Never Just Friends

A Promise of Forever

The soft trill of birdsong filtered through the open window, mingling with the golden light of dawn that painted the walls of the bedroom. Hanna stirred, the warmth of the morning sun brushing her face. Finn’s arm lay draped over her waist, his steady breathing a comforting rhythm against her back.

She turned slowly, careful not to disturb him. His features, softened in sleep, looked so peaceful, so unguarded. Her heart swelled, a wave of love and gratitude washing over her. How had she been lucky enough to find someone like him?

As if sensing her gaze, Finn’s lashes fluttered, and his blue eyes opened lazily. A sleepy smile spread across his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

“Morning,” Hanna replied, her voice soft and warm as she leaned in to press a kiss to his lips.

For a moment, they stayed like that, tangled in each other and the tranquility of the morning. Finn reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. His touch was tender, the look in his eyes even more so.

“I don’t know what the future holds,” he began, his tone thoughtful yet certain, “but I know I want you in it. Always.”

Hanna’s chest tightened with emotion. The sincerity in his voice, the quiet intensity in his gaze—it was overwhelming. Her lips curved into a smile, her eyes shimmering. “Always,” she whispered, the word a promise, a vow.

The moment felt infinite, as if time itself had paused to hold them in this bubble of intimacy. Then, the shrill buzz of Finn’s phone shattered the stillness. It rattled on the nightstand, demanding attention.

Finn groaned, reluctant to break the spell. “Ignore it,” he mumbled, his arm tightening around her.

Hanna chuckled, nudging him gently. “It might be important. Go on.”

With a sigh, Finn stretched out to grab the phone. His movements were slow, almost begrudging, but as his eyes scanned the screen, his relaxed expression gave way to something darker.

His brows furrowed, his jaw clenched, and the warmth in his features hardened into tension.

“What is it?” Hanna asked, her voice tinged with concern as she sat up, pulling the sheets around her.

Finn didn’t respond immediately. He stared at the phone, his thumb hovering over the screen. The silence stretched, heavy and foreboding.

“Finn,” she pressed, reaching out to touch his arm. “What’s wrong?”

Finally, he looked at her, and the worry in his eyes sent a shiver through her. She knew that look too well. It was the look he got when things were about to go sideways—when danger was closer than either of them wanted it to be.

“Oh no,” Hanna breathed, her heart sinking.