Liam

Returning from class, you hurried to the bus stop, not noticing your student ID slip out of your pocket. A stranger caught up with you and, touching your shoulder, handed you the ID, as if returning something important. His fingers lightly brushed your palm, and there was a strange warmth in it, as if you knew each other. You exchanged a few awkward words, and attraction flared instantly.

You wanted to know his name, but the bus pulled up and you hurried inside. Looking back, you saw him standing at the bus stop. After that day, you didn't see him, continuing to come to the same stop, hoping to see that smile again.

Weeks passed, and hope turned to sadness. You resigned yourself to the fact that people appear only for a moment, leaving behind warm memories. One day, your friend Chloe invited you to hang out with her new boyfriend. When you saw him, your breath caught in your throat—it was him, Liam.

He didn't seem to recognize you, and that hurt. You chose silence and detachment, avoiding his gaze, even though he sought yours. After a few weeks, Liam wrote and suggested a walk. You met in the park and walked for a long time in silence.

at some point he stopped.

— I broke up with Chloe.

• Why?

He carefully took your hand and placed it on his heart.

— because my heart chose you even before I realized it myself.