Hidden feelings

Chapter 5

Summer break was in full swing, and the constant parties had begun to lose their appeal. One afternoon, Sienna suggested something more laid-back.

"Let's have everyone over for a pool day," she said, lounging on my bed. "No drama, just a chill day."

I nodded, relieved at the idea of a low-key hangout. "That sounds perfect."

We texted the group, and soon enough, Reece, Enzo, and Lana were on their way over. I put on my bikini—a simple black one—and headed outside to set up by the pool.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, everyone arrived. Lana was in a stylish bikini, her arm looped through Enzo's, who seemed more relaxed than I'd seen him in days.

Reece jumped into the pool immediately, causing a splash that soaked Sienna and me.

"Reece!" Sienna shrieked, laughing as she wiped water off her sunglasses.

We all settled into a comfortable rhythm, talking and lounging around.

Lana and Enzo were inseparable, but I tried to ignore the pang in my chest and focused on enjoying the day with my friends.

After a while, we moved to the hot tub. The warm water was soothing, and I closed my eyes, letting the bubbles ease my tension.

Reece, always the joker, started a game of "Never Have I Ever," and we all joined in, laughing and sharing stories.

"Never have I ever kissed someone in this hot tub," Reece said with a mischievous grin.

Sienna and I exchanged glances and both took a drink. "Guilty," I admitted, remembering a fun night from the previous summer.

Lana's turn came, and she smirked, clearly aiming to stir the pot. "Never have I ever had feelings for someone my friend is dating."

I froze, feeling the weight of her words. Everyone's eyes were on me, and I tried to keep my expression neutral.

"Seriously, Lana?" Sienna rolled her eyes. "Can we not do this?"

Lana shrugged, her smirk never faltering. "Just playing the game."

The tension was palpable, but Reece quickly changed the subject, and the moment passed.

We continued talking and laughing, but I couldn't shake the unease that settled over me.

As the sun began to set, the group slowly dispersed. Reece and Sienna headed inside to grab some snacks, leaving Enzo, Lana, and me in the hot tub.

Lana excused herself to take a phone call, and suddenly, Enzo and I were alone.

"Evie," he began, his voice hesitant, "about what Lana said earlier..."

I cut him off, not wanting to get into it. "Enzo, it's fine. It's just a game."

He looked at me, his eyes searching mine. "But is it true?"

I hesitated, the truth hovering on the tip of my tongue.

But before I could say anything, Lana returned, ending the conversation.

"Come on, Enzo," she said, slipping her hand into his. "Let's go inside."

He gave me one last look before following her, and I sighed, feeling more confused than ever.

The rest of the evening was a blur. We ate snacks, watched a movie, and tried to keep things light, but the tension between Lana, Enzo, and me was impossible to ignore.

As everyone left that night, Sienna pulled me aside. "You okay?"

I nodded, though I didn't feel okay at all. "Yeah, just tired."