A Love Like Ours

Vibes Don't Lies

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Chapter 13: Vibes Don't Lie

Mia stretched out on the bleachers, eyes fixed on the basketball court below. The after-school crowd was buzzing, and Liam was already there, in his usual spot near the center. She could see him leaning back against the wall, his fingers tapping his phone screen with that laid-back confidence that somehow managed to grab her attention every time.

She raised an eyebrow as she caught him glancing up at her, smirking like he knew something she didn’t. Typical. Mia shook her head, deciding to keep her cool for the moment. She wasn’t about to let him know that little smirk had her lowkey feeling some type of way.

"You coming down, or you just gon' sit there staring?" Liam called out, his voice playful but laced with that tone that always got her attention.

Mia narrowed her eyes, calling back, “Boy, I ain’t pressed. Maybe I like the view from up here.”

Liam grinned, putting his phone in his pocket and leaning against the wall, watching her the whole time. It was a game they played, this back-and-forth banter, but under it, there was something real. Something they hadn’t quite put a label on yet.

Taking her time, Mia strolled down the bleachers, making sure to keep her stride smooth, letting her confidence show. When she got to him, she leaned up against the wall, her shoulder just brushing his. The energy between them shifted immediately, electric, like always.

“You tryna be cute today, huh?” Mia teased, her voice just above a whisper.

Liam looked down at her, his green eyes catching hers. “Cute? Nah. Just tryna get your attention.”

“You always got my attention, dummy,” Mia replied, rolling her eyes, but there was a softness in her tone that she couldn’t hide.

They stood there for a moment, letting the noise of the gym fade away. Mia wasn’t one to get all sentimental or whatever, but with Liam, things felt different. He wasn’t pushing her to be something she wasn’t, and that made her feel safe in a way she wasn’t used to.

“So, what’s up for tonight?” Liam asked, shifting closer to her, his arm brushing hers again.

“Dunno,” Mia said, glancing at him sideways. “I’m down for whatever, but I ain’t tryin’ to do too much.”

Liam smirked. “Chill night it is. We can grab some food, watch a movie at your place?”

Mia tilted her head, considering him. “Oh, so you tryna get comfortable comfortable?”

He shrugged, but the smile stayed on his face. “I mean, I figure we’ve been doing this long enough. Might as well get used to each other’s spots, right?”

She squinted at him playfully. “Don’t think just ‘cause you my man now you get special privileges.”

His eyebrows shot up, surprised by her words. “Oh, I’m your man now?”

Mia froze for half a second, realizing what she’d just said, but she quickly recovered, playing it off. “Boy, don’t act brand new. You know what I meant.”

“Yeah, I know exactly what you meant,” Liam said, his voice dropping a little lower, eyes locking on hers. “I’m cool with that.”

Mia’s heart did a little flip, but she kept her expression smooth. “Don’t get too comfortable, though.”

“Oh, I won’t,” he replied, leaning in just a bit closer, his breath warm against her cheek. “But I’m gonna get there.”

She swallowed, feeling the tension thick between them. It was always like this with him—this push and pull that left her wondering how much further they could take it. How much further she wanted to take it. But for now, she wasn’t ready to cross that line. Not yet.

“We’ll see,” she said, stepping back a little, giving them both some space. “You still owe me Chick-fil-A anyway.”

Liam chuckled, easing off the intensity for now. “Alright, alright. Let’s get outta here. You still want the spicy chicken sandwich?”

“Extra pickles,” Mia confirmed with a smirk.

As they walked out of the gym together, side by side, there was an unspoken understanding between them. They were in no rush, but there was no denying the chemistry that crackled every time they were close. It wasn’t always easy for Mia to let her guard down, but with Liam, it felt like she could let him in little by little. And for now, that was enough.

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