Darn Stupid Brother You Are

(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."

I 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 rumors, Angel... I don't know. I feel bad for her." "Angel? What happened?" Eddie asked and frowned slightly as he adjusted himself to face me more.

I stared down at 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 and shook his head. "Ava's always been a piece of work but I didn't know it was that bad."

"It is," I muttered. "And 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 her to go through that." He tilted his head slightly and curiosity filled his eyes. "What do you mean?"

I sighed and felt the memories press down on me. "Before I came here, my life wasn't easy. I've dealt with bullies and this place... it's not that different. I don't want Angel to feel like she's alone."

Eddie stayed quiet for a moment, letting my words sink in. Then he leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees and his usual carefree 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 the words slipped out before I could stop them. "I'm scared, Eddie. Scared that I'll never get out of this place. That none of us will."

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Why would you think that?"

I shrugged as the weight 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 taking this way too seriously."

I shot him a look and felt somehow frustrated by his response. "You always do that, Eddie. You act like nothing's a big deal, like everything's just a joke."

He blinked and looked taken aback by my sudden outburst. "Whoa, whoa, hold on. I didn't mean it like that."

"Then how did 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 know what's going to happen."

Eddie's face softened and 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 keep my head on straight."

I looked away and felt a little guilty for snapping at him. "I'm sorry. It's just everything's so messed up right now."

He scooted closer and his arm brushed against mine. "Hey, don't apologize. You're right. I should take things more seriously sometimes."

We sat in 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 now, as he sat there looking at me with a seriousness in his eyes, I saw it. The real Eddie.

"I'm just scared of getting too attached," I admitted quietly. "To anyone or anything. In a place like this, what's the point?"

Eddie's face softened and for a moment, I saw something different in his eyes. Something vulnerable. "You're not alone, Hande. I 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 you, no matter what."

His 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 to mine.

And then, before I could stop myself, I kissed him.

It was soft and cautious like we were both testing the waters, trying to figure out what this was. But as soon as our lips met, a jolt of fear flowed through me. I pulled back and my heart pounded.

"I'm sorry," I whispered and avoided his eyes. "I just... I don't know if I can do this. Not here. Not like this."

Eddie frowned slightly but he didn't seem upset. Instead, he reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Hey, it's okay. We don't have to rush into anything. We can take it slow."

I nodded and felt a mix of relief and guilt. "Thanks, Eddie."

He gave me that familiar grin, the one that usually made me roll my eyes but now made my heart flutter a little. "I'm serious. I'll be here. Whatever you need."

I smiled back, a real smile this time. Maybe there was hope for something good in this place after all.