It was a Monday morning, and Liam had his science class at 9 a.m. He got up early, showered, dressed, and started packing his bag. As he slipped his notebook inside, he found himself quietly hoping that maybe—just maybe—he'd make at least one friend in this class. He also hoped he wouldn't run into Blake… especially after not seeing him at all yesterday. The awkwardness from Saturday night still lingered in his chest like a knot he couldn't loosen.
Liam walked into the classroom and froze for a moment. Everyone was already sitting, chatting in small groups, the room buzzing with weekend energy. He took a quiet breath and chose an empty seat near the middle—close enough to look approachable, far enough not to draw attention.
As he was settling in, someone stepped up beside him. A boy, holding a folder to his chest, smiling softly.
"Is this seat taken?" he asked.
Liam shook his head. "No, you can sit."
The boy slid into the seat with an excited grin. "Thanks. I'm Arthur."
There was something gentle about him—his soft eyes, the way he tucked his hair behind his ear. Liam's gaydar immediately pinged. It had never failed him before.
"I'm Liam," he replied, smiling back.
Arthur's eyes brightened. "Nice to meet you, Liam."
They shook hands, and for the first time that morning, Liam felt his nerves loosen a little. They exchanged small talk—where they're from, how they find the class, what they're majoring in. Arthur laughed easily, and Liam found himself laughing too.
As the professor walked in and everyone settled down, Arthur leaned closer and whispered, "By the way… I like your hoodie."
Liam felt heat rise to his cheeks. "Thanks."
Arthur smiled knowingly, and in that instant, Liam knew he wasn't wrong—Arthur was definitely gay. And cute. And friendly. And… maybe exactly the kind of friend he needed right now.
But the moment was interrupted when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket.
A message from Blake.
His chest tightened before he even unlocked the screen.