Always

Chapter Seven

Liam

I knew tonight would change something.

I just didn’t realize how fast the world would start reacting to it.

By the time we leave the beach, everyone knows.

Mia’s hand is still in mine as we walk home, the sand cool beneath our shoes, the music fading behind us. Neither of us says much. Not because it’s awkward—but because it isn’t.

It feels… settled.

Like something that was always meant to click finally did.

“You’re quiet,” she says softly.

“So are you.”

She smiles a little. “I’m thinking.”

“Dangerous.”

She nudges me with her shoulder, and the normalcy of that almost makes me laugh. We just crossed a line we can’t uncross, and somehow she still fits perfectly against my side like she always has.

When we reach the space between our houses, we stop. The porch lights from both homes cast a soft glow over her face.

“This is the part where it gets weird, isn’t it?” she asks.

“Weird how?”

“Tomorrow. School. People talking.”

I exhale slowly. She’s right. The beach party was one thing—summer, chaos, fireworks. But hallways are different. Hallways mean labels. Rumors. Expectations.

“They already talk,” I say. “Let them.”

She studies me carefully. “You’ve never cared before.”

“I care now.”

The words come out without hesitation.

Her expression softens, but there’s still uncertainty there. “You don’t have to prove anything.”

“I’m not proving anything.” I step closer, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “I just don’t want you thinking this was some party impulse.”

“It didn’t feel like that.”

“Good. Because it wasn’t.”

For years, I’ve had people assume things about me. That I don’t take anything seriously. That I don’t stick around. That I move on fast.

But standing here with Mia, I don’t feel like running.

I feel anchored.

“What are we?” she asks quietly.

The question hangs between us, heavier than I expect.

Best friends doesn’t cover it anymore.

Hookup definitely doesn’t fit.

I tilt my head slightly. “What do you want us to be?”

She hesitates—but only for a second. “Real.”

That hits harder than anything else tonight.

“Then we’re real,” I say simply.

No games. No hiding.

Just us.

She leans up and presses a soft kiss to my cheek before stepping back toward her porch. “Goodnight, Liam.”

“Night, Mia.”

I watch her disappear inside before heading toward my own front door.

Tomorrow, the rumors will start.

Tomorrow, people will test us.

But for the first time in a long time, I’m not worried about my reputation.

Because whatever this is—

It’s worth it.