"My Unexpected Love"

Confessions

After their memorable time at Silver Lake and their quiet moments together in the art room, Liam and Max’s friendship had deepened in ways they both felt but hadn’t yet fully acknowledged. Their friends picked up on it too—especially Emily and Sophie, who loved nudging them into moments that made them blush.

On a Friday evening, Emily orchestrated another “friendly hangout” at the local bowling alley. Everyone showed up, filling the place with laughter as they grabbed rental shoes and split into lanes. Liam felt an excited sort of nervousness around Max lately, like he was constantly balancing between his feelings and his fears.

Ryan caught Liam’s eye as they waited for their turn. “You and Max seem… close,” he teased, his green eyes dancing with mischief.

Liam tried to play it off, but his cheeks warmed up instantly. “We’re just… you know, friends.”

“Sure, just friends,” Ryan said with a wink. “And I’m secretly a professional bowler.”

Luckily, Liam’s turn came, and he quickly picked up the ball, focusing on the pins to distract himself. When he knocked down seven, Max clapped loudly from behind him, calling out, “Nice, Liam!”

As he returned to the group, Max gave him a playful nudge, and Liam couldn’t help but smile back. They traded glances that felt like secrets only they understood, even with their friends all around.

After a couple of rounds, Sophie couldn’t hold back anymore. She leaned over with a mischievous glint in her eye and declared, “Alright, it’s time for truth or dare.”

Liam’s stomach did a nervous flip, but the group immediately agreed, gathering around her excitedly. Sophie turned to Liam first. “Truth or dare?”

Liam hesitated. Knowing Sophie, a dare could be risky, so he went with, “Truth.”

She grinned. “Alright, who’s your secret crush?”

The group leaned in with wide eyes, and Liam’s face went red. He glanced at Max, who looked amused but curious, too.

“I, uh… maybe there’s someone,” Liam admitted, biting his lip and looking down.

Emily jumped in, “Ooh, come on! You have to give us more than that!”

He glanced at Max again, feeling nervous and thrilled all at once. But instead of answering, he just laughed it off, leaving his friends in playful disappointment.

The game went on, with everyone sharing silly secrets or taking on wild dares. When it was Max’s turn, he was dared to put on a pair of neon lost-and-found shoes and do a ridiculous dance for everyone. Max, always confident, went for it, and by the time he finished, the whole group was in stitches.

Eventually, they wrapped up the game, heading out to a nearby diner for milkshakes. Sitting in the cozy booth, surrounded by his friends and laughing until his sides hurt, Liam felt at peace. It was one of those rare, perfect nights when everything felt right, and he wished it could last forever.

After dinner, Max offered to walk Liam home. The air was cool, and the stars were bright above them as they walked, their footsteps echoing softly on the empty streets. They talked about the night, laughing over the silliest moments and sharing quieter ones in between.

As they approached Liam’s house, Max slowed down, his expression growing serious. “Liam,” he said softly, looking at him. “About what Sophie asked you earlier…”

Liam’s heart raced, and he looked up to meet Max’s gaze, filled with hope and worry. “Yeah?”

Max took a breath, searching for words. “I think… I think I know who your crush might be.”

Liam froze, his stomach doing flips. But Max’s gentle smile told him he didn’t need to be afraid.

“I feel the same way,” Max said, barely louder than a whisper.

A surge of relief and joy washed over Liam, and before he could overthink it, he stepped closer, meeting Max halfway as they shared a kiss. It was soft and sweet, filled with the unspoken emotions that had been building between them.

When they broke apart, Max kept his hand on Liam’s shoulder, both of them smiling shyly. “So… are we a thing now?” Max asked, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

Liam chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, I think we are.”

The front light of Liam’s house flickered on, and they both turned, startled. Laughing softly, Liam looked back at Max. “Want to come in for a bit? I think my mom made cookies earlier.”

Max grinned. “I’m never one to turn down cookies.”

They went inside, greeted by the warm smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and Liam’s mom waved from the kitchen. She welcomed Max with a smile, clearly delighted by the surprise guest.

The two of them sat in the cozy living room, munching on cookies and talking about everything and nothing. Liam’s little brother, who’d been watching TV, looked over and started peppering them with questions, intrigued by his “cool older brother’s” friend. Max, being a natural with kids, answered each one with humor and patience, leaving Liam’s brother giggling and in awe.

As the night wound down, Liam walked Max to the door. They lingered there, neither wanting to say goodbye just yet. Max took Liam’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Tonight was… perfect.”

“Yeah,” Liam replied, feeling the warmth of Max’s hand in his. “It really was.”

They shared one last, tender kiss before Max whispered, “Goodnight, Liam,” and slipped into the cool night.

Liam closed the door, leaning against it as he tried to calm his pounding heart. Upstairs, he lay in bed, replaying each moment of the night and smiling to himself in the dark. For the first time, everything felt exactly as it should, and he couldn’t wait to see where their new path together would take them.

End of Chapter Nine