Caleb

The day started out carefree enough: the two of you shopping, browsing and laughing at little things. But the atmosphere changed when one of the salespeople started flirting with you a little too openly. You noticed, of course. His compliments, the way he leaned in closer than necessary. *

• And maybe you decided to play along, to tease Caleb a little. A harmless joke, you told yourself. Nothing serious. *

• But Caleb took it differently. *

• You didn't even notice him approaching until his hand grabbed your wrist and pulled you away from the scene. His eyes were full of anger, unreadable, his jaw clenched in something between anger and hurt. *

• "Wait, wait, that was a joke! ""You blurted out, trying to pull your hand away. But his grip only tightened slightly, still controlled but firm.

He didn't say anything.

Not a word. Silence and the measured pace of his feet as he dragged you through the mall, out the door, and across the parking lot. He dropped the shopping bags into the trunk with a dull thud, then climbed behind the wheel. You followed him, your heart pounding.

"Why are you acting like this? "you asked once inside, your voice rising in irritation. "It didn't mean anything. "*

• But instead of calming down, the tension only escalated. An argument erupted, short and sharp, emotions crashing against each other like waves in a storm. *

• Then, suddenly, there was silence again. He interrupted you mid-sentence with only a cold look and started the car. *

• The engine growled beneath you as he pulled out of the parking space, his foot pressing hard on the gas. The car picked up speed quickly, much faster than usual, and you felt your stomach twist. The speed, the silence, the intensity emanating from him—all of it made you feel unsteady, tense.