Always

Chapter Eight

Mia

The first day of school feels different.

Maybe it’s because summer is officially over. Maybe it’s because my alarm went off far too early. Or maybe it’s because I barely slept at all—replaying last night over and over in my head like a scene from a movie I don’t want to end.

Liam kissed me.

And we didn’t pretend it didn’t happen.

I stand in front of my mirror longer than usual, smoothing down my hair, adjusting my outfit, overthinking everything. I don’t usually care this much. I’m the girl who prioritizes comfort and practicality.

But today feels like stepping into something new.

When I walk outside, he’s already there.

Leaning against his car. Hands in his pockets. Watching my front door like he’s been counting the seconds.

The second he sees me, his face changes. Softer. Warmer.

And he smiles.

“Morning,” he says, pushing off the car.

“Morning.”

There’s a brief pause—like we’re both aware this is the first test. Public. Daylight. No fireworks to hide behind.

Then he closes the distance and kisses my forehead.

Not rushed. Not secret.

Intentional.

My nerves settle instantly.

The drive to school is quieter than usual, but not uncomfortable. His hand rests casually on my thigh at red lights, like it belongs there. Every time he glances at me, I feel that same flutter low in my stomach.

When we pull into the parking lot, I see it.

The stares.

Word travels fast in a town this small.

“Ready?” he asks.

I take a breath. “As I’ll ever be.”

We step out of the car together.

And just like that, the whispers start.

I catch fragments as we walk—“Did you see?” “Since when?” “No way that’s serious.” Some girls look surprised. A few look annoyed. A couple of guys look… disappointed.

Normally, I’d shrink under that kind of attention.

But Liam doesn’t let go of my hand.

If anything, his grip tightens slightly, not possessive—but steady. Grounding.

At my locker, one of the girls from my chemistry class leans over. “So… you and Liam?”

I hesitate only a second. “Yeah. Me and Liam.”

She blinks, clearly recalculating something.

Across the hallway, I see a couple of the girls who used to hover around him watching us closely. Liam doesn’t even glance their way. His focus stays on me.

And that’s when I realize something important.

This isn’t just a party phase.

He’s choosing this.

Choosing me.

As the bell rings and the hallway begins to clear, he leans down slightly. “Lunch with me?”

I smile. “Obviously.”

For the first time, I’m not just the girl with the five-year plan.

I’m the girl who took a chance.

And somehow, walking into first period with Liam’s kiss still lingering on my skin, I feel braver than I ever have before.