Chapter 99 - The night Everything Changed

“Liam!” I whisper-scream, half-laughing, half-panicking as I dangle upside down. “What are you doing?”

He doesn’t answer, just laughs as he takes off running toward his house, his steps quick and deliberate. The world spins as he sprints, and I can’t help but giggle despite the confusion. It’s ridiculous, but the sound of his laughter mixed with mine fills the air, echoing around the quiet night.

The wind rushes past us as Liam runs through the backyard gate, straight into his house. I’m bouncing with each step he takes, still dangling over his shoulder like some sort of trophy, and I can’t stop laughing now—it’s all so unexpected and lighthearted.

“Liam, put me down!” I manage to gasp between giggles, pounding lightly on his back.

He finally slows down as we reach his room, but instead of setting me down gently, he spins me around and drops me onto the bed with a playful grin.