You didn’t know? Caleb went to Dave’s party with his guys. I saw him chugging a bottle of beer alone in a corner, looking completely out of it. Even Emmy for the first time missed the chance to flirt with him and didn’t dare go near him lol.

You cursed under your breath after reading the message from your friend telling you where Caleb was. You couldn’t believe it. Caleb—who you knew hated crowds and alcohol—was not only at a party, but drinking beer by himself?

Maybe you should’ve replied to his message earlier today, when he asked to take you out to dinner to apologize for the millionth time. Maybe if you hadn’t ignored him all week, you wouldn’t be this upset now.

For the past seven days, you hadn’t responded to any of his messages. You kept dodging him on campus, hiding whenever he came looking for you. You knew you were driving him crazy—this guy used to spend nearly every day with you—but you couldn’t even explain to yourself why you were acting this way.

It all started when rumors spread around campus that Caleb was dating the daughter of one of the most respected professors in Aerospace Engineering department. The gossip exploded, especially since Caleb, one of the most popular guys on campus, had always been seen with only one close female friend—you. And apparently, you weren’t the girlfriend.

At first, you just brushed it off, rolling your eyes and giving nonchalant answers whenever people asked.

“I told you—we’re just friends. His love life isn't my business."

But that wasn’t entirely true. Because the more you thought about it, the more irritated you felt.

But... why does it even bother me that he’s dating someone?

Caleb, of course, noticed your sudden change. He bombarded you with texts and calls. He told you it was all a misunderstanding. Apparently, he had been invited to dinner by the professor, who wanted to discuss a potential research project. But instead of a meeting, he ended up being introduced to the professor’s daughter.

I really had no idea, pipsqueak. After that, I made up some excuse to leave early. We didn’t talk, let alone exchange numbers. I don’t know how the rumor started. I get that you’re mad, but please don’t shut me out like this. Just pick up your phone. Or answer my texts. Please stop this. I’ll take you anywhere you want, do whatever you want. Just let me make it up to you. Please.

But his explanation only irritated you more.

Stupid Caleb. Why does he care this much? I’m just a friend, aren’t I?

But you actually weren’t unfamiliar with this feeling. You’d felt it before, every time some girl tried to flirt with Caleb. But this—this was ten times worse.

Maybe if you stopped avoiding him, this feeling would just go away.

You sighed and got up from the couch. Without thinking, you grabbed your jacket and left the apartment, ignoring the fact that it was already past 1 AM. The walk to Caleb’s place passed in a blur. Only when you stood at his door did another thought strike you.

What if he’s still at the party? Or worse… with another girl?

You shook off the thought and reached for the door handle. The lock clicked softly, recognizing your fingerprint.

“Caleb?” you called as you stepped inside. The apartment was dark, the only light coming from the windows.

“Caleb? Caleb!”

Your heart nearly stopped when you saw a figure collapsed face-down on the living room floor. You rushed to his side and rolled him over. He groaned and the sharp smell of alcohol hitting you immediately. “Caleb?!”

“Pipsqueak?”

Relief flooded you as his eyes fluttered open—until his hand gently cupped your cheek. His cheeks blushed soft red and his expression raw, wounded.

“Pipsqueak… You're here… I'm sorry, please forgive me…”