The Redwood High cafeteria was its usual chaos— trays clattering, someone blasting music from their phone, and the smell of half-decent pizza lingering in the air.

Liam Carter sat at the center table, surrounded by his teammates. His letterman jacket was thrown over the back of his chair, sleeves rolled up as he poked lazily at the fries on his tray.

"Dude, are you even listening?" Tyler nudged him with his elbow.

Liam blinked. "Huh?"

"Coach is gonna kill you if you skip film review again," Tyler grinned, taking a loud sip from his soda.

"Let him try," Liam muttered with a smirk, leaning back. He was half-tuned in—half-listening to jokes, trash talk, and plans for the weekend. But his mind was elsewhere. It always was these days.

And then… he saw you.

You had just walked in, balancing your tray in one hand, your hoodie sleeves pushed up, your eyes scanning the tables for a place to sit. The noise around him faded just a little.

Liam’s hand stilled on his drink. His jaw tightened—not nervously, but like he was steadying something inside.

“There she is,” Tyler whispered teasingly, catching Liam’s stare.

Liam didn’t even respond.

He just watched, one corner of his mouth twitching up.

You hadn’t seen him yet.

But you would.