Darn Stupid Brother You Are by Mairee

Chapter 98

(Eddie's POV) Hande's sharp voice bounced around the walls in the room. "You don't take anything seriously, Eddie! Not this plan, not us, not anything!"

I blinked at her, stunned. I had seen her angry before, but never like this. She paced back and forth in front of the bunk beds. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest and her face was flushed with frustration. "I do take it seriously," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "I just... have a different way of handling things."

She stopped and turned to me. Her eyes were blazing. "A different way? Joking about everything isn't a way of handling it, Eddie. It's avoidance. This is life or death, and you're acting like it's some kind of game."

I opened my mouth to respond but hesitated. She wasn't wrong. I had been brushing things off, cracking jokes, and making light of the situation. It was how I coped, but clearly, it wasn't working for her.

"Hande, listen," I started and stepped closer. "I know I'm not as serious as the others, but it doesn't mean I don't care. I do. I care about this plan, about getting out of here, about "I paused and swallowed hard, "about you." Her expression softened for a moment, but then she shook her head. "Then show it, Eddie. Stop hiding behind your jokes and start proving that you actually care."

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "You're right. I'll do better. I promise."

She sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed, her shoulders slumping. "I just.... I need to know that I can rely on you. This plan is too important to mess up.'

"You can rely on me," I said firmly and sat beside her. "I swear, Hande. I won't let you down."

She looked at me; her eyes were searching mine for a moment before she gave a small nod. "Okay. But no more jokes when we're planning. Deal?"

"Deal," I said with a grin, unable to resist. When she rolled her eyes, I added quickly, "I mean it. No more jokes. I'm serious now."

lips twitched, and she shook her head. "You're

love it," I said,

but I knew I had work to do to prove myself to her. And for once, I

.

(Dilara's POV)

with my sketchbook open on my lap but the page was blank. My mind

at me, and his arrogance-filled voice as he'd said, "Still as quiet as ever, I see. Did

I had frozen instead. My hands had trembled, and my heart was pounding so loud I thought he could hear it. I had managed to walk away, but his laughter had followed me,

inside me was demanding an outlet. I couldn't let him get

took one look at me

spilled out before I could stop them. "It's Ethan. He was... He... he tried to

face darkened, and she sat down

encounter, the things he had said, the way he had looked at me like I was nothing. Her jaw clenched, and her hands curled

can't act on

don't care about the plan," I

swallowed hard as her words were sinking in. She was right, but it didn't make the anger go away. "He's connected to all of this," I said quietly. "To the

acting impulsively may spoil

Ethan wasn't just a predator; he was part of the center's network, tied to its dark operations. His father was