Hannah – POV
Tonight was Spirit's Eve, and for the first time since moving to Pelican Town, I felt like I truly belonged. The crisp autumn air carried the scent of pumpkin spice and woodsmoke, mingling with the laughter and chatter of townsfolk preparing for the festival. I was going with Sebastian, meeting up with Sam and Abigail at the cider stand. It would be our first time out together in public, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement—and a hint of nerves.
I stood before my mirror, adjusting the black dress I'd chosen: long sleeves, a rouched neckline, and a flowy skirt that swished as I moved. It was casual yet elegant, perfect for the occasion. I left my hair down, tucking one side behind my ear, and applied a touch of makeup to highlight my features. As I stepped back to admire my reflection, a knock echoed through the house.
Taking a deep breath, I opened the door.
Sebastian stood there, his usual aloof demeanor softened by the warmth in his eyes. He wore a black jacket over a dark T-shirt, black skinny jeans, and his signature purple-black hair fell slightly over his eyes. He looked effortlessly cool, as always.
"You look great," he said, his smile genuine.
"Thank you," I replied, stepping aside to let him in. "So do you."
"Black looks great on you," he added, his gaze lingering appreciatively.
His compliment made my heart skip a beat. Two compliments in one night? That had to mean something.
"I'm glad you think so," I said, trying to hide the blush creeping up my neck.
We stood there for a moment, the air between us charged with unspoken words. Then, to my surprise, Sebastian chuckled softly.
"We can't keep doing this," he said, his voice low and teasing. "Come here."
Before I could respond, he closed the distance between us, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me in. His eyes studied mine, searching for something, before he leaned in and kissed me. His lips were warm, and the world seemed to pause around us.
When we pulled away, I smiled, unable to meet his gaze. "I don't remember being this nervous before."
"Good," he smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You ready to go?"
I nodded, and he took my hand, leading me down the steps of my farmhouse and toward the town festival.
As we approached the town square, the path was lined with glowing jack-o'-lanterns, casting eerie shadows on the cobblestones. Decorations adorned every corner, and a large cage displayed monsters from the mines—though the townspeople seemed to believe they were just elaborate costumes. Sebastian squeezed my hand.
"Do they know?" I asked, nodding toward the cage.
"No," he sighed. "I didn't either until I went to the mines with you." He smirked. "If they do escape, at least I know you'll save us all."
I laughed. "Don't discount your hammer powers, Thor."
His laughter was a rare, genuine sound that made my heart flutter. We continued into the town square, where the festival was in full swing.
As we walked, whispers rippled through the crowd. Eyes turned our way, and I could hear snippets of conversation.
"They've been inseparable lately, I heard."
"I never expected those two to be a thing."
"Apparently, she rejected Alex for him. Poor guy."
I glanced up at Sebastian, who kept his eyes forward, his expression unreadable. He exuded an air of confidence that made me feel safe. I squeezed his hand and held my head high, taking a page from his book.
We reached the cider stand, where Sam and Abigail were waiting. Sam grinned when he saw us.
"Finally!" he exclaimed. "I was starting to think you went off to the maze to get lost... or get off."
I blushed, and Sebastian rolled his eyes, pulling a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it up.
"Cigarettes are bad for you, you know," I said, raising an eyebrow.
"Duh," he replied, waving the lighter dismissively. "Look, I already gave you my heart. I'm not giving up anything else."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Fair."
Suddenly, I spotted Alex standing against one of the festival game stalls, flanked by Haley and Emily. His gaze locked onto ours, and his expression darkened. Without a word, he turned away, muttering something under his breath.
Sebastian noticed my tense posture and glanced over. Without hesitation, he wrapped a firm arm around my waist, pulling me closer and positioning himself between me and Alex.
I raised an eyebrow at his protective stance. I kind of liked it.
"Don't let him get to you," Sebastian murmured, his voice low and reassuring.
I nodded, leaning into him. "I won't."
As we continued to enjoy the festival, the whispers around us persisted, but they no longer bothered me. With Sebastian by my side, I felt like I could face anything—even the gossip of a small town.
Sebastian – POV
Spirits Eve always felt like background noise to me. The decorations, the flickering jack-o-lanterns, the chatter of families wandering through stalls—it all played like a muted film reel behind glass. Something I was never really part of.
But this year, I wasn't just showing up. I was showing up with her.
Hannah.
As we walked into town together, our hands intertwined, I could feel the shift. The stares. The whispers. The weight of a dozen eyes trying to stitch together their own version of who we were. Normally, that would've made my skin crawl. Tonight, I didn't care. Not when she was beside me.
She looked... incredible. The kind of beautiful that made my chest tighten. Black dress, hair loose, eyes lit by the glow of the lanterns and something softer. Something that felt like hope.
I held her hand tighter.
Not out of possession, not to prove a point—but because part of me still didn't believe she was real. That she chose me.
Not Alex. Not safe, golden-boy Alex, with his perfect smile and the town's approval. Me. The guy who barely speaks in full sentences, who flinches at affection and avoids eye contact like it burns. I'm the last person anyone would bet on.
But she didn't care about any of that. She just saw me—and still stayed.
When Sam cracked a joke and Abigail rolled her eyes, everything felt normal for a second. Good, even. And then I saw him.
Alex.
Leaning against a game stall, flanked by Haley and Emily. His arms crossed, his jaw tense, his eyes locked on Hannah like he was trying to burn holes through her. Through us.
I knew that look. I'd worn it before—when I was too proud to admit something hurt.
And maybe, in a different lifetime, I would've let him have his moment. Maybe I would've backed off, retreated into my silence, convinced myself I wasn't worth the trouble.
But not tonight.
I moved closer to Hannah. Wrapped my arm firmly around her waist and pulled her to my side. She looked up at me, surprised. I didn't say anything. I didn't have to. She understood.
I wasn't hiding anymore.
My heart was hammering harder than I liked, but I didn't pull away. Not from her. Not from this.
Because for once, I wanted to fight for something that mattered. And Hannah... she mattered more than anything I'd ever let myself want.
Even if I had no idea what the hell I was doing. Even if I was scared I'd mess this up, like I've messed up so many things before.
But she was worth the risk. Always would be.
And if the entire town wanted to watch us fall apart or figure it out—they could. Let them talk. Let them stare.
I've spent most of my life as a shadow. Tonight, I didn't mind being seen.
Not if it was with her.
Especially if it was with her.
27Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y7qf8qPhk
