After closing the door, Freya stood frozen in the middle of her room, clutching her phone.
"Okay, breathe. I can do this… I can do this…" she whispered to herself.
A moment later, the sound of knocking came from outside.
"Freya! Are you ready yet? Hehehe!" Leiyah's voice called from outside.
Freya took a deep breath and slowly walked to the door. When she opened it, she saw Liam standing on the veranda, holding his notebook and backpack. He was quiet, but the smile on his lips immediately made Freya's heart skip a beat.
"Ready?" Liam asked, glancing at her.
Freya froze. "Am I really ready… or will I just melt in front of him?"
Leiyah, standing nearby, snickered before leaving.
"Good luck!" she called out, leaving the two alone.
The room fell silent. Freya held her notebook with slightly trembling hands. Liam looked calm, but clearly attentive to her presence.
"Okay," Liam started, "shall we begin?"
Freya took a deep breath, smiled faintly, and sat on the other side of the table.
Here it was… a study session full of butterflies and nervousness.
"O-okay, let's start," Freya stammered.
As they studied, she tried to calm herself. Relax, Freya… don't show it, she told herself while explaining her notes to Liam.
"Finally, done!" Liam said cheerfully after a few hours. "I think I'm starting to get it—I'm not struggling as much anymore."
"That's good," Freya said with a smile. "You learn fast, too. Oh, wait—I actually prepared some snacks. I'll just get them."
She stood and left the room. Going down the stairs, she couldn't help feeling giddy.
"Is this real? Just me and Liam in my room? We're always together at school, but this… this is different… because it's just the two of us."
She returned carrying a tray of cookies and juice. When she entered, she caught Liam glancing at the small shelf by her bed.
"You're still really into pink, huh?" Liam teased. "Can't live without it?"
"Ah, well… not really," Freya laughed. "But I guess kind of."
They sat down and began to eat. The room was quiet until Liam suddenly spoke.
"Hibiscus…" he muttered, staring at the ceiling.
Freya froze. Her hand holding the glass went cold. Hibiscus—the flower she used to give Liam when she would shyly say, "I like you, Liam."
"Hahaha, you still remember the things you used to do?" Liam asked, laughing.
"A-ah… w-what was I doing?" Freya stammered.
"Forgot already? You always used to—" Liam didn't finish as Freya suddenly stood up.
"A-ay, w-wait. I just need to grab something downstairs," she said quickly before rushing out.
Liam stayed behind, smiling.
"Ah, you're still the Freya I knew back then," he murmured to himself.
Why did I even remember that? Freya scolded herself as she walked downstairs. So embarrassing! I wish I could just sink into the floor!
Sitting on the sofa in the living room, she tried to calm her racing heart. A moment later, there was a knock at the door.
"Freya, are you done yet?"
She opened it to see Leiyah, holding ice cream.
"O-oh, Leiyah? What are you doing here?" Freya asked in surprise.
"Why, is it forbidden?" Leiyah laughed. "Where's Liam? Are you done? And why are you downstairs?"
"L-Leiyah, I'll explain later. Please, don't ask right now," Freya pleaded.
"Fine, fine. Come on, before this melts," Leiyah said.
When they returned to Freya's room, Liam greeted them with a smile.
"Hi, Liam!" Leiyah said cheerfully.
"Oh, hello," Liam replied.
"Ah, here it is," Leiyah handed over the ice cream. "I went to a few stores to find this for you."
Liam looked surprised.
"Thanks. Oh, Freya, this is for you. Consider it my treat since you helped me so much with teaching. Cookies and cream—your favorite, right?"
Freya froze as he handed her the ice cream.
"T-thank you, Liam…"
Since they were kids, they had always loved eating ice cream after playing. And even back then, her favorite was cookies and cream. She remembered that…
As they ate, there was a knock on the door.
"Freya, dear?" her mom's voice called.
Freya opened it to see her mom smiling.
"Oh, hello Liam. Hello Leiyah. Come, have dinner here, do you want to?"
Freya's eyes went wide. What?! Dinner?! With Liam at the table?!