You And I

Chapter 37: Stirring Rivalries

After school, we all stopped by the convenience store. Mei was still fuming, her arms crossed and her eyes shooting daggers at Liya. Of course, Liya couldn’t resist; she kept teasing Mei, flashing her playful grin every chance she got.

Ryan, sensing the tension but not quite understanding it, asked casually, "Hey, Liya, where do you live? You’re new around here, right? Maybe you’ll get lost."

Liya smiled and waved off the concern. “Oh, don’t worry, I’ve got someone to walk me home.” She shot me a quick look, clearly meaning me.

Ryan seemed satisfied with that and waved. “Alright, take care then. See you tomorrow!”

As Ryan and the others said their goodbyes, it was just the three of us—Mei, Liya, and me. I walked Mei home first. We stopped outside her gate, exchanging quick goodbyes. Mei gave Liya one last glare before she went inside.

Once it was just me and Liya, we headed back to my house.

Mei’s POV

I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right about Liya. After Levi walked me home, my mind raced. What were they going to do now? They’re childhood friends—what if something happens between them?

The thought gnawed at me, and I couldn’t just sit around. So, without thinking, I grabbed my bag and quietly followed them, staying just far enough behind so they wouldn’t notice me.

When we reached Levi’s house, my worst fear was realized—they both went inside. My chest tightened with anger and confusion. Why was she at his house? What were they doing in there together? I clenched my fists, furious at the thought of them being alone. But I knew if they caught me spying, it would only make things worse. So, I reluctantly turned around and headed home, my heart heavy with jealousy.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. My mind kept replaying the image of them together, and no matter how much I tossed and turned, I couldn’t escape the unsettling thoughts. Something wasn’t right, and I needed to figure out what was really going on between them.

Levi’s POV

As soon as we got home, I went straight to my room, feeling the tension from earlier weighing on me. I pulled out my phone and shot Mei a quick message: "Goodnight. I’m really sorry about Liya. She just likes to tease people, don't take it to heart." I hesitated before hitting send, unsure if it would help or just make things worse, but I sent it anyway.

I flopped onto my bed and glanced over at Liya, who was making herself comfortable. I sighed and decided to confront her. "Why do you always tease Mei like that? What’s your deal?"

Liya looked at me, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and just laughed. “Nothing. She’s cute when she’s angry. Plus, it’s fun seeing how protective you get of her.”

I frowned. “It’s not funny, Liya. You’re making things difficult. She already feels weird with you around, and you’re not helping.”

Liya shrugged casually, her playful tone never leaving. “Relax, Levi. It’s all in good fun. I know you like her.”

I blinked, caught off guard by her bluntness. “W-What are you talking about?”

She smirked, leaning back against the wall. “Come on, it’s obvious. You two are like... magnets. You can’t help but get pulled toward each other.”

I felt my face heat up, and I quickly changed the subject. “Stop messing around. You’re staying here for a couple of months, so can you at least try not to make things harder?”

Liya laughed again, her teasing tone softening. “Fine, fine. I’ll tone it down... for now.” She paused, giving me a softer look. “But you know, Levi, it’s been years since we’ve hung out like this. I’m just... trying to feel like I’m still a part of your life.”