The Warning signs

17 | Sophia

The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the city as Ava and I made our way through the bustling streets.

We were heading to our favorite spot, the local park, a place where we often sought refuge from the chaos of our daily lives.

As we walked, our conversation flowed easily, a testament to the deep bond we shared.

As we approached the park, we could hear the familiar sound of a badminton game in progress.

We turned a corner and found ourselves standing on the edge of the court, watching as a group of players engaged in a lively game.

Among them was Aaron, a well-known player in our school, his athletic prowess evident in his swift movements and powerful strikes.

"Ava, want to join us?" Aaron called out, spotting us on the sidelines.

Ava, always up for a challenge, agreed without hesitation.

She stepped onto the court, her competitive spirit shining through as she picked up a racket.

As Ava and Aaron started their game, I noticed Liam, a fellow classmate, on the other side of the court.

He was dribbling a basketball, his focus entirely on the game.

But as Aaron beckoned me to join them next, I saw Liam stop in his tracks, his gaze fixed on us.

Feeling excited, I agreed to play next, eager to join in on the fun.

As I stepped onto the court, I could feel Liam's gaze on me, a hint of something I couldn't quite place in his eyes.

I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the game instead.

After a few rounds, I was panting, my heart pounding from the exhilarating game.

I made my way to the bench, my eyes meeting Liam's as I sat down. He was still watching me, a frown etched onto his face.

His water bottle was crumpled in his hand, a clear sign of his agitation.

"Is there a problem?" I asked, taking a seat next to him.

His gaze was still fixed on the court, his jaw clenched tightly.

"Tell me," I urged, turning to face him.

His silence was unnerving, a stark contrast to his usual jovial demeanor.

"Hmm," was all he said, his tone cold and distant.

It was unlike him, and it made me worry.

"I don't like that attitude of yours," I told him, my voice firm.

I didn't appreciate his coldness, especially when he wouldn't tell me what was wrong.

"And what's mine is only mine," he muttered, his gaze finally meeting mine. His words were cryptic, but I understood what he was implying.

"It's just a play, Liam," I reassured him, trying to lighten the mood.

I knew he was referring to Aaron, to the game we had just played. But it was just a game, nothing more.

"He is too talkative, it's obvious he likes you," Liam said, his words catching me off guard.

I hadn't expected him to be so upfront, so blunt about his feelings.

"No, he doesn't," I countered, trying to dismiss his concerns.

But Liam wasn't convinced.

"How do you know?" he challenged, his gaze intense.

I didn't have an answer to that. I couldn't know for sure if Aaron had feelings for me or not.

"Okay, maybe he does, so what?" I finally admitted, trying to defuse the situation.

But Liam wasn't having any of it.

"You will accept his confession, won't you?" he asked, his tone accusatory.

I could hear the hurt in his voice, the fear of losing me.

"Of course not, I'm in a relationship with you," I reassured him, my voice firm.

I was committed to Liam, and nothing could change that.

"Good, go back to class, don't pass through the court again," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Wha-" I began, taken aback by his demand. But before I could protest, he cut me off.

"No, you won't," he said, his voice final.

I was left speechless, my mind racing as I tried to process what had just happened.

As the sun set and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, I sat there, lost in my thoughts.