Hailee’s POV
Nathan didn’t even wait a second before he drove off. I turned around, watching his car disappear into the dark. A part of me wished I could run up to him and tell him what I said wasn’t really what I meant. Yes, I have feelings for Callum, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings for him too. I have feelings for Callum just the same way I have feelings for Nathan. I felt terrible and imagined what he would be going through, but at least this is for the best.
Swallowing down my pain, I spun and walked toward Callum, who was leaning against his car. I reached him and stood in front of him, our eyes locking together.
"I noticed the post was taken down," he said quietly.
I nodded. "Someone did it."
Callum’s face tightened with guilt. "Nathan?" he asked, and I could hear the pain and frustration buried in his voice.
I didn’t respond to that. Callum let out a breath and looked at me carefully, worry etched on his face. "How are you?" he asked, sounding genuinely concerned.
"I don’t know."
He stepped closer and reached for my hand, but I stepped back. "You should please leave."
Callum froze at my words, his hand still half-raised in the air. His brows pulled together. "Hailee... what’s wrong?"
I shook my head slowly, my voice just a whisper. "I just need to be alone right now."
His frown deepened, confusion shadowing his features. "Is this because of the video? Shit like that happens, and believe me, within a week everyone will forget about it, and I’ll be with you through all this. There’s nothing wrong with two people who like each other making out..." he paused, searching my eyes. "Or is this about Nathan?"
"It’s because of everything," I murmured. "The video. The comments. The stares. You. Him. Me. I just... I need space to think."
Callum took a small step forward again. "I get that, I do. But Hailee... I can’t just walk away. Not after everything."
I looked up at him, frowning.
"I can’t stay away from you," he whispered desperately. "Not after what we’ve been through. Not after how I feel about you."
I swallowed the lump in my throat. A part of me wanted to give in... to let him hold me and make all of this disappear—but I couldn’t. Not now.
"Callum," I said quietly, "this isn’t about how you feel. It’s about how I feel. And right now... I’m a mess. I don’t even know what I want."
Callum’s lips parted like he was about to speak again, but the sound of a vehicle pulling up made both of us turn.
A sleek, black sports car came to a slow stop near the curb.
My heart skipped.
The engine shut off, and the door opened.
Dane stepped out.
Tall, quiet, and intimidating—his silver hair catching the last bit of light from the setting sun. His sharp eyes landed on me first... then shifted briefly to Callum. I felt a strange knot twist in my stomach.
He didn’t say anything at first. He just stood there, jaw tight, his expression unreadable.
Callum straightened beside me. "What’s he doing here?" he muttered under his breath.
Dane’s gaze returned to me.
"Can we talk?" he asked simply. His voice was low, calm—but firm.
Callum took a step forward. "No. Can’t you see we’re in the middle of something important?"
Dane ignored him completely, eyes still fixed on me. "Just a minute, Hailee."
I swallowed, my chest tightening. I didn’t have the energy for more confusion... but there was something in Dane’s eyes that made it difficult to look away.
I turned briefly to Callum. "It’s okay," I whispered. "Just a minute."
Callum looked pissed, but he didn’t argue. He stepped back, his frown deepening.
I walked toward Dane slowly, unsure of what to expect. He didn’t move until I was just a few steps away.
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