Chapter 14: Misunderstandings

Chapter 14: Misunderstandings

The night started great, with Maya laughing as Liam somehow managed to throw the ball into the gutter three times in a row. But as the game continued, Maya's thoughts drifted back to Chloe's words.

"You okay?" Liam asked as he sat beside her.

Maya forced a smile. "Yeah. Just thinking."

Liam hesitated. "Did I… do something?"

She sighed. "No, it's just… Chloe said something today. She's worried that—" She stopped herself. "Never mind. It's stupid."

Liam frowned. "No, tell me."

Maya hesitated before blurting out, "She thinks you might not know what you want. That you might not be ready for this."

Liam sat back, caught off guard. "Oh."

Maya bit her lip. "I know it's dumb. I know you care. But—"

"No, I get it," Liam interrupted. "I am shy. And I don't always say what I'm thinking. But Maya… I do know what I want. I want this."

Her heart skipped. "You do?"

He nodded, nervous but firm. "Yeah."

Maya exhaled, tension she hadn't realized she was holding disappearing. "Okay."

Liam smiled slightly. "And for the record, I also really want to beat you at this game."

Maya laughed. "Good luck with that."

She knew then that Chloe had been wrong. Liam might have been quiet, but when it came to them, he was sure.

As they finished the game—Maya winning by a landslide—they decided to grab a snack at the small café next door. Sitting across from each other, Maya found herself watching Liam as he sipped his milkshake, deep in thought.

"What?" he asked, catching her staring.

She shrugged. "Just thinking how different you are from how I first imagined you."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Different how?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "I thought you were just this super quiet, mysterious guy who probably spent all his time in his room. But you're actually… funny. And really kind."

Liam's cheeks turned pink, and he looked down at his cup. "Well, you kind of helped with that. It's easier to talk when you're around."

Maya smiled. "I'm glad."

And at that moment, any doubts she had completely vanished.