The deal

Willow could feel Liam's hot breath on his ear. He couldn't help but shiver; this was the first time he was in such close proximity with someone. He was never a touchy person and had only kissed Charlie, so this really was the first time someone did something so intimate to him.Unknowingly, his ear went a bright shade of red. Liam noticed this at once and couldn't help but laugh. "You're so red, darling. Are you that turned on by me?"Although Willow felt strange hearing such words from someone who didn't even look above 16, he was too embarrassed to point it out. Heck, he was too flustered to even say anything."You're so sensitive. I kind of see why he likes you now, sweetie."Willow finally recovered and pushed Liam's face away. Strangely, Liam didn't protest, letting Willow shrink back in his chair.Liam sat back in his chair, amused by Willow's indignant gaze. He couldn't help but stare at the still red-faced-haired, brown haired boy, enjoying his anger. He chuckled lightly, "Why do you look so angry, honey?""You- that was sexual harassment." Willow looked away, his last words a mere mutter to satisfy himself, "I can sue you, you know..."Liam found his words very funny. "You can, sweetie, but would you? After all, I think impersonation is a crime more serious than that, isn't it?""Anyway, let's do this. You need more time, right?" He looked sideways for a moment, as if checking something. It was just for a split second, Liam turning back as if nothing had happened the moment after.Willow didn't miss his fast action and followed his gaze to the corner, only to find it empty, just like before. Strange."You want something from me, I want something from you. Let's make a deal, Mr. Main Character. You—" he pressed his finger on Willow's lips, suggesting something, "have to give your lover a proof of your love, and in return, I won't pester you about that guy."Willow felt that something wasn't right. A kiss was really a small price to pay for him to leave alone his and Charlie's relationship for now. "You... what are you planning?" he asked in a cautious tone, eyes desperately searching for answers as he looked at him.Liam just smiled, his expressions not giving anything away."Me? I'm just proposing a deal, a possible cooperation. What else could I be planning?" Liam laughed, as if finding even the thought of Willow worrying about it laughable and ridiculous.Willow wasn't satisfied by his answer. It was a good- no, a too good deal. Too good to be true or without any additional conditions. "What else is there? There's no such thing as a free lunch, Liam Sanders.""But I am taking something in return. I get a kiss from my beloved—what more could I ask for?" He took Willow's hand before pressing it to his cheek, patting himself. "You never really give me anything even if I beg you, after all. I can only use this to earn your affection, darling.""There must be some other conditions-" Willow was still suspicious as he asked, only to be cut off in the middle by Liam."You are the one who could never love me without any conditions, sweetie. I tried- I really did, to earn your love. But what can I do when you only ever look at me with scorn as if I'm a nuisance, something you're forced to put up with?" He closed his eyes and rubbed his face against Willow's palm, a content expression on his face. "I can only use this as my last bargaining chip. I know that as long as that guy is there, you'll never truly love me, but I'm out of options now. I just- I don't know what to do. So, I just decided to stop thinking of later.""If I can have your love now, then I'll have it, no matter the cost. I'd be content as long as you spend this evening with me. Truly, with me, like I'm your lover. I can be satisfied if you look at me with a love-filled gaze, even if for just a single day. I swear I'd never bother you about Charlie again," his eyes were strange at the same part. They weren't sad, but rather... held a different kind of euphoria, as if waiting for something good.Willow knew he shouldn't but found himself getting more and more convinced. He knew there must be a catch, yet he couldn't help but feel more and more drawn to the offer, his heart tilting more and more towards accepting with each passing moment.After all, it was just a kiss. Although it would be considered cheating and he really didn't want to do it, it really was a small price to pay for his and Charlie's relationship. If- If being the bad guy once meant that he could save all he has now, he won't hesitate, not now, not ever. And what catch could there be? At most, Liam could just pretend that it never happened and continue like before. At the very least, he's bound to give Willow more time. Willow had nothing to lose.