After a moment of contemplation, he decided to take the gamble.
"... I-I'll do it."
He closed his eyes, waiting for it, but it never came.
"...?" He opened one eye to see what was happening and saw that Liam was still in his seat, looking at him amused way.
Willow suddenly felt very embarrassed. "What? You don't want to do it anymore?" His whole face was red with indignation as he continued somewhat angrily, "Just so you know, I kept my end of the deal. It's not my fault you suddenly backed out—"
"Shh," Liam said, a finger on Willow's lips. He smirked, "As much as I love hearing the sound of your voice, darling, stop for a moment. Who said I was backing out?"
"Then why didn't you—"
"I think you didn't hear me, Will. I want you to kiss me. Not the other way around."
"... Ah," Willow sat back in his chair wearily. Although getting kissed or being the one taking the initiative didn't really make a difference, he still found it almost impossible to do. On one hand, he wanted to get up and get it done as soon as possible, while on the other, his heart was unwilling to even think about it, let alone actually doing it. Before, he could think that it was Liam who forced himself and just had to close his eyes and endure, but now, it was a completely different story. Him kissing Liam... it was impossible. His heart was in turmoil as Charlie's face flashed before his eyes, making this even more difficult.
"I'm waiting, love. What're you thinking about?" Liam asked, already knowing the answer all too well. He acted oblivious as he continued, "After all, it shouldn't really take this long for lovers to kiss, right? See, I even closed my eyes."
He pouted and tried to act spoiled. "I'm going to count to three and close my eyes. If you take more than that..." His eyes darkened, the curve of his mouth as fake as it could be as he muttered, "I might not be the only one who leaves with a sour mood today."
Willow knew he couldn't hold it off any longer. He gulped before slowly getting up, nearing the shorter boy. His actions were very slow, but never once did he stop, bending down as their faces neared more and more with every passing second.
Willow could clearly see Liam's face, their noses almost touching. It was just a kiss—yes, just a kiss. It's not that hard... it's really not that hard.
'You need to do this. For yourself, Charlie, and for everyone,' he assured himself before he took a deep breath and leaned in, softly pressing his lips on Liam's mouth.
He backed away in a split second after a very quick brush of lips, breathing heavily. Liam also opened his eyes, a triumphant expression on his face.
"What was that, darling? Why were you in such a hurry?" Crossing his legs, he leaned back comfortably. "I barely even felt it. We didn't even use our tongues."
Willow replied, embarrassed, "It was a kiss. I never agreed to tongues."
"Oh, you're cold as ever. Can't you spoil your cute little lover a little?"
"I'm not really a fan of bratty and entitled children, so, no."
Liam huffed playfully, but there was no annoyance in his expression. There wasn't any mockery there either, just pure happiness, like he achieved something he's been trying to get for a long time.
Willow felt it was strange. "You're happy?"
"Hmm?" He continued in a sing-song voice, "Of course I'm very happy."
"But why? You—" Willow felt an ominous premonition on seeing his happiness, "You remember the deal, right?"
"Of course I do," his eyes curved into crescents as he laughed, "I'm not forgetful, you know. I won't pressure you about Charlie again."
Instead of providing comfort, his statement just made Willow more anxious and suspicious, wondering if he really made the right choice. Liam... he was definitely planning something. He knew of it, yet complied because he didn't really think there was anything for him to lose—or was there?
Willow wanted answers, and at the same time, dreaded them. For he knew the answers would come soon, very soon, and certainly in a way he wouldn't like.