The next day felt… different. Not because anything big happened.
But because Liam started noticing things. Mandy calling his name more often.Standing a little closer than usual. Looking at him just a second longer.
"Liam, can you check this?" "Liam, is this correct?" "Liam—" Each time, his heart reacted. Faster and louder.
Maybe…
Just maybe—
"Oi," Mark interrupted, snapping him back. "You're smiling again." "I'm not."
"You are." Liam looked away. "…Am I?"
For a moment—
Liam said. "Stop that, it's embarrassing."
It felt like something was there. Something real. But it wasn't clear. Not yet.