I thought I knew what awkward was. Then I met Liam in a café, and apparently, that was just the warm-up.
After yesterday, I couldn't stop thinking about him. His bright, annoying, perfect smile. The way he somehow made a rainy near-death experience feel less like a disaster. But the thing is, I couldn't just say that. Not yet. People say too much too soon ruins everything. But honestly? I wasn't even sure what everything was anymore.
So I did the next best thing, I avoided him.
Yeah. Smart move, Kaya. Totally genius.
But avoiding Liam was much harder than I thought . Especially when he seemed to be everywhere I pass through . The hallway at school, the park near my apartment, even that tiny little bookstore I love the one where no one else ever goes. And every time, he just smiled. That smile that somehow said, I know something you don't.and I guess he did.
Today, he crossed me by the lockers. His jacket was soaked again,apparently, he has a weird talent for showing up in rainstorms. "Hey,momma" he said, voice low and deep, like he was trying not to be noticed. "We need to talk.
"About…?"i asked, trying not to sound like my heart had just ran a marathon.
"Us," he said, and for a second, I swore the air in the hallway got thicker . Like it was literally pressing down on my chest.
"Us?"I said
"Yeah," he said, leaning closer, lowering his voice even more. "I know you're trying to pretend this didn't happen. But it did, Kaya. And I don't,I don't want to pretend. Not with you."
My stomach turned. My brain screamed run, but my heart… my stupid, ridiculous heart… didn't move an inch.
"Liam… I" I started, but he cut me off.
No, wait, he said, a little desperate, I think. Before you say anything, there's something you should know. About me.
My chest tightened. Secrets. He has secrets. And somehow, I knew they weren't the kind you just forget.
Okayyyy",I whispered, because what else could I say?
He looked around like someone might be listening. I… I can't stay long at school,he admitted, voice barely audible. "I have things I need to deal with. Family stuff. Complicated stuff. And I don't want to drag you into it. But I also I don't want to lie to you.
I wanted to ask questions,I wanted to know everything. But instead, I nodded, because words failed me. And that's when he smiled again softly, not like before, more real. Just promise me something?
What?" I asked, almost afraid of the answer.
Promise me you'll not give up on me. Even if it gets messy.
And that was it. My heart? Totally done. Surrendered.
Between us, forever. I was starting to understand what that really meant.