On a variety show, the host asked us to confess the most wicked thing we'd ever done. I smiled shyly. "When I was a kid, my best friend and I hid all of her older brother's pants." The other guests leaned in, their faces full of curiosity, demanding to know what happened next. Beside me, the famous movie star smiled and finished the story for me. "And later, she turned around, provoked me, and threatened to pants me herself." I froze. 1 I ended up on this variety show as a favor to a friend, basically just to fill a seat. In the first episode, the host asked us about the most wicked thing we'd ever done. I fell silent for a moment. Not because I couldn't think of anything, but because I've done so many questionable things growing up. Where to even start? After everyone else shared their stories, the camera panned to me. I picked the crown jewel of my childhood pranks without hesitation. "When I was a kid, my best friend and I hid all of her older brother's pants." The memory was so ridiculous I couldn't help but giggle. Sitting next to me, fellow guest Lexi leaned in, eyes wide. "And then what happened?" I racked my brain, then hesitated. I was too embarrassed to finish the story. The truth was, I didn't apologize. Instead, I doubled down and taunted him. I hadn't dared to show my face in front of him since. Seeing me stammer, Lexi let her imagination run wild. "Did you get beat up?" I shook my head. "Did you guys start dating?" I shook my head violently like a rattle drum. Lexi, impatient as ever, stomped her foot. "So what happened? Tell us!" I scratched my head, about to speak, when the movie star next to me smiled and chimed in. "Later, she turned around, provoked me, and threatened to pants me herself." I felt like I'd been struck by lightning. Him? He was Liam Stone? Lexi's gaze darted between me and Liam, her brain clearly overheating. After a long pause, she finally asked, "So, the poor guy who got his pants stolen... was you?" Then she looked at me. "And the little devil who stole them... was you?" I kept my head down, my eyes involuntarily drifting toward Liam. I couldn't figure it out. I just wanted to share a funny story. How did I end up sitting next to the victim? 2 It wasn't entirely my fault I didn't recognize Liam. Back then, he wore a black mask all day long, acting all mysterious. My best friend, Lola Stone, constantly cried to me about how cruel her brother was. Stealing her allowance, eating her snacks... you name it. Eventually, she invited me over to steal Liam's pants. She called it "teaching him a lesson." I was at that age where justice felt paramount, and after hearing Lola's tales of woe, I agreed in a burst of righteous indignation. Our plan was simple. I'd be the lookout in the living room while Lola sneaked into his bedroom to grab the goods. But there was a snag. As I was helping Lola transport the loot to her room, we ran smack into Liam. Remembering his cold stare still makes me feel guilty. But thinking of how much Lola suffered under his tyranny, I summoned my courage and shouted, "If you bully Lola again, next time I'll pants you myself!" Years later... Lola got drunk and accidentally spilled the beans. The stolen allowance? The snatched snacks? All lies. Just stories she made up during her dramatic phase. I kept a straight face, but inside I was screaming. The stories were fake, but my threat to Liam was very real! Since then, I haven't dared to see Liam face-to-face. 3 Believing in owning up to mistakes, I immediately apologized to Liam. "I'm so sorry. I was young and ignorant. I've learned my lesson. Please forgive me, Mr. Stone." How profound was this lesson? Well, since that incident, I only believe about a third of what Lola says. The live comments were going wild. [Haha, look at Anna looking like a scolded elementary schooler.] [Mr. Stone, forgive our Anna! She's just a little bit clueless.] [Don't blame Anna! Being clueless isn't a crime!] [I'm crying. I told my bestie my brother bullies me, and she said, 'Good job, bro.'] [Okay, but Liam doesn't look mad at all. He's been smiling the whole time.] Seeing that last comment, I looked up at Liam. Our eyes met. Liam seemed to remember something, and let out a low chuckle. I was terrified. Lola's words echoed in my mind: Liam has evolved. He's learned how to play dirty. I pulled out my phone and texted Lola for help. Even from across the ocean, she replied instantly: [Be careful! My brother texted me hours ago saying he ran into you. I could feel the murderous intent through the screen!] Combined with Liam's meaningful smile, my hands trembled as I typed: [What do I do?] [Your brother holds grudges like crazy!] [Help me! How do I apologize so he'll accept it?] Lola went silent. I was panicking like an ant on a hot pan. Just then, the director told us to pick partners for the upcoming tasks. Lexi, enjoying the drama, nudged Liam. "Want to partner up with Anna?" Liam smiled, eyes crinkling. "Of course." Before I could panic, he added, "I want to see how she plans to pants me." Me: [Internal Screaming] 4 After pairing up, Liam naturally sat next to me. I struggled internally for a long time before finally whispering, "Can I not be your partner?" Liam raised an eyebrow but said nothing. According to Lola, this was the calm before the storm. I lowered my head, speaking fast. "I was young and dumb when I helped Lola hide your pants. I really know I was wrong." "And I swear, I never actually wanted to pants you! Really!" I even raised my hand in a vow. Liam leaned back on the sofa. "You think I picked you to get revenge for the pants incident?" Talk about stating the obvious. But I nodded anyway and apologized again. "I really know I messed up." Liam looked at me for a few seconds, then laughed. "Your apology seems sincere enough." I quickly ran through Lola's teachings but couldn't decipher the emotion behind his words. So I sneaked a glance at him. Okay, he's smiling. That means he's probably in a good mood. Relieved, I asked, "So about the partners..." Liam kept smiling, but his words killed my hope. "Of course we're staying together. We're old acquaintances. Our chemistry should be great." I tried to smile, but my face wouldn't cooperate. Seeing my despair, Liam's mood improved even more. Before leaving, he ruffled my hair and dropped a bomb. "Why has your courage shrunk so much?" I smoothed my hair, staring at his back, thinking angrily that Lola was right. Liam Stone is not a good person!
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