Chapter 84 - An hour later

The air is cool and still, the only sound the faint rustling of the leaves in the trees. I’m sitting cross-legged on the grass in Liam’s backyard, staring up at the stars. The candles from dinner still flicker nearby, their soft glow making the whole scene feel unreal. I can't believe I'm actually on a date. 

Liam’s lying on his back beside me, his hands behind his head, eyes fixed on the sky. He hasn’t said much in the past few minutes, and I’m grateful for that. I’ve had enough of awkward silences this weekend, but this one feels different. Comfortable, almost.

“You’re quiet,” he finally says, his voice soft, not at all what I expect from him. “What’s on your mind?”

I shrug, pulling my knees to my chest, trying to avoid his eyes. “Nothing much,” I lie.

But then he turns his head toward me, and even though I’m not looking at him, I can feel the weight of his ga