Lily's POV

Awakening to the soft morning sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a warm golden glow across the room, I find Jen still sound asleep beside me, her breathing steady. The bed feels too warm without Finn next to me. The memory of last night's kiss, the way his lips lingered on mine, and his voice whispering, "Remember, I want you and only you," sends a shiver down my spine. I can't help the smile tugging at my lips.

Slipping out of bed and into my slippers, I quietly make my way downstairs, my mind replaying every detail of Finn's confession. Did he mean it? I want to believe him, but his history with Rachel... it clouds everything.

The familiar aroma of pancakes draws me to the kitchen, where Nate is flipping the last batch while Rachel leans against the counter, scrolling through her phone. She looks up just as I enter, her eyes narrowing slightly before her lips curl into a too-sweet smile.

"Morning, Lil," Nate greets me, his grin lighting up his face, dimples deepening.

"Good morning," I reply, accepting the coffee he offers. "It's not a caramel latte, but it has plenty of cream and sugar."

"Thanks, Nate," I say, taking a grateful sip.

Rachel's gaze lingers on me as I take my seat at the table. Her presence always sets me on edge, especially after last night. I know she's hiding something. Or maybe I'm just paranoid.

Shawn and Kam join us, Kam's usual teasing demeanour front and center as she swipes a piece of my pancake.

"Yours are sweeter," she quips, winking.

"Get your own," I laugh, nudging her playfully. It's easy to fall back into the light-heartedness of the group, even with the tension bubbling just beneath the surface.

"Where's Finn?" Shawn asks, eyes darting around the room.

"Still knocked out," Nate says with a chuckle. "I tried waking him, but no luck."

Rachel perks up at that, her smirk returning. "I'll get him," she says, tossing a sly glance my way. "He always listens to me."

Her words hit like a dagger, sharp and deliberate. I want to say something—anything—but I bite my tongue, watching as she saunters upstairs. Nate's eyes flick to me, concern creasing his brow, but he says nothing. Kam squeezes my hand under the table, her silent reassurance calming the rising storm inside me.

Minutes later, Rachel descends the stairs with Finn in tow, his hair still tousled from sleep. He looks at me and smiles, but Rachel's arm brushes against his as she takes her seat, and that small, innocent gesture feels anything but.

"See?" Rachel smirks. "Told you he listens."

"Yeah, okay," I murmur, unable to hide my discomfort.

"Let's focus on today's plan, shall we?" Kam interjects, smoothly shifting the conversation. She catches my eye, offering a subtle nod as if to say ignore her.

We talk about hiking, Kam excitedly mapping out scenic spots while the group starts digging into breakfast. But I can't focus. My mind drifts to Finn and Rachel—how close they've always been, the way she acts around him, and the things I don't know.

"Where's Jennie?" Nate asks, breaking me from my thoughts.

Kam and I look at each other.

"JENNIFER ANN LEE, GET DOWNSTAIRS, THERE'S FOOD!" I yell.

"You don't really think she's going to wake up at the mention of food," Shawn laughs.

Kam counts down with her fingers. At five, Jen stumbles down the stairs, eyes bleary and hair a mess.

"Did someone say food?" she groans.

"Right here," I say, patting the seat next to me.

Jen plops down beside me, stealing a pancake off my plate. "Good morning to you too," she mumbles, clearly still half-asleep.

As we dig into our breakfast, the conversation shifts to our hiking plans for the day. Kam outlines the route and points out some scenic spots we shouldn't miss, her enthusiasm infectious.

Finn, who has been relatively quiet since his arrival, finally speaks up.

"Sounds like a plan. I could use some fresh air," he says with a small smile.

Across the table, Finn quietly watches me, his gaze soft. For a moment, the world shrinks to just the two of us. I catch my breath as memories of last night flash between us—his lips on mine, his whispered promise. But just as quickly, the moment shatters when Shawn calls out,

"Uh... are those clothes by the jacuzzi?"

Turning everyone's attention to the pile of clothes peeking through the sliding door.

All eyes follow the direction of his finger to a heap of clothing visible through the sliding door. Heat rushes to my face. Those are Finn's clothes. Our moment in the jacuzzi last night flashes vividly in my mind.

A faint flush creeps up my cheeks as my eyes land on the pile of clothes by the jacuzzi—Finn's clothes, left over from last night. Memories flood my mind: the way the warm water surrounded us, the softness of his voice, and the feel of his lips trailing down my neck. My body reacts, heat rising to my face again.

Finn catches my eye, a knowing smile pulling at his lips, like we share a secret the others are oblivious to. The moment feels too intimate, too exposed, and I spring to my feet, heading for the coffee machine to hide the blush spreading across my cheeks.

I pour myself another cup of coffee, the hot liquid offering a distraction. I keep my head down, focusing on the steam curling upward as I sip, hoping no one notices. But of course, Jen does.

She nudges Kam, both of them exchanging mischievous glances as they stifle giggles. I shoot them a look, but it only fuels their amusement.

"Is this yours, Finn?" Shawn's voice cuts through the room, pulling everyone's attention. He's standing by the sliding door, holding up a piece of clothing with an exaggerated grin. "What were you doing here at night?"

My heart skips a beat as his question hangs in the air, his eyes flickering between Finn and me, suspiciously amused.

I quickly gather the dirty dishes, trying to appear busy—trying to be invisible. The clatter of plates in the sink is the only thing keeping me from meeting anyone's gaze, especially Finn's. Shawn's smirk only deepens as he continues.

"Well, well, looks like Finn had a wild night while the rest of us were sleeping peacefully. Should we be jealous?"

Before I can melt into the floor, Jen cuts in, laughing. "As if! You and Kam were going at it like rabbits," she teases, nudging Kam with her elbow. Kam's eyes nearly pop as she chokes on her water, shooting Jen a death glare.

Finn chuckles, shaking his head, playing it cool as usual. "Aren't you the hypocrite, Shawn?" he fires back with a playful smirk. "I just needed to unwind after a long day."

Shawn isn't one to let things go easily, though. He raises an eyebrow, his grin growing wider. "So you were alone, huh? No company?" He stretches out the word 'alone' like it's a private joke, his eyes flickering toward me again.

I freeze, still holding a plate in my hands. Shawn's gaze feels too direct, too knowing, and I can practically feel the weight of everyone's attention shifting toward me.

"Lil, where were you?" Shawn presses, his laughter bubbling up. It's lighthearted, but the undercurrent is clear—he knows something, or at least he's trying to figure it out.

Before I can open my mouth to respond, Nate swoops in, draping his arm over my shoulders like a protective shield. "Is this some kind of interrogation?" he jokes, grinning as he pulls me closer.

He gives Finn a playful look. "Lily was sleeping peacefully, and I'm sure Finn just had a nice, quiet dip without her." His grin widens, but the way his eyes flicker between me and Finn speaks volumes. He's covering for me, playing along, but his gaze lingers a bit too long, almost like he's waiting for me to confirm the lie.

I force a chuckle, my throat suddenly tight. My eyes dart to Finn, but he's already looking at me, his expression unreadable. There's a silent plea in his eyes, a question. My heart beats a little too fast, and for a second, I wonder if everyone else can hear it too.

Thankfully, Kam breaks the tension with impeccable timing. "Okay, guys, enough about Finn's bathing habits. Let's talk about the hike before we lose daylight," she says, her voice smooth as she redirects the conversation.

Her interruption pulls everyone's focus back to the day ahead, and I exhale, grateful for the reprieve. Kam shoots me a quick smile, one that says she's got my back, and I silently thank her.

Finn finally speaks up, his voice casual, but there's a tension in the way he sits, a stiffness in his posture. "Sounds like a plan," he says, offering a small smile. His eyes meet mine briefly, something unspoken passing between us before he looks away.

But not before I catch it—Rachel's gaze, sharp and venomous, locked on me from across the table. Her usual smile is gone, replaced with something cold, calculating. She doesn't bother hiding it this time, the crack in her pleasant façade revealing the jealousy simmering beneath the surface.

It's only a flash, but it's enough to make my stomach twist. She knows. Or at least, she suspects. And the idea that she could use that against me sends a shiver down my spine.

After lounging around for a bit, the tension in the room still thick despite Kam's best efforts to smooth things over, I decide to escape. The idea of sharing one bathroom between six people sounds like a nightmare, and I could use a moment to breathe.

"I'm going to hop in the shower first," I announce, standing up a little too quickly, needing an escape from the weight of the morning's tension.

"Don't use all the hot water!" Kam calls after me, grinning.

I glance over my shoulder, forcing a lighthearted smile. "I'll leave some lukewarm for you," I tease, though my mind is already spinning with everything unsaid between me and Finn, and the way Rachel has been watching me like a hawk.

As I head upstairs, the air feels lighter, but Rachel's sharp gaze and Finn's cryptic smile still cling to me. I need a few minutes to clear my head and shake off the weird tension. But as I reach the top of the stairs, a sinking feeling gnaws at me. Today's hike isn't going to be as carefree as Kam hopes.

I enter my room, rummaging for a towel when I hear a soft knock on the door. I turn around, half-expecting Kam or Jen, but the sight of Rachel standing there makes my stomach twist. Her smile is too wide, too fake.

"Hey there, Lily," she singsongs, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation, her eyes sweeping over the room like she owns it.

I hesitate, my fingers tightening on the towel in my hands, but I force a smile. "Hey."

Rachel walks further into the room, her fingers grazing over my dresser like she's inspecting something. The silence is heavy, charged with the kind of tension only Rachel can create. She finally speaks, her voice sugary sweet but carrying an edge.

"So... how long have you and Finn known each other?" she asks, her casual tone at odds with the sharp curiosity in her eyes.

The question catches me off guard, but I quickly compose myself. "Uh, not too long," I say carefully. "We met at the start of school."

Rachel's smile widens, but there's nothing warm about it. She takes a step closer, her eyes glinting with something dangerous, her voice low but laced with fake concern. "Really? That's cute. But, you know, Finn and I have been friends for years." She emphasizes the word with a little too much force, watching me closely for a reaction.

I stiffen, instinctively raising my guard. "Oh?" I say, keeping my tone neutral.

"Oh, yeah," she continues, her voice dripping with insincerity. "We've always been super close. He tells me everything. So, if he liked someone," she says, her eyes locking onto mine with a sharpness that makes my stomach drop, "he definitely would've mentioned it to me."

Her words hit like a slap, and I fight to keep my expression steady. "Right," I say, my voice barely audible as I process the clear implication. She's staking her claim, making it clear she doesn't think Finn could possibly feel that way about me without her knowing.

Rachel's eyes flicker with amusement at my discomfort, and she steps even closer, her smile turning sickly sweet. "I just find it interesting, you know? He's such a great guy, but also... really complicated. He's got a lot of secrets," she says, her voice dropping into something more conspiratorial, like she's letting me in on something exclusive. "Things you probably wouldn't know about. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll figure it out. Eventually."

Her patronizing tone grates on my nerves, my patience wearing thin. "I'm not sure what you're trying to say, Rachel," I reply, keeping my voice steady even as the knot in my stomach tightens.

Rachel tilts her head, her expression almost mockingly sympathetic. "Oh, nothing, Lily. I just want to make sure you're not getting your hopes up. Finn is... complicated. You're sweet, but you know... some things just aren't meant to be."

She delivers the last part with a soft chuckle, her smile wide and fake, as if she's just given me a friendly piece of advice instead of stomping all over whatever hope I had for Finn.

Before I can respond, she gives me a dismissive wave, turning to leave with a casual, "See you downstairs," as if she hadn't just taken a verbal knife to my confidence.

The door closes behind her, and I stand there, stunned and seething, the weight of her words crashing over me. I don't know what Finn's told her, but the way she spoke—it was like she knew something I didn't.

Jen walks in just as Rachel leaves, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "What the hell was that?"

I roll my eyes, grabbing my towel as I walk toward the bathroom. "Hell if I know," I mutter, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

***********

Author's Note 

Hey Guys !! 

I'll be updating more frequently !! So look forward to that :)

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Love, 

RennyTee