Chapter 28 Partners
Mia's POV
I knew no one would ask me to be their partner, so my heart nearly stopped when Liam did. Then Daniel followed.
The two most popular guys on campus were looking at me like I was worth their time, and I did not know if it was because they pitied me or because they truly wanted me. Still, I was grateful.
But I did not want to hurt Daniel. And even as I tried to be fair, my heart was already shouting for Liam, even if it was only for the activity.
"I'm sorry, Daniel," I said, my voice steady but kind. "But Liam asked me first, and I think it is only fair to say yes to him."
I looked at Daniel as I spoke. He was the boy who used to make my cheeks flush, the one who filled my daydreams before my world fell apart. Back then, he felt untouchable. Charming. The golden boy of Suncrest.
He was my best friend. The boy I once wanted to be my first kiss.
But standing there now, between two boys, I knew something had changed.
Because whatever I used to feel for Daniel paled in comparison to the storm Liam stirred in me with a single glance. With Liam, it was not fantasy. It felt real, messy, and complicated. His presence lit sparks in my chest, sent butterflies soaring and my nerves weakening in a way Daniel never had.
I had not meant to hurt Chloe. That had never been my intention. I did not believe in revenge, not really. But the words she had said earlier had gone below the belt. And watching my former best friend’s smirk falter, her lips part in disbelief, her narrowed eyes practically screaming how dare I accept Liam’s offer, I would be lying if I said it did not feel good.
But only for a second. Because I was not like them. I did not take joy in watching someone else fall. Not even Chloe. Still, there came a point where enough was enough. And today was that point.
I had spent too long staying quiet, shrinking myself just to survive, letting the Powerful Four own the halls and dictate who deserved kindness. But this year, my last year, was going to be different. This year, I was choosing myself.
I smiled softly and turned to Liam.
"Looks like we are partners."
Liam grinned, his eyes warming with something that made my stomach flutter all over again. "You made the right choice," he said under his breath, like it was our little secret.
Then he looked at Daniel, his smile turning more casual, a touch of teasing in his tone. "No hard feelings, buddy. We good?"
Daniel paused for a second, just long enough for tension to flicker in the air. Then he chuckled, easy and smooth. "Of course. I am glad you asked, Mia." His gaze flicked over to Chloe, who was still standing frozen a few desks away.
She looked stunned, offended, and furious. Her stare locked on me like she could not believe someone had dared to turn her down. Her arms crossed as she spun on her heel and walked stiffly back to her seat without saying a single word.
Daniel watched her go, a sigh slipping from his lips as he scratched the back of his neck and returned to his own desk, a little deflated. I sat down beside Liam, my heart pounding, my breath light. I had just chosen to stop hiding. And something told me this was only the beginning.
The final bell rang, and chairs grated against the floor as students gathered their things. I was slipping my notebook into my bag when I heard it, the sharp click of heels approaching behind me. I did not need to look to know who it was.
"Mia," Chloe called, her tone was too sweet.
I stood and turned slowly, keeping my face neutral. "Yes?"
Chloe tilted her head, arms crossed tightly under her chest, her expression dripping with false innocence. "Just wanted to say, wow. That was really bold of you."
I blinked. "Choosing a partner?"
"Choosing my partner," she snapped, the mask falling. "You really think Liam actually wants to work with you? He probably felt sorry for you. Or maybe he just did not want to hurt your feelings in front of everyone."
There it was, an insult hidden behind fake concern. My heart pounded, not from fear this time, but from a rush of adrenaline, anger, and resolve.
I drew in a quiet breath and lifted my chin. "You mean the same Liam who told you no in front of the entire class?"
Chloe's nostrils flared.
"I did not steal anyone, Chloe," I said, my voice calm but cold. "He made a choice. You just did not like that it was not you."
Nearby students slowed their steps. Conversations dimmed. They were watching. And for the first time in a long while, I did not care.
Chloe stepped closer, her voice dropping. "Do not get too comfortable playing the victim. Just because you got one win does not mean you belong here."
I did not back down. "Maybe I do not belong to your world. But that does not mean I do not belong at all," I said, my voice firm now. "And I am done letting people like you decide who is worthy."
Her eyes darkened. "You really think one stupid classroom moment is going to change anything?"
"No," I said quietly. "But it is a start."
"Is there a problem here?" Liam's voice came, low and sharp.
We both turned to see him standing just a few feet away, his bag slung over one shoulder, his eyes locked on Chloe with a warning that made her straighten instantly. She opened her mouth, but closed it.
Liam stepped forward, placing himself beside me like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Because if someone has a problem with Mia," he said, his gaze unwavering, "I would like to hear it."
The room feel silent as Chloe's mouth pressed into a tight line. Her confidence cracked just enough to show. Without another word, she turned and stormed off, her heels echoing against the tiles like retreating gunfire.
Liam turned to me, his expression softening. "You okay?"
I exhaled slowly, then nodded. "I am now." And this time, I meant it.
"Can I walk you to our next class?" he asked.
I wanted to say no. I really did. But my traitorous heart answered first, and I nodded before the word could leave my mouth.
"Thank you for asking me to be your partner," I said.
"Just for the record," he said, "you are the only choice I had in mind, Mia. And I am glad I got the courage to ask you first before Daniel could, or I might have lost my chance to be with you."
My entire body felt like jelly.
I fell silent, and I was glad he did not say more. We did not talk after that. We just walked, side by side through the hallway. Still, Liam's quiet presence was enough. It made me feel safe. It eased the tightness in my chest.
At lunch, I ate alone at my favorite spot. A small part of me hurt when Liam did not join me, but I forced myself to remember the truth. He was just a friend. He had his own life.
He had stepped in for me during Literature class, but that did not mean he would keep choosing me. Besides, Liam thought I was Josh's girlfriend. That was why he was keeping his distance.
I did not expect Liam to be waiting outside the classroom after my last period. He did not say a word. He simply fell into step beside me, and my heart fluttered anyway.
We walked out into the golden haze of late afternoon, the sun stretching our shadows long across the concrete wall.
I laughed at one of Liam's bad jokes and caught him watching me. For a second, everything else faded away, like nothing mattered but us.
As we neared the academy exit, my steps faltered as I saw Josh was waiting for me.
It wasn't that I didn't want to see him. Josh had always been my safe place, the one person who never left.
It was Liam walking beside me that made my chest tighten. I didn’t want him to see Josh and think he was truly my boyfriend, even if that was what we were pretending for Josh’s reputation. I didn’t want Liam to step back or put distance between us, not after the quiet warmth we had just shared.
But I had promised and agreed to be Josh’s girlfriend in front of everyone, for as long as he needed me to be.
And that was when the truth settled heavily in my chest. I wasn't ready for Liam to finally believe the wrong story about me.