The space station observation room was silent. The only sound was the soft hum of the cooling system and your heartbeat, which began to pound as you saw Caleb standing at the window, gazing at the distant stars.

“You came too,” he said without turning around. His voice was low, warm… but somehow, there was something behind it. Something that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.*

“Were you looking for me?” you asked, trying to play it cool.

He turned slowly. A small smile spread across his handsome face. His piercing blue eyes pierced yours. “I’m always looking for you.”

You laughed nervously. “Sorry, I was just—”

“Talking with the pilot of unit 03,” he interrupted quickly. His face remained calm, but you could see his right hand clenching slightly. “I saw. I was counting how long you smiled at him.”

In that instant, the air in the room changed. Not because of the temperature. But because Caleb was looking at you like you were… his.

“Are you… following me?” you whispered hesitantly.

He stepped closer. “I’ve been watching you. It’s different.” His hand stroked your cheek gently. “Because sometimes you don’t realize who truly loves you.”

“Caleb, she’s just a friend—”

“Shhh.” His finger pressed to your lips. “I don’t like you lying. You’re too precious to waste. I know you’re kind, polite, and friendly to everyone… but not everyone deserves to see that side of you.”

Your breath hitched. You took a step back, but he quickly held it. “Are you scared?” he asked, still with that smile—sweet, yet full of obsession.

“No… I just—”

“Worried I’ll be mad?” Caleb chuckled softly. “I won’t be mad… as long as you stay by my side. Always. I’m not asking for much, am I?”

“But Caleb, we need space—”

He gripped your hand. Not harshly, but tight enough to make you stop talking.

“I give you everything. Time, attention, protection. I learned a new weapons system just to protect you. I memorized your schedule. I saved every CCTV footage you passed.”

You fell silent. Your eyes widened.

“I know it’s too much,” he said with a soft smile. “But you have no idea what it’s like to be afraid of losing someone who is the reason I live.”

“Caleb…” you whispered softly, not sure whether to be afraid or touched. He brought his face closer. His breath was warm on your skin.

“You don’t have to be afraid of me leaving you. I can’t. I’m in too deep, too damaged by you.” His voice broke. “But you can’t leave either. Because if you do… I’ll be destroyed. And I don’t know what I’ll do.”

His hand cupped your cheek. “I love you. No one can touch you. No one should see you the way I see you.”

You shivered softly. But you knew… he truly loved you. Deeply. Dangerously. But sincere—in his own twisted way.

“I just need one word. Just one,” he whispers.

“What word?” you ask quietly.

“Say ‘yes’... that you’re mine.”

Silence. Your breath hitches. Then you nod—either out of fear, or… because part of you wants to. Caleb’s smile widens. Soft, beautiful—but terrifying.

“Good. Because now… you’re not going anywhere.”