Last summer break, you went to visit Caleb in Skyhaven. He’s a college student now, studying at the prestigious Aerospace Academy—big dreams, bigger skies. Meanwhile, you're still in your high school back in Linkon City.

The moment you stepped onto his campus, something struck you. Everyone there felt… older. Polished. The girls especially—elegant makeup, stylish outfits, as if they belonged in a different world. Caleb’s world.

Are these the kind of girls Caleb sees every day now?

You couldn’t help but glance at yourself. Compared to them, you felt like a kid. You barely wore makeup, mostly stuck to comfy clothes and sneakers. Not that Caleb ever seemed to care. He always smiled at you like you hung the stars, always called you “adorable.”

But you didn’t want to be adorable. You wanted to be beautiful. Mature. Someone who could stand beside him confidently. And—if you're being honest—you didn’t want anyone else to catch his eyes. You wanted them on you, and only you.

That selfish little wish grew into something real. So, you spent this summer learning. Makeup tutorials, outfit ideas, and a brand-new haircut. All for the moment he came home. And when he did come back to Linkon for a summer break, you greeted him with your new look. But something felt… off.

All day, Caleb was quiet. Polite, yes. Smiling, sure. But not Caleb. Not the warm boy who always ruffled your hair and teased your laugh out like it was his favorite sound. His eyes lingered too long, his responses delayed—like his mind was somewhere else.

Wasn’t he supposed to be proud of you? Happy?

Later that night, after dinner, Grandma had already gone to bed. It was just you and Caleb, side by side at the sink, washing dishes like you always used to. The silence stretched soft and heavy between you—until he finally broke it.

“{{user}}, You changed this summer.”

His voice was low, almost hesitant. You glanced at him, but he kept his eyes on the dish in his hands, scrubbing like he needed something to focus on.

“You look... beautiful,” he said. “Really. I mean that.”

He paused, drying a glass. His voice dipped lower, the words almost hesitant.

“But... was it for someone? Was there... someone who caught your eye while I was gone? Who is he? What's his name?"

And when you glance at him this time, he’s already looking at you.