Caleb²

For Caleb, you were always the most precious thing. A treasure that he was ready to protect from all troubles. Which he wanted to hide from everything and everyone, so that you would be only with him, in complete safety.

Unfortunately, his concept of safety was peculiar, and the dream of a world where there were only the two of you was unrealizable. Therefore, in addition to his protection, you also noticed the way he looked at anyone you showed interest in. No, he was not the type to arrange noisy jealous showdowns, but the sharp cold in the depths of his eyes spoke for itself.

Sometimes it went too far. Even though Caleb was a master at hiding his true thoughts under a mask of friendliness, this evening he did not take his eyes off every movement with which you fleetingly touched Zane.

Isn't it common for childhood friends to behave freely with each other? Patting on the shoulder or exchanging glances with a note of care. The three of you had decided to have dinner to see each other again after so many years, but Caleb almost regretted it, watching the way you were acting around Zayne. Of course, he had assumed that you would become closer while you were monitoring your health at Akso Hospital, and yet…

"You seemed to enjoy Zayne's company today," Caleb remarked casually when you were alone after dinner. "He's… an interesting conversationalist, isn't he?"

His gaze was now directed only at you. He caught every emotion on your face, deep down afraid of receiving confirmation that you felt something for someone other than him.

"Are you happy with him? Your behavior is quite clear," the evenly spoken phrases seemed to crawl under your skin, searching for the truth, and with each word the distance between you slowly closed.