𝐈𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 , ᶻᵃʸⁿ ᵐᵃˡⁱᵏ

the weight of touch

𝄞
LIAM:

Woke up this morning with a pounding headache and a pit in my stomach. Last night was a distraction I didn't know I needed, but reality hit me like a freight train.

I grabbed my phone, and two messages made my blood run cold. The first read:

We know about your little job. You can't hide forever.

The second sent chills down my spine:

She's closer than you think.

Just when I thought I was starting to get my life together, they had to remind me how wrong I could be.

Before I could even process it, Maya's text flashed on the screen:

Had fun last night. When can I see you again?

I scoffed. She's still living in her fantasy, completely oblivious. I shot back, "Not now" and tossed my phone across the room.

I need to focus. Can't let anyone get caught up in this mess, especially not her. Time to figure out how to deal with these threats before they turn into something I can't control.

𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋
SERENA:

I slumped onto the couch, my phone set up for a FaceTime call with Zahria. She popped up on the screen, her face bursting with energy.

"Do you ever feel like you're being watched?" I asked, trying to keep it light even though I felt a bit on edge.

Zahria laughed, tossing her hair back. "Maybe it's your sexy ass bodyguard watching you." she teased.

"Ha! Right," I chuckled, watching Juno zoom around the living room. "He's just doing his job. I don't think he's into me like that."

"Really? You don't feel any chemistry??" Zahria leaned in, a mischievous grin on her face.

"Okay, he's hot, I'll give you that," I admitted, rolling my eyes. "But he's got this whole cold, mysterious thing going on. It's hard to tell what he's thinking."

"Or maybe he's just playing it cool," she said with a knowing smile. "You could be more than just a job to him. You never know!"

"Maybe, but I doubt it," I said, shaking my head. Just then, Juno flopped down beside me, panting happily. "Look how big Juno's gotten since the last time you saw her!"

"Oh my gosh she's adorable!" Zahria squealed, leaning closer to the camera. "I need to book a flight to L.A to see you both."

"Definitely." I smiled.

With the album teaser launch happening today, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. I loved creating, and seeing fans respond positively to my work was everything.

Jenna had texted about planning a small celebration, and I couldn't wait. I paced around my apartment, wondering if I should invite Liam to join us. Just as I was debating whether to text him, there was a knock at the door. "Speak of the devil," I muttered, rushing to answer it.

"Hold on Zahria, I'll call you back in a bit" I ended the call and swung the door open, and there was Liam standing there. He had this bouquet of flowers in his hands, and I was caught off guard. "Wow, flowers?" I blurted out, surprised. "What's the occasion?"

"Just thought we should celebrate the album teaser launch," he said, his usual serious expression cracking just enough to show a hint of a smile. It made my heart do this little flutter thing I tried to ignore.