The weight of the evening pressed down on Hanna as she slipped out of the dining room, needing a moment to breathe. She pushed open the balcony doors and stepped into the cool night air, leaning against the railing as she tried to steady her nerves. The cold air bit into her skin, but she welcomed it, grateful for the relief from the tense atmosphere inside.
A few moments later, she heard footsteps behind her. She didn’t need to look to know it was Finn.
“Hanna,” he said softly, stepping beside her and resting his arms on the railing. His voice was filled with apology and frustration. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think tonight would be… like that.”
Hanna gave a small shrug, unable to meet his eyes. “It’s not your fault. I guess I just didn’t realize how much they… don’t want me here.” She bit her lip, her voice barely a whisper. “Or how much I don’t fit in with them.”
“They’re wrong,” Finn said firmly. He turned her to face him, his eyes intense. “Hanna, none of this matters to me. None of their opinions, their expectations… I don’t care about any of it.”
Hanna bit her lip, looking down. “I don’t want to come between you and your family. And then… with Ciara… it’s pretty clear who they think you should be with.”
“Ciara?” Finn shook his head. “She doesn’t mean anything to me. She never has.” He lifted her chin gently, meeting her gaze. “You’re the one I want, Hanna. You’re the only one I want.”
Hanna felt her heart soften at his words, the weight of her doubts lifting just a little. But the sting of his parents’ judgment still lingered. “Thank you,” she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder. “I just… I don’t know if they’ll ever accept me.”
“Maybe they won’t,” Finn admitted. “But I will. And that’s what matters, right?”
hey stood in silence for a moment, Hanna leaning against him, feeling the warmth of his arms wrapped around her. His words echoed in her mind, a small comfort against the insecurities swirling within her.
After a few moments, she looked up at him, her gaze softening as she met his eyes. “You’re too good to me,” she whispered, a small smile breaking through.
A gentle smile touched his lips. “Maybe you’re just that good to me, too.”
The world seemed to fade away as they held each other, the quiet of the night wrapping around them. Slowly, Finn leaned in, his gaze never leaving hers as he gently brushed his lips against hers, a soft, tender kiss that sent a warmth through her, melting away the lingering tension from the evening.
Hanna closed her eyes, leaning into him, savoring the moment. His hand rested gently on her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin as he pulled her closer. For a moment, there was no one else—no critical parents, no false smiles, no Ciara lurking in the background. It was just them, together, their worries slipping away with every second they lingered.
When they finally broke apart, Finn’s forehead rested against hers, his eyes still locked on hers with that familiar, unwavering gaze.
“I’m not going anywhere, Hanna,” he murmured. “Not for anyone.”