Third-Person POV
Elordi’s eyes went wide with disbelief. “So, you like me... and now you don’t?” His tone was sharp, hurt evident in every word.
Hanna’s hands shook slightly, but she held his gaze. “I liked you, Elordi. I really did. But... feelings change. I changed.”
The tension in the room thickened, and Elordi took a step back, his face hardening. “And who exactly are you now?” he asked, his voice a mixture of anger and confusion. “Because the Hanna I know wouldn’t pull this kind of crap. This version of you, trying to fit into Finn’s world? She’s a total stranger to me.”
The words hit Hanna like a slap. She’d expected him to be hurt, maybe even angry. But to say she wasn’t herself anymore? That stung deeper than she could’ve imagined. “I’m still me,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elordi shook his head, his eyes darkening. “No. You’re not.” His jaw clenched, and for a moment, it looked like he might say something else. But then he exhaled sharply, his voice cold as ice. “Stay away from me. I need time to figure out who the hell you even are.”
Hanna’s heart broke at his words, and for a second, she thought about running after him, trying to explain. But deep down, she knew it wouldn’t help. Elordi was right—things between them had changed too much.
As Elordi stormed out of the room, the door slamming behind him, Hanna was left standing there, feeling like she was suffocating under the weight of her own choices.
***
Hanna's POV
The silence that followed Elordi’s exit was suffocating. I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. What had I done?
“So,” Finn’s voice broke the tension. He was still standing by the door, looking unsure of what to say. “What now?”
I let out a shaky breath, shaking my head as I wiped at my eyes. “I don’t know,” I admitted. “I always mess things up.”
Finn moved closer, his expression softening. “You didn’t mess everything up. You made things clear between you and Elordi. That’s something.”
“But he hates me now,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Elordi is a great guy. Why do I have to fall for you? You don’t even like me.”
Finn’s brows furrowed, a look of surprise crossing his face. “Hanna, I wouldn’t have kissed you if I didn’t like you.”
I blinked, feeling a rush of confusion. “But... you’re pushing Ciara off because you want to focus. How is this different?”
Finn sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know, Hanna. I don’t have all the answers. But I know one thing.” He stepped closer, his eyes locked on mine.
“I want to kiss you again. Before I blow out that damn cake.”
I stared at him, my heart racing again, unsure if I should say something or just close the distance between us. Before I could make a decision, Finn leaned in, his lips brushing against mine. It was soft at first, hesitant, but then I kissed him back, and everything else melted away again.