Liam & Saoirse

  The night should have ended with ughter and drunken dares, but instead, it left a tension in the air that neither of them could ignore.

  Saoirse sat on the couch, arms wrapped around her legs, staring at the city lights beyond the balcony. The weight of familiarity pressed against her chest.

  It had only been a few months since their breakup. Not years. Not enough time for wounds to fully heal.

  Then—footsteps.

  Liam.

  He stepped into the dimly lit living room, hesitating when he saw her. His dark eyes studied her—like he was trying to figure out if he should turn back or keep walking.

  Liam (softly): "You always stay up this te?"

  Saoirse (shrugging): "You always wander around at night?"

  He smirked but didn’t answer. Instead, he sat beside her, a careful distance between them.

  A few months ago, that distance didn’t exist.A few months ago, she would have leaned into his warmth.A few months ago, he would have pulled her close and kissed her until she forgot everything else.

  But that was before.

  Now, there was hesitation. Now, there were things left unsaid.

  Liam (exhaling deeply): "This is weird, right?"

  Saoirse (ughing softly): "Oh, incredibly."

  A pause.

  Then, Liam ran a hand through his hair and sighed.

  Liam: "I didn’t think we’d end up in the same dorm. Thought you’d avoid me."

  Saoirse: "You give yourself too much credit."

  She smirked, but her eyes betrayed her.

  Liam tilted his head, studying her like he used to—like he could still read between the lines.

  Liam (quietly): "Do you ever think about it?"

  Saoirse: "About what?"

  Liam (holding her gaze): "Us."

  Her fingers tightened around her knee.

  It would be so easy to lie. To say, "No." To act like their past was nothing but a mistake.

  But Saoirse had never been a liar.

  Saoirse (whispering): "Sometimes."

  Liam’s jaw tensed. His fingers tapped against his knee, restless, like he was debating something.

  Liam (after a beat): "Me too."

  Silence. Heavy. Loaded. Dangerous.

  Because even though they had both promised themselves they wouldn’t go back—Even though they had both agreed it was over—Even though they were supposed to be moving on—

  Something still lingered.

  And that?

  That was a problem.