Liam’s Concern

The afternoon sun washed the basketball court in a hot, blinding haze. Students lingered in clusters, voices rising and falling over the thud of bouncing balls. Emma kept to the fence line, hugging her books to her chest, trying to pretend her pulse wasn’t still haunted by last night’s training with Yara. She just wanted to pass unnoticed. But Liam saw her anyway. He came jogging over, breath uneven, hair damp with practice sweat. “Emma,” he called, softer this time, like he was afraid she’d bolt if he spoke too loudly. “Hey. Wait.” She stiffened. “Liam, I—I’m late for study hall—” “That’s not true,” he said gently, stepping into her path. His eyes searched her face, worried and uncomfortably perceptive. “You’ve been avoiding me.” Her throat tightened. “I’m not.” “You are,” he said, voice dropping. “And something’s wrong. I can see it.” Emma’s pulse fluttered in panic. If he knew—if anyone knew— the storm inside her could swallow them whole. “I’m fine,” she whispered. “No you’re not.” He reached out, touch barely brushing her forearm—but the moment his skin grazed hers, heat jolted through her nerves. Magic flickered dangerously under her ribs. She jerked back, breath sharp. Liam froze at her reaction, hurt slicing across his expression. “Emma… what happened to you?” Before she could answer, a high, poisonous laugh cut the air. “Oh my god, this is adorable.” Brianna strutted toward them with two of her shadows trailing behind her, glossy hair swinging like she was stepping into a spotlight instead of a high school courtyard. “Trying to rescue your little charity case again?” she purred, circling Liam like a shark. “How noble.” Liam’s jaw tensed. “Back off, Brianna.” But Brianna’s eyes weren’t on him—they were locked on Emma, sharp with something colder than cruelty. Something like suspicion. Or jealousy. “Emma,” she said sweetly, “you’ve been acting strange lately. Twitchy. Jumpy. Almost like you’re hiding something.” Emma’s fingers tightened around her books. The metal bleacher behind her gave a faint shiver—barely noticeable, but Liam’s eyes flicked toward it anyway, confusion stirring. No. Not now. Not here. Brianna stepped even closer, her breath brushing Emma’s cheek. “Maybe we should find out what your problem really is.” Liam moved fast—too fast—grabbing Brianna’s wrist before she could shove Emma the way she had days ago. “Leave her alone.” Gasps echoed across the court as students turned. Brianna’s eyes widened in theatrical shock. “Oh, wow,” she said loudly. “So now you’re grabbing me? In front of everyone?” “That’s not—” Liam started, horrified. But Brianna was already twisting away dramatically, stumbling back into her friends. “Did you all see that? He lost it! He just snapped!” A few phones came up. Filming. Always filming. Liam’s face drained of color. “Emma, I didn’t— You know I didn’t—” Emma’s heart twisted sharply. He had stepped in for her. Again. And now he was the one being torn apart because of it. Because of her. “Stop it!” Emma shouted, louder than she meant to. The bleachers rattled again, harder this time—metal groaning under invisible strain. Emma’s chest seized with panic. She clamped her arms around herself until the shaking stopped. Brianna stared at her like she had grown fangs. Liam took a step toward Emma, not afraid—only afraid for her. “Emma… please. Talk to me.” Her breath trembled. She wanted to tell him. Needed someone to see her without fear or judgment. Someone who made her feel like she wasn’t becoming a monster. But if she told him— he’d be in danger. Everyone would. Emma swallowed the ache rising in her throat. “I can’t,” she whispered, stepping back. “I’m sorry. I—I can’t.” Liam’s shoulders sagged, but his voice stayed warm, steady. “Then I’ll wait. As long as it takes.” The sincerity hit her like a blow. Shame and longing twisted painfully inside her. Behind him, Brianna watched the exchange with a gaze sharp enough to bleed someone. Jealous. Suspicious. And planning something. Emma turned and fled toward the library doors before the pressure in her chest could burst into magic again—before her feelings for Liam could ruin them both.