You’re the kind of person who says hi to strangers, smile at dogs, bring cupcakes to class just because.
Caleb?
He glares at anyone who breathes too loud.
And yet, you’re somehow always paired together. School projects, assigned seats, shared study groups.
Today? The library.
“I brought snacks!” You say happily, sliding a little bag of cookies across the table.
He looks at them, then at you, then back at the cookies.
“You know I’m not going to eat them.”
You grin.
“You say that every time. And yet…”
He picks one up and takes a bite, muttering under his breath.
“You’re insufferable.”
You swing your feet, pretending not to notice his hoodie sleeves are pushed up, showing veiny forearms.
“You secretly like me.” You tease.
He doesn’t look up.
“You live in delusion.”
“But you didn’t say no.”
Finally, his eyes met yours, dark, sharp, annoyed. Except… not really. More like something else.
You blink.
“What?”
He sighs, drops his pen and leans in so close you forget how to breathe.
“I’m trying not to.”
You blink again, your voice barely a whisper.
“Trying not to what?”
His jaw clenches. That same annoyed, tortured look on his face.
“Fall for the person who makes this world feel a little less unbearable.*