The library smelled of polished wood and old books, a quiet sanctuary compared to the chaos of Ridgewood International. Maya pushed the door open and glanced around. It was empty except for Liam, leaning casually against a bookshelf with a faint, unreadable smile.
"You're late," he said, eyes glinting.
"I got caught up," Maya replied, trying to sound composed, though her heart was still racing from seeing him.
He didn't move closer. Not yet. Just studied her like she was a puzzle he was determined to solve. "Relax," he said finally, softening his tone. "You don't need to be so serious all the time."
"I can't help it," Maya admitted, feeling her cheeks warm. "This place… it's intimidating."
He nodded, as if he understood more than she expected. "It is," he said. "But you're surviving better than most. That's impressive."
Maya looked at him, unsure if she should be flattered or suspicious. "You're easy to impress, aren't you?"
"Only when someone actually deserves it," he said, leaning a little closer this time. "And you do."
Her stomach fluttered. "I don't even know you," she whispered, partly in protest and partly because the thought of knowing him made her nervous.
"Exactly," he said, lowering his voice. "Which makes this fun."
He held out his hand, playful yet commanding. "Sit with me."
Maya hesitated, then slid the chair closer. Every small movement between them felt electric.
"So," Liam said, resting his chin on his hand, "you're not like the rest of them, are you?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know… everyone here thinks they're the center of the world. Designer clothes, perfect hair, parents who throw money at problems. But you… you're different. Real."
Maya's breath caught. She wasn't sure if she should smile, roll her eyes, or run. Instead, she said quietly, "Why does that matter to you?"
His gaze softened slightly, and he let out a small laugh. "Because I notice things that other people don't. And right now, I'm noticing you."
For a moment, the world outside the library seemed to disappear. There was only him, and the heat of his gaze, and the strange, thrilling tension that pulled her closer to him than she expected.
Then the sound of footsteps interrupted the moment. Vanessa.
"Planning a little secret meeting, scholarship girl?" Vanessa's voice dripped with sarcasm.
Maya froze, and Liam's lips curled into a small, knowing smirk. "Don't worry about her," he said, standing. "She'll figure it out soon enough."
Vanessa's eyes narrowed, but she didn't say another word. She just turned and walked away, heels clicking on the library floor like a warning.
Maya let out a shaky breath. "She's going to make my life miserable."
Liam chuckled softly. "Probably. But that's part of the fun."
Her heart skipped a beat. "The fun?"
"Watching her try and fail," he said, leaning closer again, just enough that she felt his warmth. "And maybe getting to know you while the world thinks it's impossible."
Maya's pulse raced. She wanted to protest, but the way he looked at her, so confident and teasing, made her words fail. She realized then that this was no ordinary school year. Liam Kingston had already made her life a storm.
And she wasn't sure she wanted it any other way.