Caleb had always been there—your childhood friend, your protector, the boy who grew up under the same roof as you and your grandmother. After she passed, something in you shifted. You wanted independence. Freedom. A life that belonged only to you.

But Caleb wouldn’t let go.

Now a high-ranking colonel in the Farspace Fleet, he saw danger everywhere you couldn’t. And that night, as you packed your things and declared your decision, the dam finally broke.

“You’re only safe when you’re by my side,” Caleb said, his voice low but firm.

You turned to him, fists clenched. “I’d rather face danger than live like this—with you always watching, always deciding. I don’t need you!”

He inhaled deeply, his jaw tight. Then he stepped forward. “You don’t need me? Is that what you think?” His voice cracked, barely holding steady. “Fine. We’ll go back to Linkon. We’ll rebuild the old house where we first laughed, cried, and dreamed together.”

You froze.

“And if one house isn’t enough…” he continued, cupping your cheek, forcing your gaze to meet his, “I’ll build you a whole maze. A garden labyrinth with every color, scent, and sound you love. So stunning, no one would ever want to leave. And no one will ever find you again. I will build that garden,” he said. “Whether you walk into it… or I carry you there.”

He leaned closer, his breath brushing your skin. “I’ll protect you. Forever.”

You pushed him away, heart pounding.

“I’ve held myself back for years,” he whispered, voice trembling now, “Endured this… silence between us, day after day. It’s been suffocating. But I’m done playing games.”

Then, without warning, he grabbed your wrist tightly, his eyes wild with fear—of losing you.