Chapter 24: The Countdown Begins

Chapter 24: The Countdown Begins

The days after Maya's acceptance felt like a blur. Between celebrating with Chloe, reassuring her parents that she'd be fine out of state, and preparing for the program, time seemed to be slipping through her fingers.

But there was one thing she couldn't ignore—the quiet way Liam had been acting ever since she told him.

He wasn't avoiding her, not exactly. They still hung out, still talked, still held hands like always. But there was something beneath the surface, something unspoken that neither of them wanted to face.

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Liam, meanwhile, found himself pouring more and more into his music. He uploaded another song, then another. Each time, the response grew. More comments, more shares, even messages from small indie music blogs wanting to feature him. It was surreal.

Ethan was ecstatic. "Dude, you're actually building a fanbase. You should start performing—like, for real."

Liam hesitated. "You mean, like, at an actual venue?"

"Yeah! Open mic nights, maybe even a small gig. You've got the talent, man. It's time to own it."

The idea thrilled and terrified Liam all at once. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized—he wanted this.

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One evening, Maya found Liam at their usual spot, his guitar resting beside him. She sat down, pulling her knees to her chest. "You've been quiet lately."

Liam looked down at his hands. "I guess I'm just… trying to figure things out."

"Like what?"

He sighed. "Like what happens when you leave."

Maya's stomach twisted. "Liam…"

"I know, I know," he cut in before she could say anything. "It's not like we're breaking up or anything. But it's going to be different. You'll be busy, I'll be here… it just feels like everything is changing so fast."

She reached for his hand, squeezing it tightly. "I don't want things to change between us."

He gave her a small smile. "Neither do I."

Maya hesitated, then took a deep breath. "What if they don't have to? What if we both take a leap?"

Liam frowned. "What do you mean?"

"What if you play your music live? Take your own chance? I know this is scary, but you're incredible, Liam. You have something real. You should share it."

He stared at her, his mind racing. Could he really do that? Could he actually put himself out there beyond the screen?

Maya's eyes sparkled. "You tell me all the time to go after what I want. I want the same for you."

Liam exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Okay. I'll do it."

Maya's smile lit up the night. "Then we're both chasing our dreams. Together."

For the first time in weeks, Liam felt a sense of peace settle in. No matter what the future held, they were in this—side by side.

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To be continued…