My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 34: The plan

One minute earlier

"I don't want us doing this. It's not right. Stop." My voice trembled with frustration. "I can't believe I'm being this stupid again. I refuse to cheat like you did. I can't believe you'd treat your own friend this way."

Disgust curled in my chest as I stepped back from him.

Fred frowned, confused.
"What's wrong with you? I thought you were still the Sharon I knew."

"Well, I've changed," I shot back. "And maybe you should too. Why do I keep letting myself fall into nonsense like this?"

"Sharon..." he sighed, his tone softening as he slipped his arms loosely around me. "Stop lying to yourself. You've always liked playing both sides. He doesn't have to know."

"Sharon!"

Stephen's voice cut through the moment. He walked in, still glancing down at his phone.

Startled, I shoved Fred away too quickly. The plate in my hand slipped and shattered against the floor, the sharp sound echoing through the kitchen.

"What the hell?" Stephen looked up just as I crouched to gather the broken pieces.

"I'm sorry — I'm so sorry," I stammered, my fingers shaking. "I didn't mean to... I didn't want you to see... I don't know what came over me."

He frowned, kneeling beside me.
"What are you talking about? Forget the plate — you're bleeding."

He gently grabbed my wrist, stopping me from touching the shards.

"It's okay, Steph," I murmured, embarrassed.

"It's not okay. Stay here." His voice grew firm. "I'll get the first aid kit. Fred, are you going to stand there or help? My girl's hurt."

Fred's jaw tightened slightly.
"I can see that."

Stephen shook his head and disappeared down the hallway.

⸻

Fred crouched beside me, picking up a piece of glass.

"Babe... want me to kiss it better?" he teased, voice low.

I let out a dry laugh.
"As if I'd let you."

His gaze lingered on me, softer now.
"Seeing you up close like this... reminds me of how things used to be."

His hand brushed my cheek. I pulled away immediately.

"Looking at you reminds me of something too," I replied coldly. "Like when you cheated — in my own bedroom."

His expression faltered.
"I told you I was drunk."

"I saw how much fun you were having. Didn't look like a mistake."

"Shar—"

"No." I cut him off, anger rising. "I hate what you put me through. I hate the way you made me feel back then."

He sighed, defensive.
"You wouldn't even let me get close to you. How did you expect me to handle that? You were distant... untouchable."

His words stung more than I wanted to admit.

⸻

Stephen returned, kneeling beside me with antiseptic and bandages.

"Hold still," he said gently, cleaning the cut before wrapping it carefully.

Fred had already drifted back to the living room.

"You should rest," Stephen added once he finished. "You're not here to play housekeeper. I don't treat women like that."

"Thank you." I leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his cheek.

He helped me to his room, guiding me onto the bed. Exhaustion washed over me quickly, and before long, I drifted into sleep.

⸻

Later

Voices stirred me faintly from the hallway.

"Guys, why didn't you wait outside?" Stephen asked, confusion in his tone.

"Dude..." Nick muttered, rubbing his face. "Don't tell me you've forgotten the plan."

Silence followed — thick and uneasy.

And even half-asleep, I felt a knot of dread tighten in my chest.