Liam greeted the boys first — Matt, Kristopher, Alex, and Harper — shaking hands and exchanging brief hugs. The girls followed behind them, smiling politely, though Liam quickly noticed the look in their eyes.
All four of them — Stacy, Lana, Kristy, Elise — were staring at him as if they'd just seen a myth step off a screen and turn into a person. Their expressions were a mix of disbelief, curiosity, and awe, the kind of look people wore when reality didn't quite line up with what they knew of the world.
Liam smiled faintly, choosing not to address it. "Sit down," he said casually. "Give me a few minutes. I was in the middle of making something for you guys."
The boys' faces lit up instantly.
"No way," Matt grinned, elbowing Kristopher. "He's cooking? Bro, that's what I'm talking about! I've been dreaming about that meal from last time."
Alex raised his hands dramatically. "Finally! I've been surviving on campus food for days now."
