As Liam walked home, he noticed an expensive car parked in front of his house. At first, he thought it was just a neighbor's visitor and didn't pay much attention. But as he approached the gate, an unusual flutter of unease settled in his chest.
Upon entering, his jaw nearly dropped in shock.
"M-Miya?!"
Standing in the living room was a familiar face from his childhood—Miya, his friend before they moved and became Freya's neighbors. She smiled brightly and immediately wrapped him in a tight hug.
"Oh, you're here, Liam!" she greeted cheerfully, arms around him.
Liam froze, then quickly pulled back. "A-ah… w-why are you here?"
Miya tilted her head playfully, raising an eyebrow. "Why? Don't you miss me?"
Liam couldn't answer immediately, a knot forming in his throat.
Miya's mother, watching with a warm, nostalgic smile, spoke up. "Oh, you've grown so handsome, Liam. Feels like yesterday you were getting runny noses while playing with Miya," she said, laughing.
"Ah, hello, Ma'am!" Liam greeted politely, though his cheeks burned.
Nearby, Liam's parents sat quietly, slightly uneasy. Liam didn't know the reason for Miya and her parents' visit, but he could feel the weight of their presence.
Sitting in the living room, Liam fidgeted, uneasy.
Miya, on the other hand, seemed unbothered, snuggling closer. She sat next to him on the sofa, almost leaning against his shoulder.
"Liam… do you still remember when you confessed to me as kids?" Miya asked suddenly, staring at him as if no one else existed.
Liam's eyes widened. He scratched the back of his head nervously. "A-ah… that doesn't count. We were kids. I didn't even know what I was doing back then," he hurriedly defended himself.
Miya only smiled, clearly enjoying his embarrassment. "But I remember. You were so cute. You always said I'd be your princess."
Liam didn't know whether to laugh or get annoyed. Before he could respond, his father called from the kitchen.
"Come on, eat first. You can talk later!"
Liam gratefully accepted the distraction, gesturing for Miya to follow.
---
They ate in relative silence, though their parents exchanged knowing glances. Liam tried to focus on his food, while Miya chattered about the years that had passed.
"You know, Liam," Miya began, staring at him intently, "there's so much I want to tell you. So many things I've missed. I'm glad… I'm glad we're here again."
"Ah… yeah, it's been a while," Liam replied cautiously.
Miya grinned and continued. "I hope… things are still like before."
Liam only shrugged, unsure how to respond.
After dinner, Miya suddenly spoke up.
"Liam… can I see your room?" she asked, excitement in her voice.
He froze. "H-huh? Why?"
"Nothing! Just curious. I want to see how you are now… what you're still into."
Before he could refuse, Liam's mother interjected, "Go on, Liam. There's nothing wrong. You haven't seen your childhood friend in a long time."
He nodded reluctantly. "O-okay… but just for a bit."
---
Entering his room, Miya immediately noticed the books, papers, and calculator on his desk. She smiled and picked up one of his notebooks.
"Wow… you're still into Math," she said, holding the notebook close. "I remember always asking you for multiplication help because I kept messing up. Can you teach me again… hehe?"
She leaned closer, shoulders nearly touching. "Please, Liam? Like before?"
Liam took a small step back, avoiding her gaze. "A-ah… okay… if you really need help, sure."
Miya smiled and held onto his arm. "You really haven't changed. You're still so kind. Feels so good being next to you."
Liam couldn't answer. His thoughts flew to Freya. How would she feel if she saw this—Miya leaning on him, smiling as if no one else existed?
A wave of anxiety slowly wrapped around him. It wasn't just Miya's presence—it was the feeling that something heavier was behind her return.