Chapter 4 - Entwined Fates

The stadium lights cast a golden glow, electrifying the Friday night basketball game. Aria and Ethan sat together in the audience, cheering on the Maple High Hawks.

"Go, Liam!" Aria shouted.

Ethan grinned.

"Liam's on fire tonight," Ethan said.

Liam, on the court, scanned the stands, his gaze locking onto Aria. His eyes sparkled with excitement.

As the game intensified, Liam's jaw clenched, seeing Ethan's proximity to Aria. Liam's passes became more aggressive.

At halftime, Chloe Rivers focused on sketching the game. Anya chatted beside her.

"Your art's amazing, Chloe," Anya said.

"Thanks, Anya," Chloe replied.

Kai jogged over to Chloe.

"Hey, Chloe, your art inspires me," Kai said.

Chloe's cheeks flushed.

"Kai, focus on the game," Chloe teased.

Anya rolled her eyes.

"Save the charm for the court, Kai," Anya joked.

Kai chuckled.

As the game concluded, Ethan and Aria strolled through the emptying hallways.

Ethan leaned against a locker, his eyes burning with intensity.

"I've wanted to talk to you all night," Ethan said.

Aria's heart skipped a beat.

"I've wanted to listen," Aria whispered.

Ethan's hand brushed against hers, sending sparks flying.

Liam watched, his eyes narrowing.

Meanwhile, Kai cornered Chloe near the locker rooms.

"Let's celebrate our win together," Kai said.

Chloe's eyes sparkled.

"What did you have in mind?" Chloe asked.

Kai's lips claimed hers.

Chloe's hands tangled in Kai's hair.

Their bodies pressed together.

Anya rounded the corner.

Her eyes widened.

"Guess I'll leave you two alone," Anya muttered.

Kai's hands roamed Chloe's waist.

Their kiss grew passionate.

Back in the hallway

Ethan's phone buzzed.

"Remember the promise. Midnight. -J"

Ethan's expression faltered.

Aria's eyes narrowed.

"What's going on, Ethan?" Aria asked.

Ethan's voice dropped.

"I'll tell you soon."

Suddenly, Ethan rushed away.

Liam approached Aria, his eyes filled with concern.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Liam asked.

Aria shook her head.

"Ethan just got a weird message and took off," Aria replied.

Liam's gaze lingered on the empty hallway.

"Are you okay?" Liam asked.

Aria nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Aria said.

Liam's eyes locked onto hers.

"Aria, can I ask you something?" Liam asked.

"Sure," Aria replied.

Liam's voice dropped.

"Do you...have feelings for Ethan?" Liam asked.

Aria's cheeks flushed.

"I...I don't know," Aria stuttered.

Liam's face fell.

"Oh," Liam muttered.

Aria noticed Liam's expression.

"Liam, what's wrong?" Aria asked.

Liam shrugged.

"I just...don't want to see you get hurt," Liam said.

Aria's heart skipped a beat.

"Liam, you're worried about me?" Aria asked.

Liam nodded.

"Yeah, I am," Liam replied.

Aria's eyes sparkled.

"That's sweet, Liam," Aria said.

Liam's face lit up.

"Really?" Liam asked.

Aria smiled.

"Yeah," Aria replied.

Liam's eyes locked onto hers.

"Aria, can I walk you home?" Liam asked.

Aria nodded.

"I'd love that," Aria replied.

As they walked away, Aria's hand brushed against Liam's.

Liam's heart skipped a beat.

Maybe tonight wasn't so bad after all.