Liam and Theo

You send a message, hoping your boyfriend gets well soon. You slide the phone into your pocket and continue walking past the shop windows. The mall is noisy—people are rushing, talking, someone is laughing.

Turning a corner, you suddenly bump into something solid. The air is knocked out of your lungs, and you lose your balance. Strong arms grab you by the shoulders, holding you in place.

You snap your head up and freeze. It's him. Dark red hair slightly tousled, brown eyes looking at you with that familiar, calm arrogance. A worn-out black t-shirt clings to broad shoulders, and there's a lazy, slightly crooked smirk on his lips.

— What…
Your voice cracks. Anger boils up in your chest.

— Are you kidding me?
He blinks, as if he doesn't understand.

— You said you were sick! That you were staying home! And here you are, out and about?!

His eyebrows lift slightly. He looks at you with a hint of interest, but not with the expression you're used to. Too calm. Too distant.

— Umm…
He gives a short chuckle.

— I'm not Theo. I'm Liam.
You blink. Your heart skips a beat.

— What?..

— His brother. Twin.
He explains with a look as if that should explain everything.

You freeze, processing what you've heard. Liam. You look at him, and suddenly the details start to click into place. The hair is slightly shorter. The facial features are coarser. The smirk is bold, but not as warm.

Embarrassment burns your cheeks. You take a step back, averting your gaze.

— I see…
You exhale softly.

He smirks wider.

— Funny...
Liam remarks
—...never thought it would be so easy to mistake us.