Expulsion gave Liam Barrett a dangerous choice. Needing to transfer for his final year, he'd known immediately where to go. It was a distantly familiar place that'd taken everything from him; had once ruined him so absolutely and twisted his persona...
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Hostile. That was the only way Charlie could describe Mia from the moment he entered the café.
ㅤIt wasn't so much the contents of her speech more than the way she would look at him. Hard prologued stares would follow stifled mutterances and she would complete her tasks with more force than necessary. He was surprised she hadn't broken any cups with the strength she slammed them to the counter.
ㅤIt was a particular flavour of tension that put him on edge, stressing him under the surface. He'd planned to remain silent but he hated how he flinched inside with every sharp noise like a young rabbit.
ㅤHe spoke to her grudgingly, not wishing to get involved.
ㅤ"You good?"
ㅤMia didn't look at him. "Yup."
ㅤA child could've seen through the lie. But, Mia had stated so, so he'd decide to believe her and walk away at the end of his shift, drama-free.
ㅤCharlie's pocket vibrated only moments later. With a quick glance to Campbell's office, he slid it out of his pocket to check.
ㅤABBIE<3: Running late, will be there in a few.
ㅤCharlie snorted to himself.
ㅤME: Take your time and walk.
ㅤ"Who are you texting?"
ㅤMia was leaning against the counter, her gaze observant.
ㅤ"Your best mate. I've forgotten his name."
ㅤShe shifted uncomfortably and tucked some stray strands behind her ear. "He been bugging you recently?"
ㅤHis response was wry. "When is he not bugging anyone?"
ㅤThere was a small twitch of a smirk on Mia's face which was quickly smothered.
ㅤ"I see." She left it at that.
ㅤIt was an odd question that she'd posed him. Something was a little off.
ㅤAnother text came through. He'd planned to glance and ignore but the contents made that difficult to do.
ㅤABBIE<3: That arse looks good from here.
ㅤBrows furrowed, he looked up, scanning the room. Only a sparse number of people littered the tables. Charlie had to check he hadn't read it wrong.
ㅤOutside, a familiar figure was leaning against the window—broad shoulders and dark hair, a cigarette in hand. Through the glass, Liam looked over his shoulder and waved. Charlie ignored the little rush that buzzed through him.
ㅤHe frowned and tapped out a reply.
ㅤME: You can't even see my arse from there.
ㅤHe saw Liam grinning on the other side as he texted with one hand, taking a drag from the cigarette with the other.
