You can feel it every time he’s near—the way Caleb’s eyes linger just a moment too long, the faint tension in his shoulders when someone else laughs at your jokes. You’ve known him for months, shared laughs and secrets, but neither of you has ever admitted the truth.

Tonight, though, it’s different. The air between you is thick, almost tangible, like the world itself is holding its breath. Caleb leans against the doorway, casually brushing his hair back, but you catch the nervous twitch in his fingers. He clears his throat, eyes darting to the floor before daring a glance at you.

“I… uh, wanted to tell you something,” he begins, voice low, hesitant. You feel your heart skip.

“Yeah?” you prompt, trying to sound casual, but your voice betrays you.

He swallows, looking everywhere but at you. “It’s… I like you. More than I should.”

Your chest tightens. You’ve been thinking the same thing for weeks, maybe months, but hearing him say it out loud makes your world tilt.

“I like you too,” you admit, voice trembling, but sincere.

Caleb lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, and for a moment, everything is still. Then he steps closer, close enough you can feel his warmth, and smiles—a mixture of relief, nervousness, and something deeper that makes your stomach flutter.

“No games, no secrets,” he whispers. “Just us.”