unnoticed feelings

The next few days felt like a slow unraveling for Liam. Emily hadn't mentioned her ex again, but he knew the thought of meeting him still lingered in her mind. It was in the way she stared at her phone a little too long, the way her laughter seemed just a bit more forced.

And Liam hated it.

Not because he didn't want her to find closure—he did. But because the idea of her reopening old wounds, or worse, letting someone who had already hurt her back into her life, made his stomach twist uncomfortably.

Yet, he didn't say a word. Because what right did he have?

They weren't together. He was just her best friend.

And maybe that was the problem.

---

By the time Friday rolled around, Emily finally brought it up again.

They were sitting on the grass in their usual spot at the park, the autumn wind rustling through the trees. She was hugging her knees to her chest, watching the sunset with a distant expression.

"I'm going to meet him tomorrow," she said suddenly.

Liam's grip on the grass tightened. He forced himself to keep his voice calm. "Yeah?"

She nodded, glancing at him. "I figured… I just need to get it over with. No expectations. Just closure."

Liam swallowed hard. "Where are you meeting him?"

"The café near my place," she said. "I made sure it was a public place, don't worry."

It wasn't just safety that worried Liam. It was the fact that she was opening a door that had been shut for so long.

But what could he say? Don't go? Don't talk to him? Pick me instead?

Instead, he nodded, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "If that's what you need."

Emily tilted her head, studying him. "You're being weird."

Liam chuckled dryly. "Am I?"

"Yeah," she said, nudging his arm. "You're usually all protective and full of opinions. Why are you holding back?"

Because I'm afraid, he wanted to say. Afraid that once you see him, you'll realize I never had a chance to begin with.

Instead, he shrugged. "I just… want you to be happy, Em."

Her gaze softened. "I know."

For a moment, it felt like something more could be said—like the silence between them was begging for the words neither of them dared to speak.

But then Emily smiled, and the moment passed.

"Thanks for always having my back, Liam," she said.

And once again, Liam found himself stuck in the same cruel cycle.

Always there. Always listening.

And yet, somehow, always on the sidelines.

---