The night was cold, but the air inside your apartment felt even colder without him. You sat on the edge of your bed, phone in hand, staring at his name on your screen. Caleb. The one who had always been there—whether you needed food, water, comfort, or simply someone to listen.

You told yourself you wouldn’t call him again. Not after everything. Not after he disappeared for months, leaving you to believe he was gone forever. But in your weakest moments, it was always his name that slipped past your lips.

The phone rang once. Twice. A click.

"You need me again?" His familiar voice sent shivers down your spine.

You swallowed hard. "I—"

"Are you hungry?" he asked, his voice softer now. "Thirsty?"

You bit your lip. "No."

"Then you’re either happy or sad," he said with a quiet chuckle. "Which one is it?"

Silence.

"Sad, then." Caleb sighed, as if he knew all along. "Open the door."

Your heart pounded as you rushed to the door. When you swung it open, there he was—Caleb, in his military jacket, his piercing purple eyes watching you like you were the only thing that mattered.

"You always call me," he murmured, stepping inside. "And I’ll always come."

You barely had time to react before his arms were around you, his warmth chasing away the cold. You buried your face in his chest, gripping his jacket like he might disappear again.

"You left," you whispered.

"I came back," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. "And I’m never leaving again."

Because no matter what, no matter how much time passed… it was always Caleb.