Dream Catcher

Chapter 14: Aftermath

"What the-" Liam starts, a string of swear words following after. George stands still, a stupid grin on his face as if he just caught Clay doing something illegal. Nick pats Clay on the back, a strange look of pride on his face. You stand there, dumbstruck. Clay laughs at his friend's reaction, hitting you upside the head.

"You look really dumb right now," he says, and you jump away from him, rubbing your head.

"What the hell, Y/n?" Liam says, staring at you like you had betrayed him.

"What?" You say, turning your attention away from Clay.

"How could you kiss him," he spits, looking between you and Clay. Clay scoffs. You stare.

"I mean, come on, Clay? How could you just kiss him after the fair? Did that actually mean nothing to you?"

You laugh, shocked.

"You sound so cliche right now. You kissed me without even letting me know, then you played it off like it was nothing. Sorry if I embarrassed you, but-"

"You guys kissed!?" George gasps.

"Yeah," Clay says, still annoyed at Liam's remarks.

"You knew!?" Nick says his interest peaked. Clay simply nods.

"And you haven't talked to me at all. You've just been passive-aggressive. How are you going to get upset with me for kissing someone when you've given me no reason to not? I was clearly not interested, and I don't know where you got the idea from in the first place," you continue, walking closer to Liam so your conversation is quieter. The rain drowns out George and Nick, pestering Clay.

"You kept flirting with me! Were you just leading me on for the fun of it?" He asks, hurt.

"What!?" You shout, getting angry, "Liam, you've known me forever. Do you really think I would do something like that?"

He stays silent, shaking his head only slightly.

"Exactly! I'm not the one to flirt carelessly. However, I can't say the same for you," you say, shooting him a glare. He looks away, refusing to meet your eyes.

"I can't believe how childish you are. One thing doesn't go your way, and you completely tune me out. Are you kidding? Look, I'm sorry if I hurt you. I really am. But I have never seen our relationship as anything more than platonic. You're such a good guy, Liam. But I could never be interested in you like that. I'm really sorry if I dropped hints that you misinterpreted. That was not my intention. I want to stay with your friend, but I can't if you react to things like this." You let out a breath, relieved to have finally got that off your chest.

You look up, wanting to see his reaction. To your surprise, he's looking at you. He looks dejected. Suddenly, he steps forward, and you step back in return, shocked. He wraps you in a hug, and you go stiff, feeling awkward.

"I'm really sorry," he mutters, burying his face in his shoulder. The height difference makes him basically double-over to do so, but you relax.

"You were right. I got embarrassed, and I didn't know how to talk to you. I was a jerk. I'm sorry," he apologizes, and you smile to yourself, happy to be proven right.

"So are you good? With Clay, that is," you ask, backing away to look at him

"Oh," he says, smiling awkwardly, "I mean, I can't control you. Don't get mad if I'm a jerk, though."

You frown, "I have every right to be mad. Don't be an ass, please. But if you come for him, you won't have to worry about me. I'd love to see you try and argue with Clay."