For the first time in years, Liam's mornings felt different. He wasn't rushing to catch a glimpse of Naomi or rehearsing ways to impress her. Instead, he found himself looking forward to simply walking into school, hoping he might see Emily.
But Emily wasn't by the gates that morning. She wasn't at her locker either. Liam frowned, his mind jumping to all kinds of possibilities. It wasn't like her to be late.
"Looking for someone?" a familiar voice asked.
Liam turned to see Emily standing behind him, holding a stack of books. She was smirking, clearly enjoying his reaction.
"You scared me," he said, exhaling.
"Good. Serves you right," she said teasingly.
They fell into step together, walking toward class. Liam noticed how natural it felt to be around her, how their conversations didn't feel forced or calculated.
"So, are you free this weekend?" he asked suddenly.
Emily raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"I was thinking we could hang out. You know, like old times," he said.
She studied him for a moment before shrugging. "Sure, why not?"
---
Saturday came quicker than Liam expected. He spent an embarrassing amount of time debating what to wear before settling on something casual—a plain hoodie and jeans.
He arrived at Emily's house, and she opened the door wearing her signature relaxed look: a simple sweater, ripped jeans, and a warm smile.
"Ready to go?" she asked.
"Let's do it," Liam said.
They decided to visit the nearby park, a place they used to frequent as kids. The air was crisp, the trees bare from the winter season.
As they walked along the trail, Liam glanced at Emily, wondering how he'd gone so long without really seeing her.
"Do you ever miss the old days?" he asked.
Emily laughed lightly. "You mean when you'd dare me to do stupid things, and I'd always get in trouble while you stood there watching?"
"Hey, I got us snacks afterward. That counts for something," he protested.
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yeah, I miss it sometimes. Things were simpler back then."
They reached a wooden bench by the lake and sat down. The water reflected the pale gray sky, and the sound of ducks splashing filled the air.
Liam hesitated before speaking again. "I feel like I've been so blind, Emily. You've always been there for me, and I never realized how much you meant to me until now."
Emily turned to him, her expression serious. "Why now, Liam? What changed?"
He thought about it for a moment. "I think... I spent so much time chasing after what I thought I wanted that I never stopped to appreciate what I already had. And when I finally did, I realized how amazing you are."
Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away. "That's... a lot to take in."
"I'm not saying this to make you uncomfortable," he added quickly. "I just... I want you to know how I feel."
Emily was quiet for a moment, her gaze fixed on the lake. "Liam, I've always cared about you. But I don't want to be your second choice. I can't be."
"You're not," he said firmly. "You never were. I just didn't realize it."
She glanced at him, her eyes searching his face for sincerity. "You're going to have to prove that, Liam. Not just with words."
"I will," he promised.
---
The walk back to Emily's house was filled with lighter conversation, and by the time they reached her door, the tension had eased.
"Thanks for today," Emily said, leaning against the doorframe.
"Anytime," Liam replied.
She smiled, a hint of vulnerability in her expression. "Goodnight, Liam."
"Goodnight, Emily."
As Liam walked home, he felt a mix of emotions—hope, determination, and a newfound clarity. He knew it wouldn't be easy to rebuild what he had with Emily, but for the first time, he felt ready to try.
---
That night, Liam sat at his desk, staring at the notebook where he'd been jotting down his thoughts lately.
"Love isn't about chasing after someone who doesn't see you. It's about appreciating the person who's been there all along."
He closed the notebook, feeling a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long time.
Emily had always been the steady presence in his life, the one who grounded him when he felt lost. And now, he was ready to show her that she meant the world to him.