Unshaken Resolve

The buzz in the classroom was palpable as the results for the semester's most challenging test were announced. Students whispered anxiously, speculating about the top scores. The rumor was that no one in the entire school managed to breach the elusive 90% mark.

When the teacher finally began announcing scores, the atmosphere shifted. One name stood out, accompanied by an unparalleled score.

"Liam Foster—100%."

The room fell silent, followed by gasps and murmurs. Liam, sitting calmly at his desk, didn't react. While the other students exchanged glances of shock and admiration, he remained focused on his notebook, scribbling equations. It was as though the announcement didn't concern him.

Lily Davenport stole a glance at him, a mix of pride and sadness in her eyes. She whispered to herself, He's still the same Liam, at least academically…

Emily Carter and Avery Quinn, who had recently joined the school, shared a knowing look. Both understood that beneath Liam's cool exterior was a storm of unresolved emotions. Emily couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He's distancing himself from everyone, even after everything…

The doorbell rang, cutting through the usual quiet of the shared apartment. Lily, who was closest, opened the door, only to freeze when she saw two sharply dressed individuals standing on the threshold.

"Hello," the woman said, her voice smooth but authoritative. "We're here to see Liam Foster. We're his parents."

Lily blinked, taken aback. "Oh, um, come in. I'll let him know you're here."

As Liam's parents stepped into the apartment, their eyes scanned the cozy but modest space. Their expressions flickered with surprise when they realized that their son was living with three girls.

"Is this where Liam lives?" his father asked, his tone laced with subtle disapproval.

"Yes," Lily answered hesitantly, motioning toward the living room. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. I'll get him."

Liam emerged moments later, his expression unreadable. His mother's face softened slightly at the sight of him, but his father's sharp gaze lingered.

"Liam," his mother began, "we were in the city and thought we'd stop by. Congratulations on your test results. Scoring a perfect 100 on such a difficult exam is exceptional."

"Thank you," Liam replied coolly, his voice devoid of warmth.

His father frowned. "You should come back with us, Liam. This… arrangement," he gestured vaguely toward the apartment, "isn't appropriate. You're the only male here, and—"

"I'm fine where I am," Liam interrupted, his tone firm but emotionless.

His mother attempted a gentler approach. "Liam, we're just thinking about what's best for you. Don't you think it's time to focus entirely on your future? We've already—"

"Isn't that what I'm doing?" Liam's gaze met hers, unblinking. His voice carried an edge that hadn't been there before. "My grades are perfect. My performance is flawless. What more do you want?"

His father's irritation began to show. "It's not just about grades, Liam. Your attitude—this cold, distant behavior—it's unacceptable."

"Maybe," Liam said, his voice colder than ever, "it's because I finally realized what matters and what doesn't."

Before the tension could escalate further, Emily and Avery entered the room, having overheard part of the conversation. Lily joined them moments later, standing protectively beside Liam.

"Excuse me," Emily began, her voice steady, "but Liam's done nothing wrong. He's been working harder than anyone else, and if he chooses to stay here, that's his decision."

Avery crossed her arms. "We've all been supporting each other here. Liam doesn't need to leave just because you think this arrangement isn't 'appropriate.'"

Lily nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Liam belongs here. This is his home now."

Liam's parents looked taken aback by the united front. His mother's initial surprise quickly turned to frustration. "You don't understand—"

"No, you don't understand," Avery cut in, her tone firm. "Liam's more than capable of making his own choices. He's not a child."

For a moment, his parents seemed at a loss for words. But his father's expression hardened. "We'll discuss this later," he said curtly, standing. His mother followed, though her eyes lingered on Liam, a mix of disappointment and worry clouding her features.

As the door closed behind his parents, the room fell silent. Liam turned to the girls, his expression unreadable.

"You didn't have to do that," he said flatly.

"We know," Lily replied softly, "but we wanted to."

Without another word, Liam retreated to his room, leaving the girls to exchange worried glances.

Later that night, alone in his room, Liam sat at his desk, staring at an old photograph of himself and Lily from their childhood. His expression was blank, devoid of the warmth the picture captured.

With slow, deliberate movements, he placed the photograph into his desk drawer. He locked it and slid the key into his pocket.

As he sat back, his cold eyes reflected the dim light of his desk lamp—void of the emotions that once defined him.