Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 80

(Hande's POV)

The cool evening breeze brushed against my skin as I followed Eddie down the narrow, dimly lit path that led to the center's maintenance yard. It was quiet here, a little too quiet, but that was what we needed. Eddie had insisted it was the safest spot to avoid prying eyes.

The area was surrounded by tall wire fences overgrown with creeping vines. Old benches and rusty equipment were scattered across the lot, forgotten and untouched for who knows how long. The faint glow of the center's floodlights in the distance gave the place an eerie, golden hue. Eddie had dragged a couple of crates together to make a table, and he'd even managed to scavenge a blanket for us to sit on.

"Not bad for a last-minute setup, huh?" Eddie

grinned as he spread his arms wide like he was presenting some grand masterpiece.

I raised an eyebrow, trying to hide my amusement. "You call this a date? I feel like I'm about to get interrogated in some dystopian movie."

Eddie clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch, Hande. That cuts deep. You wound me."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, fine. It's... charming."

"Charming?" He scoffed, plopped down on the blanket and patted the spot beside him. "I'll take it. Come on, before someone spots us and ruins the vibe."

I hesitated for a moment and glanced around. The place was secluded enough, but the thought of being caught still made me nervous. But Eddie's easygoing smile was contagious, and I found myself sitting down beside him. "So, what's on the menu tonight?" I teased, gesturing to the empty crates.

Eddie dramatically pulled out two slightly crushed granola bars from his pocket. "Only the finest cuisine for my lady."

I laughed again and shook my head. "You're ridiculous."

"But you like it," he said whilst wiggling his eyebrows.

Maybe I did.

childhood, about the time he and his cousin had accidentally set a field on fire trying to make a homemade rocket. I told him about

we'll ever get out of here?" I asked softly, my gaze

was quiet for a moment. Then he reached out and took my hand. "Yeah, we will. And when we do, I'm taking you to

my heart did a little

"But until then, you're stuck

smiled and leaned into him. "I guess I

shoulders. "You could do

eyes, but the warmth in his voice made me smile. "Don't push

was inches from mine, and for once, he wasn't joking. The playful glint in his eyes softened into something

I didn't pull away.

soft and gentle, like he was afraid I'd break if he pressed too hard. And for the first time

apart, he grinned. His goofy charm returned in full force. "See? Pretty

rested my forehead against his. "Don't let it go to

the evening talking and laughing, wrapped up in each other.

000

(Thomas's POV)

watched Angel as she leaned against the tree. Her face was lit up by the faint glow of the moonlight. We'd found a quiet spot near the edge of the center's grounds, away

bothering to deny it. "Can you blame

the blush

it," I said and stepped closer. She

And now, here she was. Mine. Or at least, as close to mine as anyone could be in a place like this. We sat down on the grass, and the silence between us slowly became comfortable.

tonight," I said as I brushed my thumb over her

gaze drifted toward the horizon. "Just... everything. This

the mention of Hendrix. "You're not having second