound cold and sharp. “You think you can protect her? You don’t even know the half of it.

Before Mark could say more, Elordi stepped forward, his phone held up. “Smile, Mark. You’ve just incriminated yourself.”

Mark’s expression darkened as he realized what was happening. “You set me up.”

“Damn right we did,” Elordi said, his smirk widening. “And you fell for it beautifully.”