The next day, Elordi and Emily sat in their usual spot under the oak tree. The awkward tension from the party still lingered in the air, though they both pretended everything was normal. Elordi leaned back against the tree trunk, looking off into the distance, while Emily fiddled with a strand of her hair.
“Maybe she’s just confused,” Emily said, breaking the silence. “Maybe it’s, like, hormones or something. You know... her period.” She winced, knowing how lame it sounded the second it left her mouth.
Elordi let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it. “You don’t have to cover for her, Ems. It doesn’t matter anymore who she likes. My realization is that she can lie. To me, to Finn... to everyone.”
Emily sighed, her fingers still twisting her hair. “I hate this. It’s the exact reason I never wanted to fall in love.”
Elordi turned his head, giving her a small smile. “Well, good for you. Guard that kind and beautiful heart of yours with your life.”
For a moment, they shared a quiet, understanding smile. It felt like the only good thing left in their messed-up situation—this unspoken bond between them. But the moment was short-lived.
Hanna approached, her steps hesitant. “Um, can I talk to you guys?”
Elordi’s face instantly hardened. He stood up abruptly, brushing off his jeans. “The spot’s all yours,” he muttered, not meeting her eyes.
Emily, too, stiffened, her back turned to Hanna.
“Wait,” Hanna pleaded, her voice soft. “I’m sorry. Can we just talk?”
Elordi’s laugh was bitter as he walked away. “Talk? You’ve done enough talking. You’ve done enough.”
Hanna’s heart sank as Elordi disappeared from view. She turned to Emily, who was still standing with her arms crossed, staring at the ground.