Chapter 5: Reset or Rewrite—Love Against the Script

I said softly, “Alright, let’s go home. I’ll put medicine on your wound.” It was the least I could do.

I took his uninjured hand, leading him out of the alley. The world felt brighter, safer, just having him by my side.

When I cleaned his wounds, Caleb didn’t even flinch. Instead, I was the one being extra careful, afraid to hurt him.

The smell of rubbing alcohol stung my nose, and my hands shook as I dabbed the cotton on his skin. Get it together, Savannah.

“Does it hurt?”

My voice was barely above a whisper.

“It’s fine.”

He shrugged, playing it cool. But I could see the tension in his jaw.

“But I think it must hurt.”

I bit my lip, hating that he always tried to act tough.

“Really, I’m okay.”

He gave me a crooked smile, trying to reassure me.

“Caleb, don’t fight anymore. It’s not good.”

I met his eyes, hoping he’d listen. He hesitated, then nodded.

He wanted to say something, but seeing my face, he just nodded. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

His words were soft, but I could tell he meant them. My heart squeezed tight.

After bandaging him up, I remembered Marisol’s instructions and tried to test his feelings toward Riley.

I cleared my throat, trying to sound casual. “So, uh, Riley must’ve been really scared today…”

“Mm.” He waited for me to go on.

He leaned back, watching me. I fidgeted with the gauze, searching for the right words.

I paused, but he didn’t react. “Don’t you have any thoughts?”

He looked puzzled. “Why bring her up all of a sudden?”

He seemed genuinely confused, and I felt a wave of relief.

“Aren’t you desk mates?” I fiddled with the gauze, pretending to be casual. “Desk mates… usually end up dating, right?”

I tried to sound nonchalant, but my voice wavered. Caleb just shook his head, amused.

He took the gauze from my hand and put it back in the box, replying calmly, “Savannah, what are you thinking? I just see her as a regular classmate.” Like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

So Caleb really had no interest in Riley. I felt relieved—though I wasn’t sure if it was because Marisol’s future quests would go smoothly, or for another reason.

I tried to tell myself it didn’t matter, but the truth was, I was happy. Maybe too happy.

Then Caleb said, “Isn’t it more likely for us, since we live together?”

His voice was teasing, but there was an edge of vulnerability. I froze, unsure how to respond.

I was stunned. “More likely for what?”

I blinked, caught off guard by his boldness.

“To catch feelings.”

He leaned in, bracing himself with one hand beside me. “How is it different?” Way too close.

I blurted out, “That’s different!”

I jumped to my feet, putting distance between us. My face was burning.

He was so close, I could see every fleck of gold in his eyes. My breath hitched, and I looked away.

Too close—way too close. Even looking at each other felt too intimate, like the distance was only right for something else. I watched as his eyes darkened, gaze trailing down my face. His breath was uneven.

His lips were so close, I could feel the warmth of his breath. I wanted to move, but my feet wouldn’t cooperate.

“Sav, I…”

His voice was raw, full of longing. I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to close the gap between us.

I suddenly stood up. “A-anyway, it’s different. We can’t!”

I grabbed my bag and bolted, leaving Caleb standing there, looking lost. My heart ached, but I knew I had to keep my distance—for both our sakes.

That’s right, I still had to help Marisol finish her quests and keep Caleb from dying. He can’t fall for me! While his feelings were just starting, I had to cut them off now, while I still could.

I hugged myself, repeating the words like a mantra. I had to do this. I had to let him go.

I bit my lip, forcing myself not to go back and comfort him. This was for his own good. Or so I told myself. Yeah, right.

I steeled myself and said coldly, “From now on, don’t do things like this again.”

I forced the words out, even though they tasted bitter. Caleb’s face fell, and I hated myself for hurting him.

Before leaving, I looked back. Caleb stayed where he was, looking disappointed and hurt.

He didn’t move, just stared at the floor. I wanted to run back and hug him, but I forced myself to keep walking.

I sat on the monkey bars, drinking chocolate milk and sharing info with Marisol. After I told her about the alley, she gasped. “Oh my God, that was so dangerous!”

She looked at me like I’d just told her I’d wrestled a bear. I shrugged, trying to downplay it, but my hands still shook.

I said, “Caleb really doesn’t have feelings for Riley. You don’t need to worry about her.”

I tried to sound reassuring, but the memory of Caleb’s eyes that day haunted me.

Then I remembered Caleb’s look that day… I shook my head, trying to clear those images.