Every minute or so, your eyes would flicker over to the back door. When will he get here? you thought to yourself. Amidst a small group of strangers, you felt like an outcast. They were all famous, and frankly intimidating. But you agreed to meet Liam in the backyard of the artist he was about to collab with - which meant you both barely knew who's house you were going to.
You had just gotten off of work and beelined over to the huge house just to arrive before Liam. So there you were - anxiously awaiting your best friend and surrounded by talented artists who only brought awkward small talk.
"Looking for Liam?" a voice sounded beside you and you jumped, turning toward the girl.
"Um, yeah," you admitted shyly. She smiled.
"My name's Alicia," she held out her hand.
"Y/N," you replied, shaking her hand delicately.
"So you and Liam are dating?" she wondered, casually taking a sip from her drink. Your heart leapt into your throat.
"Oh, uh, no, we're just friends," you rushed. Her smile grew.
"I see, I see," she nodded and you settled down. "So you two are that best-friends-who-actually-want-to-be-something-more cliche?"
You almost choked. "Well, no, I-"
"You swear you don't like him?" she offered sarcastically. You slouched, pulling your cup to your lips in attempt to hide your embarrassment. She laughed and leaned back into her chair. "I've been there. And I never did anything about it. He's married now. Worst decision of my life."
"Oh no, I'm so sorry."
"Me too... sorry for him. She's a total bitch."
You sat forward, grinning. "So you're that my-soulmate-married-a-bitch-instead-of-me cliche?"
She laughed. "Precisely. Let's hope it doesn't turn into a I-turned-into-my-soulmate's-sidehoe-because-he-can't-make-up-his-goddamn-mind cliche."
"I'll drink to that," you held up your cup and she clanked it with her own. You sipped your drink empty and grimaced. "Want some more?" you wondered to Alicia, gesturing to your own empty cup.
"Nah, thanks. You go ahead." Shrugging, you got up and sauntered over to the bar. As you filled your cup, you heard the back door slide open. Almost dropping your drink in relief, you turned to find Liam make his way into the backyard. Squealing quietly to yourself, you topped off your drink quickly.
When you made your way over, Liam was sat in your seat. "Uh uh Pretty Boy, that's my seat," you warned, and as you did he held up his hand and knowingly, you handed him the drink.
"Finders keepers," he declared, taking a quick sip from the cup and offering it back up to you. You refused and crossed your arms.
"I'll trade you the drink for the spot," you pressed.
"Finders keepers!" he replied more loudly. You laughed and took his hand, trying to tug him off. Instead, he pulled you forward with more force and you fell into his lap.
"Not fair, you get the drink, the spot, and the cuddles?"
"It's a win-win for both of us," he decided, offering the cup to you again. You smiled and took a sip. You looked just like a normal couple, and you basically were, minus the kissing. What's the harm of just adding in a little kissing every now and then? you seemed to wonder more often than not.
Relaxing against Liam, you watched him intently. He turned toward you, feeling the weight of your gaze. His nose almost touched yours and you wondered what would happen if you just closed the distance a little.
"Sorry I was late," he said, his breath stretching across your lips. You hummed, much too distracted to pay attention to any conversation at the moment. He noticed and his eyes, too, flickered to your lips.
"Oh just kiss already!" Alicia bellowed and the small group gathered around the fire laughed. You melted into embarrassment. "Sorry, didn't mean to ruin the moment. Continue. Everyone look away!"
"Oh, stop," you chirped timidly, making the group chuckle again.
The rest of the night passed and with Liam and your new friend by your side, you could relax. Leaning your head against Liam's shoulder, you decided you didn't want to be anywhere else but here with him.
