The next day, Amara was in the library, buried in her notes for the upcoming math test. The library was quiet, and she finally felt some peace.
That peace shattered when a stack of books tumbled beside her.
"Oh! Sorry, I didn't see—"
Liam's voice. Again. He was crouched beside the fallen books, looking slightly apologetic.
Why is he everywhere? she thought, exasperated.
He helped her pick up the books, brushing his hands against hers accidentally. Both froze for a second.
"Thanks," she muttered, trying to keep her voice steady.
"No problem," he replied, his tone softer than usual.
Amara quickly looked away, cheeks burning. Focus, Collins. Focus on math.
But she caught a glimpse of him glancing back at her as he walked away. Why does he make this so hard to ignore?
Maya later teased her mercilessly. "I saw that! You're totally blushing."
Amara groaned. Shut up, Maya. I'm not… But even as she protested, she felt it—something pulling her toward Liam, even if she didn't want to admit it.
And she knew, deep down, their story had only just begun.