The following week felt longer than usual. Amara couldn't stop thinking about Liam, even though she kept telling herself she didn't like him.
During gym class, she was paired with a random partner for a relay drill. She glanced around—and froze.
No way… not him, she thought.
But there he was. Liam Hart, standing next to her, smirking as if he knew exactly how flustered she was.
"Looks like we're partners," he said casually.
Amara's stomach twisted. Great. Just great.
The drill started, and Amara tried to focus on running, passing the baton, and not tripping. But Liam's presence was distracting. Every time she turned, he was there, calm, steady, and annoyingly confident.
"Keep up, Collins," he teased lightly as she stumbled slightly.
Keep up? Amara huffed. I can do this without your commentary.
By the end of the drill, they managed to win the round. Liam gave her a small nod.
"You're not as bad as I thought," he said.
Amara glared at him. Not as bad as you thought? That's it? That's your compliment?
Maya, watching from the sidelines, leaned over. "See? He noticed you. Maybe he even… likes you."
Amara groaned. Stop it, Maya. Stop making things worse.