Walking beside Liam felt strange.
Not uncomfortable. Just... unfamiliar. Like wearing a shoe that fit perfectly but you weren't used to yet.
We didn't talk at first. The campus buzzed around us—laughter, footsteps, life—but there was a quiet space between us that felt oddly safe.
"You're very quiet," he said eventually.
"So are you," I replied.
He smiled. "Only when I'm thinking."
"About what?"
"About why you look like someone who carries the world alone."
I stopped walking.
He noticed immediately. "Did I say something wrong?"
I shook my head. "No. Just... don't psychoanalyze me."
"I wouldn't dare," he said lightly. "I just notice things."
I resumed walking, my chest tight. People had noticed me before—but never like that.
At the gate, I slowed.
"This is me," I said.
"Yeah," he replied. "I figured."
Silence again.
I adjusted my bag strap, suddenly aware of how close he was standing.
"I'll see you around, Ariella."
"Maybe," I said.
He took a step back, then paused. "Can I ask you something?"
I nodded.
"Why do you push people away before they even get close?"
My breath caught.
That question hit too close. Too fast.
"I don't," I said, even though we both knew I was lying.
He studied my face for a moment, then nodded. "Okay."
I turned to leave.
"Ariella," he called again.
I looked back.
"I'm not someone you need to be afraid of."
I wanted to believe him.
But the last person I trusted had said the same thing.
And trusting Liam—even a little—felt like standing at the edge of a cliff, unsure whether I'd fly... or fall.