unnoticed feelings

The subtle shift in Liam and Emily's relationship didn't go unnoticed by others. Their classmates began to whisper when they saw the two of them together, and even Emily's friends started teasing her about it.

"So," Mia said one day during lunch, smirking as she leaned closer to Emily. "Are you and Liam, like... a thing now?"

Emily nearly choked on her drink. "What? No! We're just friends."

"Uh-huh," Mia said, clearly unconvinced. "You're just friends with the guy who's suddenly doing everything he can to make you happy?"

"Leave it alone, Mia," Emily said, rolling her eyes.

But later that day, as she walked to class with Liam, Mia's words echoed in her mind. Were they really just friends? Or was there something more?

---

For Liam, the whispers and teasing didn't bother him as much as he thought they would. If anything, they only reinforced how much he cared about Emily. But he knew he couldn't rush things. Emily needed time to trust him again, and he was willing to wait.

One afternoon, as they walked home together, Liam decided to bring up the topic.

"Hey, do people ever say anything about... us?" he asked cautiously.

Emily gave him a sideways glance. "Why? Are you worried about what they think?"

"No," he said quickly. "I just don't want it to make you uncomfortable."

She was quiet for a moment before shrugging. "People will always talk. Let them."

Liam smiled at her response, feeling a surge of admiration for her. Emily had always been strong in her own way, unbothered by what others thought.

---

That weekend, Emily surprised Liam by inviting him over to her house.

"I need help with this art project," she said casually, as though it were no big deal.

Liam couldn't remember the last time he'd been inside her house. It felt familiar yet different—filled with small details that reminded him of the girl he was just beginning to truly understand.

Her room was cozy, with books stacked on her desk and sketches pinned to the walls. Liam couldn't help but smile as he noticed a drawing of the park they used to play in as kids.

"This is good," he said, pointing to it.

Emily glanced at the drawing. "It's old. I was just practicing."

"Well, it's still better than anything I could do," he said, laughing.

As they worked on her project together, Liam found himself relaxing in a way he hadn't in years. It felt natural, like they'd slipped back into the easy companionship of their childhood.

At one point, Emily leaned back and looked at him. "You're not as bad at this as I thought you'd be."

"Thanks," Liam said dryly. "That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."

She laughed, and the sound made his chest tighten in a way he couldn't quite explain.

---

By the time Liam left, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the quiet street.

"Thanks for helping me today," Emily said as they stood by her front door.

"Anytime," Liam replied.

She hesitated for a moment before stepping closer. "You've changed a lot, Liam. I mean it."

He met her gaze, his heart pounding. "I'm trying to be better. For you."

Emily's cheeks turned pink, and she looked away. "Well... you're doing a good job."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Emily opened the door and gave him a small wave. "Goodnight, Liam."

"Goodnight, Emily," he said softly.

---

That night, Liam lay awake, replaying the day in his mind. He knew he was falling for her—really, truly falling for her—and the thought both excited and terrified him.

Meanwhile, Emily sat at her desk, staring at the finished project but thinking only of Liam. She wasn't sure what was happening between them, but for the first time, she allowed herself to hope.