WlW Hooked on You 🍻

chapter-3 The Unraveling

(i don't know whose pov it is honestly but probably callums)

Calum paced back and forth in his car, parked a block away from Freya's apartment building. His mind raced with thoughts of the night's events. Freya had gone radio silent, and her friend's cryptic response about Valerie had him on edge. He knew Valerie from high school—she was the type to gossip and hold grudges, especially after the way he had treated her back then.

His phone buzzed again, another voicemail from Freya that he couldn't bring himself to listen to. He stared at her apartment building, the lights flickering in the windows. He had to get to her before things got worse. If Valerie was involved, it could complicate things even more. Calum's history with Valerie was one he regretted, but he hadn't anticipated it coming back to haunt him like this.Taking a deep breath, he exited the car and approached the building. He stopped at the entrance, glancing up at the windows as if expecting to see Valerie's face peeking out. He knew the layout of the building well enough to guess that Freya would be on one of the higher floors. Determined, he took the stairs two at a time.When he reached Freya's door, he hesitated. Should he knock or just let himself in? He didn't have a key, and it would be better to avoid confrontation if possible. He knocked softly, then louder, calling out."Freya! It's Calum. Can you open the door?"There was no immediate response, just the echo of his voice in the hallway. Calum's anxiety spiked, and he knocked again, more urgently. "Freya, please!"Finally, he heard footsteps approaching from the other side. The door creaked open slightly, and he saw Freya peeking through, her eyes wary."Calum?" she said, her voice tinged with confusion and a hint of anger."Freya, I'm sorry for showing up like this. I just needed to see you," he said, trying to keep his voice calm and sincere. "Please, can we talk?"Freya opened the door wider, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "Fine, but only for a minute. I'm tired and I don't want to deal with this right now."She stepped aside to let him in, and Calum entered, taking in the dimly lit apartment. It was clear she had been trying to settle down for the night, but now he was here, disrupting her peace.Freya sat down on the couch, her posture tense. "What is it, Calum? I don't know what more you want from me."Calum took a seat across from her, his gaze intense. "I need to understand what's going on. I heard you left the party with Valerie. Is she trying to get back at me for something?"Freya frowned, clearly taken aback. "What are you talking about?"Calum's frustration was evident. "You know how she is. She's always been the type to hold grudges. I'm worried she might be using you to get back at me. We had a history in high school—she was one of the people I wasn't proud of treating poorly. I didn't think she would come after me like this, though."Freya's face softened slightly, but she didn't look convinced. "Valerie's been nothing but supportive to me tonight. She's been there for me when I needed someone."Calum's expression darkened. "That's what she wants you to think. I've seen her before, talking behind people's backs. She might have an agenda here. I'm just trying to protect you."Freya's eyes flashed with anger. "And you think the best way to do that is to accuse her without any proof? You're the one who messed up, not Valerie. She's not the enemy here."Calum's shoulders slumped. "I know I made mistakes. I'm not trying to shift the blame. I just... I don't want you to get hurt because of some vendetta."Freya stood up, clearly upset. "You don't get to decide who I should or shouldn't trust. You've already done enough damage tonight."Calum's heart sank as he saw the pain in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I just don't want to lose you. I know I messed up, but I need you to understand that I'm trying to fix this. I care about you."Freya looked away, struggling with her emotions. "I don't know what to believe right now. I need time to figure things out. I can't deal with this constant uncertainty."Calum stood up, his expression a mix of desperation and resignation. "I understand. I'll give you the space you need. But please, think about what I said. Valerie might not be as innocent as she seems."Freya didn't respond, her silence saying everything. Calum turned and headed for the door, his mind still racing with worries about what might happen next. As he left the apartment, he glanced back at Freya, feeling the weight of his actions and their consequences more than ever.He stepped out into the cool night air, his thoughts consumed by the tangled mess of relationships, regret, and the fear that he might have lost Freya for good.