The campus of Greenhill University was buzzing with the excitement of the upcoming midterm exams. Students hurried between classes, their arms laden with textbooks and notes. The air was crisp with the first hints of autumn, and the trees lining the walkways had begun to shed their leaves, painting the ground in shades of amber and gold.
Liam, however, seemed oblivious to the hustle and bustle around him. His thoughts were elsewhere, drifting between the pages of his study materials and the lingering memories of his recent interactions with Eva. She had been a surprising presence in his life, her confidence and charm drawing him in ways he hadn't expected.
They had spent more time together lately, working on group projects and sharing casual conversations that often turned into deep discussions about life, dreams, and the future. Eva had a way of making Liam feel understood, seen in a way that was both comforting and unsettling. It wasn't long before their study sessions extended beyond the library and into the quiet corners of the campus, where they could talk freely without the distractions of others.
Mei had noticed the change. She had always been close to Liam, their friendship grounded in years of shared experiences and mutual understanding. But now, she found herself watching from the sidelines as Eva seemed to occupy more and more of Liam's attention. It was a feeling she couldn't quite place—somewhere between concern and jealousy, a knot tightening in her chest whenever she saw them together.
One afternoon, Mei decided to confront her feelings. She found Liam in the study lounge, hunched over a stack of notes, his brow furrowed in concentration. The sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Mei took a deep breath and walked over to him, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Hey," she said softly, sliding into the seat across from him.
Liam looked up, surprised to see her. "Mei! I didn't expect you here. Aren't you supposed to be in class?"
"I finished early," she replied, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her. "I wanted to talk to you."
"Sure," Liam said, setting his pen down. "What's on your mind?"
Mei hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to begin. She had always been direct with Liam, but this felt different—more delicate, more personal. "I've noticed you've been spending a lot of time with Eva lately," she finally said, keeping her tone light.
Liam blinked, taken aback by the statement. "Yeah, we've been working on some projects together. She's really smart, and it's been great having someone to bounce ideas off."
Mei nodded, trying to keep the smile on her face. "I'm glad you've found someone to connect with. I just… I just hope you don't forget about the people who've always been there for you."
Liam's expression softened, and he reached across the table to take Mei's hand. "Mei, you know you're important to me. Nothing's going to change that."
But Mei wasn't convinced. There was a part of her that wanted to believe him, to trust that their bond was strong enough to withstand anything. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted, that Eva's presence had somehow altered the dynamic between them.
"Are you sure?" Mei asked quietly, her eyes searching his.
Liam squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Of course. You're my best friend, Mei. No one could ever replace you."
Mei smiled, but the unease remained. She wanted to trust his words, to believe that their connection was as unbreakable as he claimed. But the truth was, she wasn't sure anymore. The lines between friendship and something more had become blurred, and she didn't know how to navigate this new terrain.
As the weeks passed, the tension between them grew. Eva continued to be a constant presence in Liam's life, and Mei found herself increasingly isolated, caught between her feelings for Liam and the reality of their changing relationship.
One evening, as the three of them sat together in the campus café, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken words. Liam and Eva were discussing their latest project, their conversation flowing effortlessly, while Mei sat quietly, her thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
Eva glanced over at Mei, sensing her discomfort. "Mei, are you okay? You've been really quiet today."
Mei forced a smile, her heart aching. "I'm fine, just a bit tired."
Liam looked at her with concern, but before he could say anything, Mei stood up. "I think I'll head back to the dorm. I need to rest."
"Do you want me to walk you back?" Liam offered, but Mei shook her head.
"No, it's fine. You two stay here and finish your work. I'll see you later."
As Mei walked away, she felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She had always been strong, independent, but now she felt vulnerable, unsure of her place in Liam's life. The friendship that had once been her anchor now felt like it was slipping away, and she didn't know how to stop it.
Back at the dorm, Mei lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her mind replayed the events of the past few weeks, the growing closeness between Liam and Eva, the way Liam's eyes lit up when he talked to her. It hurt more than she wanted to admit.
Mei closed her eyes, willing the tears to stay at bay. She wasn't ready to give up on Liam, not yet. But as she drifted off to sleep, a single thought lingered in her mind: What if she had already lost him?