Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Vulnerability
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Liam and Ava reluctantly said their goodbyes and parted ways. Ava couldn't shake off the feeling that she had just experienced something special.
Over the next few days, Ava and Liam continued to run into each other around town. They would exchange pleasantries and catch up on each other's lives.
But it wasn't until they bumped into each other at the local bookstore that Ava saw a glimpse of Liam's vulnerable side.
Liam was sitting in the corner of the store, surrounded by stacks of books. He looked lost in thought, his eyes fixed on a particular page.
Ava approached him quietly, not wanting to disturb him. As she peered over his shoulder, she saw that he was reading a book of poetry.
"Hey," she said softly, not wanting to startle him.
Liam looked up, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, Ava saw a flash of sadness in his eyes.
"Hey," he replied, his voice low and husky.
Ava sat down next to him, and they sat there in silence for a moment, surrounded by the musty smell of old books.
"What's wrong?" Ava asked finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Liam sighed, his eyes dropping back down to the book. "Just some old demons," he replied. "Nothing to worry about."
Ava placed a hand on his arm, feeling a spark of electricity run through her body. "You can talk to me," she said softly. "I'm here to listen."
Liam looked up at her, his eyes searching hers. For a moment, Ava thought she saw a glimmer of hope there.
But then, his mask slipped back into place, and he smiled wryly. "Thanks, Ava," he said. "But I think I'll just stick to my books for now."
Ava nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. But as she looked into Liam's eyes, she knew that she wasn't going to give up on him that easily.