Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 54

(Hande's POV)

The lounge was almost empty save for the soft hum of the air conditioner and the occasional sound of feet shuffling outside. The confinement week was nearly over and I could feel the tension hanging in the air like a thick fog. It was the last day and I'd spent most of it in my dorm, pacing and thinking, trying not to lose my mind.

But something pulled me here, to the lounge. Maybe I needed to escape or maybe I just needed the silence my room didn't have. The couches were plush but stiff from overuse and the dark leather had cracks in some places. I sat on one and curled my legs under me as I crossed my arms tightly over my chest. The faint scent of cleaning products mixed with the smell of stale fabric.

I sighed deeply and glanced at the game consoles stacked on the shelves. I wasn't in the mood to play. My mind was too occupied with everything that had happened recently-Ava's cruel words and the rumors roaming around Angel and Hendrix. It was suffocating and the walls of this place weren't helping.

The door creaked open and I looked up to see Eddie. His lanky frame leaned casually against the doorframe. His eyes lit up when he saw me and he gave me that mischievous grin of his, the one that could charm just about anyone. "Hey, I came to grab some consoles," he said as he strolled over to the shelves. "Didn't think I'd find anyone here."

I forced a smile. "Guess I needed a break from the dorm."

He grabbed a couple of controllers and then paused. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at me. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just tired," I replied and my voice was quieter than I intended.

Eddie frowned and abandoned the consoles as he plopped down on the couch next to me. He leaned back with his arms stretched along the top of the couch and gave me a curious look. "What's up? You seem off."

place, the rumors, Angel... I don't know. I feel bad for her." "Angel? What happened?" Eddie asked and frowned slightly as he adjusted

sleeve. "Ava's been picking on her. I don't know why but she won't leave her alone. And after that

to be picked on, to feel like the whole world is against you. I don't want her to go through that." He tilted his head slightly and curiosity filled his eyes. "What

on me. "Before I came here, my life wasn't easy. I've dealt with bullies and this place... it's

in. Then he leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees and his usual carefree expression softened. "You've got a good heart, Hande. But what's really bothering you?" I bit my lip, unsure if I wanted to dive into my

shot up in surprise. "Why would

the weight of everything pressed down on me. "Because sometimes it feels like this place is a black hole. Once you're in, you're stuck. And no matter how hard you try, you can't escape." Eddie chuckled softly and leaned back again. "You're taking this way too

his response. "You always do that, Eddie. You act like nothing's a

taken aback by my sudden outburst. "Whoa, whoa, hold on.

mean it?" I snapped and the words tumbled out before I could stop them. "You brush off everything like nothing matters, but some of us

and he ran a hand through his messy hair with a sigh. "Okay, okay. I get it. I didn't mean to make it sound like I don't care. I just handle things differently, you know? I joke around because it helps me keep my head on

guilty for snapping at him. "I'm sorry. It's just

"Hey, don't apologize. You're right. I should take

others carefree and always making jokes, but I knew there was more to him. And now, as he sat there looking at me with

quietly. "To anyone or anything. In a place

different in his eyes. Something vulnerable. "You're not alone, Hande. I get it. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that you can't let fear stop you from living. I may joke around a lot, but I'm here. And I'll protect you, no matter

and I felt something shift between us. Slowly, almost hesitantly,