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."

and then sighed. I leaned my head against the back of the couch. "It's just everything, you know? This place, the rumors, Angel... I don't know. I feel bad for her." "Angel? What happened?" Eddie

my hands and picked at the edge of my sleeve. "Ava's been picking on her. I don't know why but she won't leave her alone. And after that fight..." My voice trailed off. Eddie whistled softly

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 do

came here, my life wasn't easy. I've

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 problems, but

surprise. "Why would

you're in, you're stuck. And no matter how hard

and felt somehow frustrated by his response. "You always do that, Eddie. You act like nothing's a big deal, like

blinked and looked taken aback by my sudden outburst. "Whoa, whoa, hold on. I

and the words tumbled out before I could stop them. "You

softened and he ran a hand through his messy hair with a sigh. "Okay, okay. I get it. I didn't mean to make

snapping at him. "I'm sorry. It's just everything's so messed

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

silence for a moment and the pressure of the conversation went still. Eddie was different from the others carefree and always making jokes, but I

getting too attached," I admitted quietly. "To anyone

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

words sent a warmth through me and I felt something shift between us. Slowly, almost hesitantly, I leaned closer and my heart raced as