"Freya..." Liam called again, his voice clearer this time.
Freya froze where she stood. It felt like time had stopped. She could hear her heartbeat thundering in her chest, like it might burst out at any moment.
"Hey, Freya," Leiyah whispered, nudging her. "What, just staring there? Waiting for someone to sweep you off your feet?" she teased, grinning.
Freya couldn't speak. Slowly, she turned to face Liam.
He was only a few steps away, holding a book from the library.
"Uh... I think you left this behind." Liam handed her a notebook.
Freya exhaled sharply-her nerves making even her voice falter.
"Ah... is this... mine? Hehe..."
They exchanged a brief glance, and for a few seconds, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.
"Uhm, Freya... can we talk later?"
The world seemed to stop for Freya. Her eyes went wide, and even Leiyah paused beside her. She didn't know if she should feel thrilled or just melt from nervousness.
"Ah... s-sure. W-when?" she stammered, barely able to look at him.
"After school," Liam said simply.
Outside the classroom, Liam walked alongside Freya. Her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest.
Is this it? Is he going to confess? Oh no... what should I say?!
Liam stopped and looked at her.
"Freya..." his voice serious.
Freya swallowed hard. "Y-yes?" she whispered.
Liam paused, scratching the back of his neck.
"Uh... can I ask for your help? With my English essay... I'm not sure if I wrote it correctly. You're good at this, right?"
Everything Freya had imagined suddenly crumbled. Her mouth fell open, and she lowered her gaze.
"Oh... it's just an essay..." she muttered softly.
"Huh? Did you say something?" Liam asked.
"N-no! Sure... I'll help you," she forced a smile.
Next to them, Leiyah almost choked from laughter.
"OMG, Freya! Your face just now looked like you were ready to scream YES! even though he didn't ask anything!"
"LEIYAH!" Freya hissed, already turning red all the way to her ears.
Liam scratched his head, ignoring the teasing.
"Do you want to just do it at the library? It's quieter there."
Freya hesitated. "But it might get crowded... hard to find a spot."
"We can also do it at my place," Liam said casually. "It's nearby anyway."
Freya's jaw nearly dropped.
At his house?! Just the two of us? Oh no... my heart might explode!
"Or..." Liam added quickly, "at your house. Probably more convenient, and you have more books. Your call."
Freya couldn't respond. Leiyah shoved her forward.
"At Freya's house! I'll guard her in case she faints in front of you!"
"Leiyah!" Freya felt like the floor should swallow her whole.
Liam, meanwhile, gave a small smile. "Okay, your house it is, Freya."
Freya completely froze, unsure if she should be thrilled or just melt from embarrassment.
They walked home together. Freya was hyper-aware of every step, Liam just a few paces away. When they arrived, her mom greeted them.
"Oh, Freya, are you with someone?," her mom said, smiling at Liam.
"Ah... y-yes, Ma. We're just studying, Liam needs help with his essay."
Her mom nodded, smiling. "Alright then. Have a snack before you start studying."
---
At Freya's Room
Freya was surprised to notice it was Liam's first time back in her room in years. She almost wanted to hide all her stuffed toys and books.
"You still have so many books," Liam commented, scanning the shelves.
"Ah... yeah... I still like reading," Freya replied shyly.
OMG, I hope he doesn't see my diary...
They sat at her study table. Freya opened her notes.
"Okay, so here's the thing. In the introduction, you should-"
Liam frowned. "Just the introduction? I already don't want to. Can't we just go straight to the solution?"
Freya laughed. "Liam, not every problem has an equation."
"Exactly. That's why I need you," Liam said seriously.
Freya froze. "H-huh?!"
Then Liam grinned. "For the essay. I need you for the essay."
Freya blushed and quickly buried her face in her paper. For a moment, she thought... what if it were something else...
As Freya explained, Liam leaned over to look at her notebook. They were so close their shoulders nearly touched. Freya didn't know whether to continue talking or just melt where she sat.
"Your handwriting is tiny," Liam complained.
"W-well, I'm not used to writing big," Freya defended.
They exchanged a glance for a moment-time seemed to stop.
Before leaving, Liam thanked her.
"Thanks, Freya. I couldn't have done this without you."
He smiled, then paused at the door to look back.
"Can we do this again tomorrow?"
Freya froze, unsure how to answer.