Coffee In A Cup

Jade twirled the straw in her iced coffee, trying not to look directly at Liam across the table. The café light caught his hair in a way that made her heartbeat trip. Christina leaned closer, smirking like she’d uncovered a secret.

“He’s so into you,” she whispered.

Jade flushed. “He literally just asked if I wanted whipped cream.”

“Yeah,” Christina said, raising a brow, “and in romance language, that’s code for I’m in love with you but too scared to say it.”

Before Jade could protest, Liam returned, setting her drink down.

“You look cute today,” he said simply, sliding into his seat.

Jade blinked, startled. “Oh. Uh, thanks,” she replied, smiling awkwardly but a little too fondly.

Christina nearly choked on her latte. “Okay, I’m leaving before this turns into a romcom scene,” she muttered, gathering her bag with a

Later that night, Jade’s phone buzzed.

Liam: “You free tomorrow?”

Jade: “Why?”

Liam: “I was thinking we could hang out… just us.”

Jade: “Like a date?”

Liam: “If you want it to be.”

Jade: “I do.”

She smiled at her screen, cheeks warm.

They met at the park the next evening. Liam was leaning against the bridge railing, holding a small bouquet of daisies.

“These are for you,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

Jade laughed softly, tucking one behind her ear. “You’re ridiculous,” she teased, but her eyes shone.

He grinned. “Ridiculously charming, maybe.”

They wandered by the lake, tossing pebbles. Jade’s first few sank instantly. Liam laughed so hard he almost dropped his phone.

“You’re not even trying!” he teased.

“I am! They just hate me,” she said dramatically, hands on her hips.

He moved behind her, gently guiding her wrist. “Here, hold it like this.” His voice dropped lower. “Now flick.”

The pebble skimmed once, twice, then sank.

“Oh my god, it worked!” she gasped, spinning to face him.

He was already smiling. “Told you.”

Their laughter faded into quiet. The distance between them shrank—barely an inch now.

“You’re staring,” Jade whispered.

“Can’t help it,” Liam murmured.

She looked down, smiling to herself. “Smooth.”

“Only with you,” he replied softly.

That night, her phone buzzed again—this time with an unknown number.

Unknown: You really think Liam’s the one for you? Someone else could treat you better.

A shiver crept up her spine.

Jade: Who is this?

No reply.

She blocked the number and sat up, uneasy.

The next morning, she told Liam everything. He frowned, jaw tightening.

"What? Who would text you? Let's just assume it's nothing."

“That’s creepy, you're dangerously optimistic too. 😮‍💨" Jade said quietly.

“When I find out they're gonna pay,” Liam said, his tone protective now.

“Protective much?” she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“Only for you,” he said, meeting her eyes.

A week later, Christina barged into Jade’s room. “SOOO? Are you official yet?”

Jade, smiling down at her phone, nodded. “Yup.”

Liam’s message read: She said yes.

Christina threw a pillow into the air. “I knew it!"

Jade laughed, hugging her. “He's my perfect match!"

That night, Jade texted Liam again.

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