chapter 7: Mixed Signals

7: Mixed Signals

As the days passed, Liam found himself growing more comfortable around Maya. Their conversations became more natural, and the nervous edge he once felt whenever she was around began to fade—mostly.

One afternoon, as they sat at their usual lunch table, Maya was animatedly telling him about an upcoming environmental protest she wanted to attend. "It's going to be huge," she said, eyes shining with excitement. "People from all over the state are coming. You should come with me!"

Liam hesitated. "Me? I don't really—"

"Oh, come on, Liam!" Chloe interrupted with a teasing smirk. "She's practically begging you to spend a day with her."

Maya rolled her eyes. "It's not like that. I just think he'd enjoy it."

Liam felt his face heat up. "I mean, it does sound interesting. I've just… never been to something like that before."

"Then it's settled," Maya said with a grin. "We'll go together."

Chloe shot him a knowing look, and Liam wasn't sure what to make of it.

Later that day, as he walked to his next class, Ethan caught up with him. "Dude," he said, "you do realize Maya likes you, right?"

Liam nearly tripped over his own feet. "What? No, she's just being friendly."

Ethan gave him a disbelieving look. "Right. That's why she keeps finding excuses to hang out with you."

Liam frowned. Was Ethan right? Was Maya just being friendly, or was there something more? He had no idea how to tell the difference.

That evening, as he picked up his guitar to practice, his thoughts kept drifting back to Maya's smile, the way she laughed at his jokes, the way she had invited him to that protest. His fingers faltered over the strings.

Maybe, just maybe, Ethan was onto something.