The next day, Maya arrived at school with a nervous energy she could barely contain. Every step toward the stairwell leading to the roof felt heavier than the last, and her backpack seemed full of tension rather than books. She kept replaying Liam's words from yesterday in her head. This is ours, right now. Nobody else matters.
When she pushed open the door to the roof, Liam was already there. He leaned against the railing in the same casual way, but the intensity in his eyes made her stomach twist. The city stretched below them, but it felt like they were alone in the world.
"You made it," he said, voice calm, but with an edge that made her pulse quicken.
"I said I would," she replied, trying to steady her voice.
He straightened slightly and gestured toward the railing. "Come closer. Standing awkwardly at a distance is no fun."
Maya moved cautiously, her mind racing. Every instinct told her to be careful, yet her heart urged her forward.
"About yesterday," Liam began, his tone softening. "I meant what I said. Vanessa doesn't get to control this. Don't let her scare you."
"I'm not scared," Maya said, though the memory of Vanessa's smirk lingered.
"You should be careful," Liam said quietly, stepping closer. "People like her don't give up easily. She watches everything. She waits for the right moment."
Maya felt a shiver run through her, but it wasn't from fear. She looked up at him, trying to hide how much the warning thrilled her. "And what about you?" she asked. "Are you going to help me or just… watch too?"
Liam's lips curved in a faint, dangerous smile. "I'm already involved. You think I would let anyone mess with you without saying something?"
Her pulse quickened. He was close enough now that she could feel the warmth radiating from him. She caught herself staring at him, trying to read the unspoken thoughts behind his eyes.
"You know this is risky," she said softly. "Being with you… with all this attention."
"Everything worthwhile is risky," he said simply. "And believe me, Maya, this… you… you're worth it."
Her chest tightened. She wanted to argue, wanted to tell him that she didn't know what she was getting herself into. But the words refused to form. Instead, she stood there, caught in a moment that felt electric and fragile at the same time.
A sudden voice below the roof startled her.
"Liam! Maya!"
Vanessa.
Liam's jaw tightened, but he didn't move from his spot by the railing. "She is here for a reason," he said calmly. "We will finish this conversation."
Maya's stomach twisted. Vanessa's presence was a threat, and yet somehow, it made the moment with Liam feel even more intense.
Vanessa appeared at the stairwell, her eyes sharp and calculating. "Enjoying the view?" she asked sweetly, but her words were sharp enough to cut. "Or are you plotting something? Or maybe both?"
Liam didn't answer immediately. Instead, his gaze returned to Maya, a silent promise passing between them.
Maya realized with a jolt that she didn't need his words. She understood. Whatever games Vanessa played, whatever obstacles lay ahead, Liam Kingston had already made his choice.
And so had she.
The air between them hung heavy, charged with tension, anticipation, and something unspoken that neither of them dared to name out loud.
Maya's heart raced. Ridgewood International was dangerous, unpredictable, and filled with people like Vanessa who thrived on manipulation. But she had Liam Kingston on her side, and that fact made every risk worth it.
For the first time, she welcomed the chaos.
And she knew that whatever happened next, there would be no turning back.