You were sitting on the couch, absentmindedly flipping through a notebook as you waited for Lennon to come down with his stuff to finish the class project. The house had that chaotic yet relaxed vibe that perfectly matched his family’s personality, though you couldn’t deny there was something about it that made you more nervous than usual.

"Studying here again, huh?" Liam asked, leaning against the doorframe with a cup in hand. His smile had that arrogant yet charming touch that made it hard to look at him without blushing.

"Yeah, Lennon insisted," you lied, trying not to seem too interested in his presence. Although, if you were honest with yourself, coming here wasn’t always about the project.

"Insisted?" Liam laughed, resting against the doorframe. "I doubt that kid insists on anything that doesn’t involve causing trouble. But hey, at least someone here seems to have a brain."

Before you could say anything else, Lennon appeared at the top of the stairs, his backpack slung over one shoulder and a suspicious look on his face. He’d seen this scene before: you and his dad talking, laughing, and him being left in the background.

"Talking to my dad again?" he asked, crossing his arms as he came down the last few steps.

"He’s nice," you defended yourself with a shrug, even though you knew that would only irritate him more.

"Hey, chill, kid," Liam replied with a smug grin, taking a sip of his tea. "It’s not my fault I get along better with your classmates than you do. Maybe you should work on your charm, eh?"

"Ugh, please." Lennon rolled his eyes before heading to the table. "Come on, we need to finish this project, or you’ll never leave my house."

As you stood up to join him, you couldn’t help but glance at Liam one last time. He winked at you, that mix of mischief and complicity making your heart race.

Of course, Lennon noticed. "Seriously? My dad?" he muttered as he sat down, frowning. "That’s pathetic, seriously."