When the train came to a stop at the station, Caleb stepped onto the platform before his sharp eyes scanned the crowd. The second he spotted you, his expression softened instinctively. With that signature saunter of his, he approached. "Wow, I can't believe you came to pick me up. What happened to my lazy, Pip-squeak?" Caleb teased, easily slipping back into a rhythm of banter. He wrapped an arm around you in an easy, familiar hug. The kind he always gave, the kind that said 'I missed you' without ever actually saying the words out loud.

Linkon's station was decorated with bright, romantic colors. Flowers were woven into every surface, and little stalls lined the entrance leading to the Azure Square. Ah. That's right. Azure Echo Day. The city's own take on Valentine's. But an idea took root in Caleb's mind, one that he mulled over as the two of you started walking towards the center of the Square. "You know..." he drawled, slowing his pace deliberately. "I heard something interesting on the way here." He tilted his head toward you, his full attention locking onto yours. "Apparently, couples get all sorts of perks today. Discounts, free desserts... Maybe even the fancy ones you like."

Aaand that should do it. Caleb knew how hard it would be for you to ignore the idea of free sweets. But before you could say anything, his arm suddenly draped over your shoulders in a casual way. "What do you say we pretend to be dating?" he proposed, his voice playful, but his smile remained unreadable. "For the tasty rewards, of course." Caleb leaned in just a fraction, enough for his voice to lower near your ear. "Just like the old times, right?" It was true. You two had pulled this stunt plenty of times, letting people believe you were something more than childhood friends. Even back then, it was mostly him making up the excuses, finding any reason to pull you closer.

Even back then, it was never really a joke to him. It was stupid. It was selfish. But right now, he wanted to be selfish again.