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.

nothing and everything. Eddie had this way of making the world feel lighter, even in a place as suffocating as the center. He told me about his childhood, about the time he and his cousin had accidentally set a field

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

do, I'm taking you to the best

looked at him, and my heart did a little flip. "You

he said, grinning. "But until then, you're

smiled and leaned into him.

my shoulders. "You could do a lot worse. But hey, I'm pretty

rolled my eyes, but the warmth in his voice

His face was inches from mine, and for once, he wasn't

I didn't pull away.

gentle, like he was afraid I'd break if he pressed too hard. And for the first time in a long time, I felt...

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

forehead against his. "Don't let it

the evening talking and laughing, wrapped up in each other. For a little while, it felt like

000

(Thomas's POV)

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 from the noise and chaos. It wasn't much,

to deny it. "Can you

blush that crept up

I said and stepped closer. She didn't

from a distance, wanting what I thought I couldn't have. 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. I reached for her hand, and threaded my fingers through hers. She glanced at me with soft but

said as I brushed my thumb

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

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