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."

hesitated for a moment and then sighed. I leaned my head against the back of the couch. "It's just everything, you know? This place, the

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..."

I want to protect Angel, you know? I know what it feels like to be picked on, to feel like the whole world is against you. I don't want

the memories press down on me. "Before I came here, my life wasn't easy. I've dealt with bullies and

really bothering you?" I bit

surprise. "Why would you think

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

and felt somehow frustrated by his response. "You always do that, Eddie. You act like

my sudden outburst. "Whoa, whoa, hold

you 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 are scared. We don't

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

a little guilty for snapping at him. "I'm sorry. It's just everything's so messed

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

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 knew there was more to him. And

I admitted quietly. "To anyone or anything. In a place like this,

saw something different in his eyes. Something vulnerable. "You're not alone, Hande. I get it. But if there's one thing

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