Chapter 9 – His Lips, My Lie
365 Words
Zayn didn’t go to class the next day.
He sat on his bed with a racing heart, still replaying last night over and over—the way Teo’s hand felt in his, the way his eyes softened, the tremble in his voice when he said, “Let me teach you.”
Zayn had never felt so exposed. So seen.
But also… so terrified.
Because what came after that moment wasn’t a kiss or a confession to the world—it was silence. Zayn had pulled his hand away and left. No words. No explanation. He had just turned and walked away, like a coward.
His phone buzzed on the nightstand.
> Teo: “Can we talk?”
Zayn stared at it, his thumb hovering over the reply button. But what could he say?
“I’m sorry I ran away?” “I liked it too?” “I’ve been lying to myself for years?”
Instead, he turned his phone face down and lay back, arms over his face.
Minutes later, his bedroom door creaked open. “You okay?” Maia’s voice was soft.
Zayn sighed. “Fine.”
She sat beside him, not speaking at first. Then she said, “Teo looked like he was going to cry today.”
That hit harder than she knew.
“He confessed to you, didn’t he?”
Zayn sat up, eyes wide. “You knew?”
She gave a sad smile. “Zayn… you think I didn’t notice how you look at him when you think no one’s watching? I’ve always known. I just hoped one day you’d stop pretending.”
Zayn looked down, ashamed.
“I’m not mad,” she added. “You needed me to be your cover. I get it. But don’t use me to keep hiding. Not when he’s the only person who’s ever made you feel like you.”
Tears stung Zayn’s eyes.
“I’m scared, Maia.”
“I know.” She squeezed his hand. “But love is always scary when it’s real.”
Zayn didn’t reply. But he picked up his phone.
> Zayn: “Meet me after school. I owe you everything.”
This time, he didn’t run.
- Writer
