After school, Amara found Liam sitting alone under a tree. She took a deep breath and walked over.
"Look, about the rumor…" she began.
"I know," he interrupted softly. "I should have said something sooner. I didn't want it spreading the wrong way."
Amara hesitated. He's… apologetic?
"I'm sorry too," she said quietly. "I shouldn't have snapped at you earlier."
They sat in silence for a moment, the tension melting into something warmer. Amara began to see Liam as more than just a mysterious, cold guy—someone who could be a friend, maybe more.
As they packed their things, Liam looked at her and gave a small smile. "Thanks for trusting me."
Amara's heart skipped. Maybe… I'm starting to like him.