Finn felt like the room had shrunk by half. The second Hanna had kissed Marco, he could feel his own composure slipping, jealousy clawing at his chest as he forced himself to stay still. He tried to laugh along with Bella at the playful game, but his focus kept drifting back to Hanna and Marco, their shared smiles, their easy laughter.
Bella noticed, nudging him lightly. “Finn, what’s wrong?” she asked, her voice warm but curious.
He snapped out of his daze, clearing his throat. “Sorry. Just… distracted.”
She raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. “Distracted by what? Or who?”
“Nothing,” he muttered, trying to force a casual smile. “Just… people-watching, I guess.”
Bella tilted her head, her expression shifting from curious to understanding. “You’re still into her, aren’t you?”
Finn opened his mouth to deny it, but something in Bella’s steady gaze made him falter. She wasn’t angry; in fact, her voice was soft, almost understanding. “Look, it’s fine. But if you’re still hung up on Hanna, then maybe this… us… isn’t the best idea.”
Finn glanced down, feeling a mixture of guilt and frustration. “I thought I was doing the right thing. My parents—”
“Your parents aren’t here,” Bella interrupted, her tone gentle but firm. “You are. And maybe it’s time to figure out what you actually want.”
Before he could respond, a voice called out across the circle. “Alright, Finn’s up! Spin that bottle!”
He snapped back to the game, forcing himself to focus. He spun the bottle, and when it finally landed, he took a steadying breath. “Dare,” he said, hoping to shift the focus.
Ciara, who had been watching the entire game with a mischievous smile, leaned forward, her voice loud and clear. “Kiss the woman you love.”
The room fell silent, everyone’s eyes on him as Finn felt his pulse quicken. He could feel Hanna’s gaze, her curiosity, maybe even a touch of hope. His mind raced, torn between impulse and restraint. He’d let his family pressure him into letting her go, but now, faced with this dare, the weight of his decision felt crushing.
He looked at Bella, who watched him with a resigned but calm expression, her gaze understanding yet slightly sad. She gave him a small nod, almost as if to say, It’s okay. I understand.The entire room seemed to hold its breath, and after a moment’s hesitation, Finn made his choice.