It’s been a few days, and things between Liam and me have settled back to normal—at least for us. But the people around us? Not so much. We stayed friends after the breakup, yet our friends, classmates, and schoolmates act like it’s some huge shock that we’re still on good terms. It’s as if they can’t wrap their heads around the idea that we can actually be friends.
Truth is, I still feel uneasy around him, so I do my best to avoid being alone with him. I’ll admit it—I still have feelings for him. Those don’t just fade away, especially when you really loved someone. That’s why I put up a front, acting like everything’s fine, like it doesn’t bother me, like I don’t care if he’s into someone new. But then I read that post on Buzzworthy Scoop, and it hit me hard.
 You won’t believe the latest scoop stirring up the students!  Liam, one of our school’s biggest heartthrobs, was seen getting cozy with none other than Alex, the cheerleader!  Here’s the juicy part: Remember that fling Liam and Alex had way back when? Looks like those old sparks might still be flickering. Rumors are flying about their recent moment together—sitting side by side on a bench, looking all sweet and comfortable. Liam’s breakup with his ex, Mira, seems to have cracked the door open for a possible rekindling with Alex. So, what’s the deal? Are Liam and Alex about to make it official this time? Is this just a rebound from his heartbreak with Mira? Or is it simply another twist in the endless drama of high school life?
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the article. How could he move on so fast? Sure, we agreed to stay friends. Sure, I was the one who ended it. But was I really that easy to replace? It’s only been a week, and he’s already with someone new?!
Every word in that post felt like a stab to my chest. Frustrated, I shut my eyes, took a deep breath, and slammed my phone shut.
I shouldn’t feel this way. Not when we’re just friends now.
“Hey girl, have you seen the latest Buzzworthy Scoop post?” Sophie asked as she strolled into the classroom with Ace.
“Sophie, I told you not to bring it up with her. That article’s totally pointless!” Mady snapped, popping up out of nowhere with Ken in tow.
I glanced at the four of them standing around me, and it hit me—I’m so single. Why am I surrounded by couples? Worse, they’re my friends, so I’m stuck with them. Talk about bitter!
“You mean the one about Liam and Alex? Yeah, I saw it. Mady’s right—it’s nonsense,” I replied flatly.
They exchanged looks, like my response caught them off guard. “Oh, come on, Mira. Just admit it—you’re jealous of what you read,” Ken teased, and the others chimed in.
I let out a sarcastic laugh. “Jealous? Why would I be? I don’t care. He’s free to move on right away—it’s what he’s good at, anyway.” Let him and his Alex be together.
They cracked up at my comment. “Right, totally not jealous,” Ace said with a grin.
I rolled my eyes at him and turned away, pretending to focus on the book I was trying to read. Whatever.
A few minutes later, Liam walked in, followed by Mr. Valdez, and my irritating friends finally took their seats.
“I’ve noticed Liam’s always late these days. Where does he go before class?” Mady whispered.
“No idea. Maybe to see Alex,” Sophie replied. “What do you think, Mira?” she added, clearly teasing me again. What’s wrong with these people? I’m always their target.
“You know what? I don’t care! Just shut up,” I snapped, not realizing how loud I’d gotten in my annoyance.
Unbeknownst to me, Mr. Valdez was already staring at us.
I covered my mouth. It’s their fault—now I’m in trouble again.
“Girls in the back! Class hasn’t even started, and you’re already making noise!” he scolded.
“Sorry, Sir. It was Sophie and Mady,” I reasoned.
He gave me a stern look. “And you’re blaming them? Mira, switch seats with Ken and sit next to Liam.”
The room let out a collective, silent gasp. Is Mr. Valdez messing with me? Seriously, he’s making me swap with Ken, who’s even louder—especially next to Sophie?
“Oh my gosh, Sir’s putting the exes together,” I heard a classmate whisper.
Sophie leaned in close. “We had nothing to do with this, okay?” she whispered.
I glared at her. “Nothing? You started this—it’s your fault!” I hissed back. “You and Mady were all about comforting me when Liam and I broke up, and now you’re the ones teasing me?!”
She gave me a sheepish smile. “That was then. Past is past, right? So don’t worry about it.”
“Sophie’s right,” Mady added from the seat in front of us. “Just go up front and switch with Ken. No harm in it—you and Liam are still friends, aren’t you?” She even air-quoted “friends.”
I ignored them and looked at Mr. Valdez. “Sir, I’ll stay here. I promise I won’t make noise.”
He shot me a no-nonsense glare. “No. Go sit with Liam.” Then he turned to Ken. “Switch seats with her. Now.”
I had no choice but to stand up and head to the front where Liam was.
“Good luck!” Ken teased as we crossed paths.
The second I sat down, my classmates started their teasing again. Even Rhian and Sam joined in.
I glanced at Briana’s seat—she was quiet, as usual.
“It’s a comeback!” someone shouted.
I caught Liam smirking—or maybe I’m just imagining things.
Thankfully, Mr. Valdez hushed them, and the lesson began.
I subtly slid my chair away from Liam. When I glanced at him, he was already looking at me. He must’ve noticed.
I raised an eyebrow. “What are you staring at?” I snapped.
He smirked. “It’s obvious you don’t want to sit next to me. Don’t you miss it?”
“Please. If you’re going to tease me like them, just shut up. Or maybe I’ll stab you with this pen!” I shot back.
“Why don’t you stab me with your love instead?” he replied. Ugh, so cheesy.
Ace laughed behind us. “What he really means is, why don’t you just love him again?”
I rolled my eyes. Ace is making it worse. “How about you zip your stupid mouth?!”
This is so annoying. How am I supposed to move on when I’m teased like this every day—and Liam joins in? No wonder he found someone new so fast.
As the lesson went on, I was caught in a storm of mixed emotions. I couldn’t focus. I barely understood what Mr. Valdez was saying. How could I, when I was sitting next to Liam and couldn’t stop thinking about that blog post about him and Alex? Jealousy and pain gnawed at me, no matter how hard I tried to stay calm.
———
“So, how’d it feel sitting next to your ex in class?” Sophie teased relentlessly.
I’m seriously fed up with her. One more word, and I might just pull her hair.
“You know, Mira, it’s obvious you and Liam still like each other. Maybe breaking up wasn’t the best move,” Mady said.
I gave her a look of disbelief. “Who was it that said there are plenty of guys out there who aren’t like Liam?” I reminded her of what she’d told me when I cried in front of them.
“Sure, I said that, but what if Ken was right, and Liam was just overwhelmed by emotions?” she countered.
Sophie nodded. “I agree. We tease you, but we’re worried too. We know you’re hiding how you feel about him. Mira, you can still fix this. Maybe talk to him again? What if a second conversation turns things around? Try understanding him—it’s hard for him to be apart from you too.”
Tears threatened to spill, but I held it together and gave them a weak smile. “There’s nothing left to talk about. I’m not hoping we’ll get back together. I’m fine with how things are, fine with just being friends.” It was a lie.
They exchanged glances. “Really? Or are you just jealous of him and Alex?” Mady asked.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not jealous! You two are so annoying. Let him be with his Alex. After graduation, I won’t see them anyway—I’m moving to Italy to study. So let him enjoy his time here with her. Let them be together forever until they die!” I subtly covered my mouth. Did I sound defensive?
They just smirked at me knowingly.
They were about to say more, but I cut them off. I knew they’d tease me again. “I’m leaving. I need to prep for the student council meeting later. Mady, just follow me.” I started to walk away when Sophie spoke up.
“Haven’t you told Mira yet?” she asked Mady.
I stopped and turned, confused. “Told me what?”
“I forgot to mention I can’t make it to the meeting,” Mady said.
“What? Why? I need you there!” I exclaimed.
She glanced at Sophie, hesitating as if she didn’t want to tell me something.
Her words seemed stuck, like she couldn’t find the right way to say it.
I looked at them, growing more puzzled. What’s going on? “Mady, just tell me. I’ll understand if there’s an emergency.”
She shook her head. “No emergency at home. Truth is, I’ve been wanting to tell you because I know you’d be happy for me. I know you’ve been hoping for this, but with everything you’re going through, it didn’t feel like the right time.”
Now I was confused but also a little excited. “It’s okay, Mady. Tell me.”
Sophie gave her an encouraging nod.
“Ken’s introducing me to his parents today. We’re having dinner at their place later. It’s a big step for us—I’m excited but nervous.”
My eyes widened, and a genuine smile spread across my face. “Oh my gosh, really? You’re finally meeting his parents! I’m so happy for you, Mady!”
“Thanks. I didn’t expect you to react like this,” she said.
I frowned. “Why wouldn’t I be happy? This is about you and Ken. You’re basically a couple already.”
“She was worried she’d overshadow what you’re dealing with, especially your breakup with Liam,” Sophie explained.
I gave Mady a reassuring smile. “That won’t affect me. I’m genuinely happy for you. I’m sure his parents will love you.” As I said it, a pang hit my heart. Memories flooded back—of Liam introducing me to his mom and Quinn before we were even together, of Tita inviting me over for meals, of moments I thought would last forever.
I pushed the feeling aside and forced a smile. This isn’t about me—it’s about my friends. I need to show I’m happy for them.
———
Liam’s POV
“So, what’s the real deal with you and Alex? Is that Buzzworthy Scoop post true?” Ace asked after Ken left.
“Do you believe it?” I shot back.
He shrugged. “Dunno. Depends on what you say.”
I sighed. “None of it’s true,” I said simply.
He gave me a skeptical look. “If it’s not true, why’d they post it? They must’ve seen you together, right?”
I raised an eyebrow. “You doubting me?”
“Nah, just pointing out possibilities. Liam, I know you can be a jerk, but you’re not that big of a jerk to replace Mira that fast, are you?” he lectured.
“I’d never do that, Ace. You know how much I love Mira. Truth is, Alex and I are just talking casually—that’s it! I was shocked when I saw the post,” I explained. “Did Mira see it? What’d she say? Did she believe it?” I asked rapid-fire.
“Why don’t you ask her yourself?” he replied, staring off into the distance.
I dropped my head. “I’m scared,” I stammered. “I don’t know how to explain it to her, and I don’t think it’s necessary since we’re already done.” My voice was barely audible.
Ace scoffed. “Scared? I don’t know if you’re just making excuses, but Liam, Mira deserves the truth from you. Yeah, you’re not together anymore, but she’s still your friend.”
His words hit me hard, stirring up a mess of emotions and doubts. “I know you’re right, Ace. I just… I don’t want to hurt her more than I already have. The breakup was bad enough—I don’t want to make it worse.”
He put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I get it, Liam. But keeping her in the dark won’t protect her. She’s already hurting, thinking the rumor about you and Alex is true. You gonna let it end like that?”
“You’re right. But whether I tell her or not, it won’t change anything. We’re not getting back together—she chose a life without me,” I said.
He let out a deep sigh. “Bro, you can still fight for her. You said you love Mira. Do something to win her back! If you don’t, she’ll just be your biggest ‘what if.’”
My mind raced as I processed his words. He was right, but the fear of rejection and causing her more pain froze me. I loved Mira with everything I had—losing her crushed me.
I tease her a lot, but honestly, I just miss her.
I can’t forget the day she said she wanted to break up. She was so firm, her eyes full of a resolve that broke me. I begged her to give us another shot, but she wouldn’t budge. The memory of my mistakes—how selfish I’d been, how I didn’t support her dreams—still haunts me.
Ace’s advice made sense, but a quiet voice inside whispered it was too late. I’d lost her once, and the thought of facing rejection again terrified me. Putting myself out there, risking more hurt, felt impossible.
I wanted to be strong for her, to be the guy she deserved, but I felt like a coward.
I looked at Ace, who was watching me closely. I could see the concern in his eyes.
“I don’t know,” I mumbled. “Ace, I’m scared.”
He sighed. “I get it. But try anyway—for both of you. You can’t give up without a fight, Liam.”
He was right, but the hopelessness clung to me. I was stuck in fear and doubt, with no clue how to break free.
A sudden downpour started as I got into my car. I was about to turn the key when Caleb texted me. Good thing I had an umbrella. I stepped back out and ran to the building’s entrance to wait.
---
Mira’s POV
“Mira, you okay? You’ve been staring out the window for a while,” Caleb said, organizing files on the desk.
I sighed. “The rain’s so heavy. I forgot my umbrella.”
He glanced at me, pausing his work. “No one’s picking you up?”
I shook my head. “They already left. Briana got picked up earlier, but I stayed behind at school. I doubt they’d come back if I texted them.” I stared at the pouring rain. “Guess I’ll take a taxi later.”
“Don’t take a cab—I’ll get you a ride,” he said, pulling out his phone to type something.
His phone buzzed with a reply. “It’s all set.”
I frowned, confused. “What’s all set? Who are you talking about?”
“The driver. They’re waiting outside,” he said with a smirk.
“Our driver?” I asked, unsure.
He chuckled. “My driver. But you can call them yours too if you want.” What’s he on about?
Something felt off, but I brushed it aside.
“Driver? You can drive yourself—why do you need one?” I asked.
He grinned. “Too many questions! Come on, before the rain gets worse.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the council room.
Outside, he turned to me. “Alright, I’m heading out. Take care going home, okay?” He opened his umbrella and started walking off, but I stopped him.
“Hey, jerk! You said you’d get me a ride! And what’s with the ‘take care’ when I’m alone here?” Is this guy messing with me? He offers me a ride and then ditches me? Caleb’s lost it!
He turned back with a mischievous look. “The driver’s taking you!”
Now I was really confused. Is he okay? I smacked his shoulder. “Who’s this driver?!”
He leaned in and held my shoulder. “Turn around.”
I was still trying to figure it out when he tapped my head and bolted.
“Caleb, don’t leave me, you idiot!” I chased after him, not caring that I was getting soaked. Screw it. I kept running, but he was too far ahead. Just as I was about to give up, the rain stopped hitting me. I turned around, baffled, and there he was—Liam, holding an umbrella over me.
“Liam?” I stammered, stunned. What’s he doing here?
He smiled. “I’m the driver.”
“W-what?” I narrowed my eyes, studying him.
I was speechless. A million thoughts raced through my head. Was he the one Caleb texted?
Damn it, Caleb tricked me! All this time, the “driver” was Liam?!