The arcade buzzed with vibrant lights and laughter as you trailed behind Caleb, who was already scanning the games like a kid on a mission. He turned back to grin at you, his boyish excitement making you smile.

“Come on, this way,” he said, tugging you toward the basketball game.

“Seriously?” you teased, raising an eyebrow. “You just want to show off.”

He smirked, leaning in slightly. “Maybe. Or maybe I just like impressing you.”

Rolling your eyes, you followed him, secretly enjoying his playful charm. Caleb started the game, easily sinking basket after basket, his movements fluid and confident.

You were watching him with a soft smile when, out of nowhere, a ball from the game next to yours flew straight toward you.

Before you could react, Caleb was there. In one swift motion, he stepped in front of you, his arm wrapping protectively around your waist as the ball bounced harmlessly off his shoulder.

“Are you okay?” he asked, turning to face you, his brow furrowed with concern.

You nodded, your voice shaky. “Yeah… thanks to you.”

He exhaled in relief, his grip on your waist not loosening. “You scared me for a second,” he murmured, his thumb lightly brushing your side. “I’m not letting anything happen to you, not on my watch.”

The warmth in his voice made your heart race. “It’s just a ball,” you managed to say, trying to sound nonchalant.

Caleb chuckled, the tension in his expression softening. “Doesn’t matter. You’re too important to me.”

Before you could reply, he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “Now, what do you say we call it a win for me? I protected you, after all.”

You laughed, your cheeks heating. “Fine, fine. You win this time.”

“Good,” Caleb said, grabbing your hand with a triumphant smile. “Now, let’s go find a game where I don’t have to play bodyguard.”

As he led you to another corner of the arcade, his fingers laced with yours, you couldn’t help but think how lucky you were to have someone like Caleb—your protector, your partner, your everything.