My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 33: Secrets 3

Sharon's Pov

"He's Fred. One of my friends. You know what — you two can handle your introductions or whatever. I'm heading to the kitchen for a snack. This isn't my thing." Stephen said, already backing away.

Fred didn't release my hand. His grip lingered, warm and deliberate. I shot him a sharp look, silently telling him to stop.

"Oh... sorry," he murmured, leaning closer so only I could hear. "It's just been a long time since I touched your skin."

"Fred!" I hissed, pinching his arm in warning.

"You guys know each other?" Stiles asked through a mouthful of popcorn, crumbs scattering as he spoke.

"No," I said quickly. "I'm going to the kitchen to wash the dishes."

I escaped before anyone could press further.

"Whateves... yo, play Agents of Shield," Stiles told the TV, already lost in his own world.

⸻

The sink filled with the steady rhythm of running water. I slipped my earpiece in, letting music wrap around me while I scrubbed plates, grateful for the distraction.

I didn't hear him approach.

Arms suddenly circled my waist, pulling me back into a firm chest. Lips brushed the side of my neck.

"Stephen..." I giggled instinctively.

But something felt wrong — the scent, the energy.

I pulled out my earpiece and turned.

Fred.

"What the— what do you think you're doing? Are you crazy?" I shoved him away, my pulse racing.

He chuckled, unfazed.
"You can't pretend you didn't enjoy that. I get why you wouldn't want Stephen knowing about us."

"Us?" My voice sharpened. "There is no us."

"We almost had something once. Don't pretend you forgot."

"It didn't last. Get over it, Fred. You lost interest when I wouldn't sleep with you."

He tilted his head, amused rather than offended.
"You were the one distracted — always thinking about someone else. I was ready to take things slow. Sure, I wanted you... but I cared about you too."

Before I could react, he leaned in and kissed me. For a split second, I froze — startled, conflicted — before pushing him away.

"Stop it. I said stop."

His expression shifted, calculating now.
"Don't you want to know what Stephen's hiding?"

My breath caught.
"What... how do you know that? If you know something, tell me."

He stepped closer again, voice dropping.
"So you don't trust him?" His words were soft, deliberate, trying to stir doubt. "Maybe he doesn't give you what you're looking for."

The closeness unsettled me — anger, curiosity, and confusion colliding all at once.

⸻

Living Room

"Stephen, about what you mentioned earlier... Sharon staying at Eric's place," Stiles said between bites of popcorn. "Did you find out if anything happened?"

Stephen's jaw tightened slightly.
"No. She wouldn't do that."

"You sure?"

He paused, unease flickering across his face.
"I'm going to find out."

He set his phone aside and headed toward the kitchen.

⸻

Kitchen

"Fred, I don't want this," I told him firmly. "It's not right."

"Why? Because you don't feel anything?" he challenged.

Before I could respond—

"What the hell?"

Stephen's voice cut through the room like a blade. He stood at the doorway, eyes fixed on us, confusion and anger colliding in his expression.

The air went still.

And suddenly, there was nowhere to hide.