unnoticed feelings

The days following Emily's confession were different—not in a bad way, but in a way that made Liam more aware of her. He noticed the small things: the way she hesitated before answering certain questions, the way her shoulders tensed when someone spoke too loudly nearby, the way she sometimes got lost in thought, staring off into the distance.

Liam didn't push. He had promised her that they would take things slow, and he meant it.

But something lingered in the air, something unspoken between them.

And Liam had the feeling that Emily's past wasn't quite done with her yet.

---

Friday Afternoon

Liam was waiting for Emily outside the school gates, hands stuffed into his pockets as he leaned against the fence. They had planned to walk home together, as they always did.

But Emily was late.

He checked his phone. No messages.

Frowning, he pushed off the fence and started making his way toward the back of the school. Maybe she had gotten held up in class?

As he rounded the corner, he froze.

Emily was standing near the parking lot, her back against the wall.

And in front of her was a guy Liam had never seen before.

Tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in dark jeans and a black hoodie, the guy loomed over her, one hand resting on the wall beside her head. His stance wasn't aggressive, but something about it made Liam's stomach twist.

Emily's arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her face unreadable.

Liam took a step forward, his heart pounding. "Emily."

She looked up sharply, her eyes widening slightly.

The guy turned, his gaze landing on Liam. He had a sharp, angular face and cold, calculating eyes.

Liam's instincts screamed at him.

This was him.

The ex.

The guy studied Liam for a moment before smirking. "And who's this?"

Emily exhaled slowly. "Liam, this is Jake."

Jake. Even his name made Liam's skin crawl.

Liam kept his expression neutral. "We were supposed to walk home together."

Jake's smirk didn't falter. "Relax, man. I was just catching up with Emily."

Liam ignored him, looking at Emily. "Are you okay?"

Emily hesitated. And that hesitation was all Liam needed to see.

His jaw clenched.

Jake laughed under his breath. "Come on, Emily. You're acting like I'm some kind of monster."

Emily finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. "You should go, Jake."

Jake's smirk faded slightly. He stared at her for a moment, then sighed dramatically. "Alright, alright. No need to be so cold, Em."

Liam bristled at the nickname.

Jake took a step back, hands raised. "I'll see you around."

He turned and walked away, disappearing into the parking lot.

As soon as he was gone, Emily let out a breath, pressing a hand to her forehead.

Liam stepped closer. "Emily—"

"I'm fine," she said quickly.

But she didn't look fine.

Liam hesitated before saying, "What did he want?"

Emily shook her head. "He just… wanted to talk. He said he wanted to apologize for everything, that he's changed."

Liam narrowed his eyes. "And do you believe him?"

Emily let out a bitter laugh. "No. But part of me still wants to. And that's the problem."

Liam's chest tightened.

Emily looked up at him. "I don't want him back, Liam. I just… I don't know why it's so hard to let go of everything he did to me."

Liam didn't know what to say. He wanted to tell her that Jake wasn't worth her thoughts, that she didn't owe him anything. But he also knew it wasn't that simple.

So instead, he did the only thing he could.

He reached out, taking her hand in his.

Emily's fingers curled around his, holding on tightly.

And for now, that was enough.

---

Later That Night

Liam lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts were a storm, circling around one person.

Jake.

Something about him unsettled Liam. It wasn't just the way he had cornered Emily. It was the way he had looked at her, the way he had looked at him.

Like he knew something Liam didn't.

His phone buzzed.

Emily: Thanks for earlier.

Liam: Always.

A pause.

Emily: Jake won't give up that easily. I know him.

Liam frowned.

Liam: Then we'll deal with him together.

Emily didn't respond right away. But when she finally did, her message was simple.

Emily: Okay.

Liam exhaled, closing his eyes.

Jake wasn't just a part of Emily's past anymore.

He was part of their present.

And Liam wasn't going to let him take Emily back.