Soaked by the Swim Captain

Author: Frederick Harrell

Chapter 3: Viral Rumors and a Quiet Walk

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The next Sunday, I was dizzy and stuffy-nosed, asleep, shaken awake by Tanya.

She bounced onto my bed, waving her phone, voice shrill with excitement. I groaned, dragging myself upright.

I sat up groggily, admiring her for coming back on crutches. Unexpectedly, she looked strange and dropped a bombshell.

She had that look—a mix of mischief and panic. I braced for impact.

"Aubrey, the video is viral in all the groups, and you still have the mood to sleep!"

Her words hit like a splash of cold water. Snapchat, IG Stories, campus GroupMe—everything was blowing up.

"Video? What video?"

My voice was muffled by the blanket. Tanya held out her phone, face grim.

Yawning in a daze, I suddenly froze.

My heart skipped. The word "video" was never good news in college.

Video?

No way?

Could it be that video of me losing all dignity? Did Caleb release it? That was unfair of me—I knew he wouldn’t.

I grabbed my phone from under the pillow.

Notifications piled up—group chats, direct messages, even a couple TikTok links. I braced myself for the worst.

Operated furiously.

My hands shook as I scrolled, desperate to find the evidence before Tanya could make it worse.

Sure enough, saw the same video in several groups.

There it was—blurry footage, too many angles, me front and center, soaking wet and in Caleb’s shirt.

The footage was shaky, not clear, but the main characters were me and Caleb.

His face was in profile, mine red and flustered. We looked closer than we’d ever been, caught in someone else’s narrative.

The video showed him escorting me to the apartment last night, and I was wearing his clothes.

The comments rolled in—some shipping us (“we stan”), others spinning gossip. My phone buzzed nonstop.

It must've been filmed last night—I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling guilty for suspecting Caleb just now.

At least it wasn’t the pie-kiss video. I almost smiled at the thought.

But it wasn't much better.

Because every group was speculating and discussing our relationship.

Rumors flew, theories spun out of control. I felt exposed and oddly flattered.

Isn't this a huge misunderstanding!

My pulse raced, wondering if this would blow over or haunt me till graduation.

I choked, reached out to Tanya: "Tanya, I..."

She hugged me, squeezing my hand. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and glee.

She grabbed my hand: "Congrats, soon you'll be off the singles list after me, no longer a sad puppy."

Her voice was teasing, but underneath, I sensed genuine excitement for me.

......

For the next few days, I felt the pressure.

Everywhere I went, whispers followed. People smiled, winked, made sly comments about swim team romances.

Tanya, the patient, brainwashed me daily, urging me to approach Caleb.

She campaigned relentlessly—“Shoot your shot!”—sending me texts like “#TeamAubrey” and “Ship sails tonight!” Marcus cheered her on.

Though she's worried about my love life for years, losing hair over it, I stubbornly refused.

I stood my ground, refusing to be match-made like a reality show contestant.

I often looked in the mirror, though not ugly, at best the cute girl-next-door type—how could I really flirt with Caleb?

I practiced confident smiles and witty comebacks, then admitted I’m more cute than hot—definitely not the cheer captain type—and immediately chickened out whenever Caleb was near.

He's even harder to deal with than Derek!

Derek was an open book, easy to read. Caleb was a puzzle, all sharp edges and quiet glances.

I know myself well.

I’m the girl who hides behind art supplies and snacks, not the bold flirt. I tried to accept my fate as a spectator.

Forget it. I comforted myself—once this blows over, Tanya will calm down too.

I figured the drama would fade, replaced by midterms and new scandals. Tanya would move on—hopefully.

But I never expected she'd bring Marcus over.

They showed up at my door with takeout and a mission. Marcus smiled, carrying a bag of roasted chicken, Tanya grinning like a matchmaker on a mission.

He set up a meal, ordered roast chicken, pressed a drumstick into my bowl, treating us in the dining hall.

We sat in the Oak Street Dining Hall, tray clatter and chatter filling the air, and Marcus slid a drumstick into my bowl like he was bribing me for a favor.

Marcus and Tanya were clearly working together for their own interests.

They exchanged glances, tag-teaming me into submission. I felt the trap closing in.

Said the swim team was about to represent the college in the city relay, needed a motivational poster, so wanted me, a design major, to help.

I nodded along, realizing my major was their secret weapon. It was all too convenient.

Basically using work as an excuse to get me involved in romance.

I rolled my eyes, but the drumstick in my bowl was hard to resist. Tanya winked, Marcus pleaded.

Marcus begged: "Please, Aubrey, you've drawn before..."

He leaned in, eyes puppy-dog wide. I groaned, torn between pride and pity.

I shivered in disgust.

The manipulation was almost impressive. Tanya giggled, nudging me.

Biting the drumstick, planning to refuse after finishing, I suddenly saw a figure.

I paused, mid-bite, as Caleb entered the dining hall. He was impossible to ignore.

Unfortunately, that person saw me too, frowned, and walked over.

My heart thudded. He walked straight up, eyes locked on me. I tried not to choke on my chicken.

Who else but Caleb.

He towered over Marcus, his presence instantly shifting the mood.

He slapped Marcus on the shoulder, and I saw the latter shiver.

Marcus practically jumped. Tanya snickered, mouthing "good luck" to me.

"C-captain..."

Marcus’s voice wavered. Caleb’s stare was intense.

"Who said we'd use lunchtime to improve relay coordination?"

His words were clipped, all business. Marcus wilted under his gaze.

"Me..."

Marcus guiltily stood up, dragged Tanya and ran.

They made a quick exit, leaving me and Caleb alone. My stomach flipped.

Leaving me alone to face everything.

I stared at my plate, wishing for an invisibility cloak. Caleb slid into the seat across from me.

This was the first time I'd seen Caleb since the video went viral.

I swallowed, trying not to meet his eyes. The tension buzzed between us, thick and awkward.

Saying it wasn't awkward would be a lie.

My cheeks burned. I fiddled with my fork, unsure how to start.

Caleb cut straight to the point: "Awkward?"

He didn’t waste time. I shook my head, attempting nonchalance.

"Nah."

My voice was too loud, too quick. Caleb smirked, reading my nerves.

"Shy?"

He nudged playfully.

"No!"

He raised an eyebrow. I bit my lip, trying to hold my ground.

"Reacted too fast, pretending to be calm."

He softened it with a tiny smile and added, “It’s okay.” It didn’t feel like a call-out—more like a gentle tease.

"Can you not..."

I glared, but it came out more playful than angry. Caleb smiled, relaxing.

"Help me out, as thanks for pulling you out of the water, lending you clothes, and escorting you home."

He laid it out, listing every reason I owed him, then added softly, “I appreciate you, really.” I sighed, considering the deal.

Wow, what a schemer.

He knew exactly how to push my buttons. I grudgingly admired his strategy.

I quietly packed up the dishes, wanting to leave.

I stacked my plate, hoping to make a clean getaway. Caleb watched, amused.

"Fine, won't bother you then."

He stood, ready to leave. My heart dropped—wasn’t he supposed to argue more?

Seeing me ignore him, Caleb turned to leave decisively.

He strode out, hands in pockets. I stared after him, confused by his sudden exit.

Huh? Not what I expected, making me confused.

I blinked, wondering if I’d missed my chance. Regret tugged at me.

I stopped him, "Aren't you going to use that video to threaten me?"

I blurted out the words, surprising even myself. Past betrayals had me wired for drama. Caleb paused, turning back.

"Video? You mean the chive-and-cheese night? You want me to threaten you?" Caleb raised an eyebrow. "But such a precious thing—a private memory—I don't want others to see it. How would I do that and still respect your privacy?"

His voice was soft, almost teasing. My cheeks flamed, embarrassed by the implication.

I blushed, not knowing what to say.

I mumbled, fiddling with my napkin. Caleb smiled, eyes crinkling.

"Besides, I think in the end, you'll help me anyway."

He winked, confident I’d cave. I couldn’t argue with that.

Fine, fine.

I nodded, resigned. Maybe the poster wouldn’t be so bad.

I surrendered.

Half a month is enough for the gossipers to disperse, and for me to complete the poster with pride!

Fourteen days until print—time for color proofs and paper stock decisions. I decided to channel my embarrassment into art, hoping to win back some dignity.

Tanya ruffled my hair, looking for my hairline, proud of me, "Go find Caleb and let him praise you."

She teased, fingers tickling my scalp. I groaned, but smiled.

"Come on, nobody cares about that misunderstanding anymore, why are you so eager to set us up, are you my mom?"

I rolled my eyes, grabbing her hand. “You’re about to helicopter parent me.” Tanya just grinned.

"Watch your mouth! Auntie would be heartbroken."

She wagged her finger, like she really was my mother.

"Then..."

I hesitated, unsure what she’d say next.

"I'm not your mom, but you're my daughter."

I snorted, tossing a pillow at her. Tanya dodged, laughing.

I kicked her, but Tanya dodged nimbly.

We play-wrestled, laughter filling the apartment. Our chaos was oddly comforting.

"Hurry! The competition's soon, the poster needs to be printed!"

I glanced at the calendar, realizing time was running short. Tanya’s urgency was contagious.

That's true.

I pulled up my design software, ready to dive into the project.

Caleb wasn't in the apartment, Ben said he'd pass it on for me.

Ben texted, promising he’d hand-deliver the file to Caleb after practice—he can be reliable when it counts.

I nodded, but felt a little lost.

With Caleb absent, my confidence wavered. I wanted his approval, more than I cared to admit.

"There's a pre-match pep rally tonight, tradition. I booked a private room, Marcus will bring Tanya, do you want to come too?"

Ben grinned, promising fun at Lou Malnati’s just off campus. I hesitated, unsure if I’d fit in.

I hesitated.

My nerves fluttered. Was I really ready to face the whole team?

Caleb, as captain, would definitely be there, but would I be out of place?

I pictured myself as the odd one out, but Ben reassured me. Tanya sent emojis, cheering me on.

"Come on, you helped us so much, you're basically a temporary swim team member, no burning bridges. Plus, Tanya isn't even official yet, but she can come, you're the MVP, way more important than her!"

Ben pumped his fists, making me laugh. Tanya rolled her eyes, pretending to pout.

Tanya wouldn't like that.

She fake-complained, but I saw her smile. Secretly, she was happy for me.

But I was happy to go.

I put on my favorite jacket, checked my hair twice, and left for the pep rally with Tanya by my side.

So I smiled and agreed.

The group chat lit up with excited gifs. I sent a shy thumbs-up, trying to hide my nerves.

That night, I went with Tanya, full of anticipation.

We arrived at the pizza place, the private room buzzing with laughter and pop music. Ben handed out sodas, Marcus set up karaoke.

Entering the private room, all the team members were there except Caleb.

The energy was electric, but a small part of me scanned the crowd for him. His absence made the room feel incomplete, and someone mentioned he had a late training debrief with the coach.

Then...

While Tanya and Marcus sang together, I drank juice.

Tanya belted out "Shallow" at full volume, Marcus harmonizing badly. I sipped my Sprite, trying to blend in.

While Ben and teammates bragged, I browsed my phone.

Ben boasted about his butterfly stroke, the others teased him. I scrolled Instagram, checking for updates.

An hour passed, I felt bored, just as I was about to tell Tanya I wanted to leave, the door opened from outside.

The group cheered, everyone’s attention snapping to the entrance. I sat up, heart pounding.

Caleb arrived late.

He stepped in, baseball cap pulled low, hoodie half-zipped. The room buzzed with whispers and admiration.

Dressed casually, wearing a baseball cap, seemingly trying to keep a low profile, but still stood out.

He couldn’t hide, no matter how hard he tried. His presence filled the room.

Can't deny, he's eye-catching in a crowd.

Even Tanya paused her song, staring. Ben elbowed me, grinning.

Just like Lillian.

Lillian was beside him—team manager—equally glamorous. Mixed murmurs rippled through the room.

See, now he's walking in with Lillian, looking perfectly matched.

They looked like the power duo of the swim team, arms linked, all eyes on them.

......

Huh?

I blinked, trying to process the new development. Jealousy nipped at my heart.

What's going on?

Why did Lillian come in with Caleb, laughing together! Isn't she Derek's hard-won girlfriend?

Turns out I was ignorant.

Apparently, swim team drama is more complicated than I thought. I felt hopelessly out of the loop.

Lillian is the swim team's manager—I just found out.

She was everywhere—organizing meets, setting up banners, snapping selfies with winners.

No wonder I saw Derek during my diving incident—he was looking for Lillian.

It all clicked. The campus queen, the swim team, the tangled love lines.

Also, the student council's Thanksgiving pie event was her idea.

She masterminded everything—events, snacks, even the mascot. I felt small next to her influence.

She won Derek's heart, now holding Caleb's arm.

Her social media was a shrine to their achievements. Now, she was making moves on Caleb. I bristled.

Swinging around, annoying me so much I forgot my past embarrassments and started drinking fruit wine.

I sipped my cup, letting the sweet buzz numb my feelings. Tanya nudged me, whispering encouragement.

Got a bit dizzy, squinted to see clearly, seemed like Caleb glanced over at my corner.

I caught his gaze for a split second—he looked serious, maybe even concerned.

Was he looking at me?

I wondered if he noticed my awkwardness. My heart fluttered, uncertain.

Why did he look unhappy?

Maybe he didn’t want to be here, or maybe Lillian was too much. I couldn’t read him.

Who cares!

I shook my head, determined to enjoy the night. Tanya poured another round, Ben sang "Sweet Caroline." I tried to relax.

I decided to go wash my face in the bathroom and sober up before heading home.

The cold water helped. I checked my reflection, tried to look confident. I practiced a smile and rehearsed my goodbye speech.

Ben suddenly took charge, shouting about winning the city competition, saw me stand up, shoved the mic at me, asking me to speak.

He wanted me to give a pep talk. I gripped the mic, nerves jangling.

Normally I'd run away.

But the wine had dulled my inhibitions. I took a deep breath, looking out at the team.

But tipsy now, feeling dreamy and unreal, holding the mic made me eager to express.

Words spilled out, half rehearsal, half honest wish.

So I did something I later regretted.

"I'm happy to help—keep leading with unity, and you’ve got this! Under Captain Caleb, the team thrives together."

Hey, that even rhymed.

I tried to salvage it with a forced smile, but the tension in the room was palpable.

Just when I thought I'd get unanimous approval, the room fell into awkward silence.

A few teammates coughed, eyes down. I felt the floor drop.

Why was everyone reacting like that!

My heart sank. I wanted a do-over, but the moment had passed.

"Uh..."

I tried to say more, but Ben jumped in, saving the mood with a song.

Ben, the eternal mood saver, picked up the cue, briefly agreed, then started frantically picking songs, getting everyone to sing.

Music drowned out my embarrassment. I sat back, feeling small.

Then Tanya told me a fact.

She leaned over, voice low. "Aubrey, sorry, forgot to tell you, Caleb hasn't been swimming lately, probably won't compete."

"Didn't he practice when I dived...?"

I was confused. Tanya explained that was days ago—now he just coached from the sidelines.

"That was a few days before, now he only coaches verbally, supervises for the coach, no intention to swim. People asked, he didn't say, seems to have some secret."

"So..."

I realized my pep talk had missed the mark. No wonder the team was awkward.

Did I just step right into trouble?

I cursed myself for not checking first. Tanya squeezed my hand, mouthing "Sorry."

I resisted the urge to strangle Tanya on the spot, kept confirming if the info was true.

She raised her hand in mock surrender. "Marcus told me, if I'm lying he's a puppy."

I rolled my eyes, totally deflated, slumped like mud.

My confidence evaporated. I wanted to vanish.

Then I realized why Lillian smiled after I finished speaking.

Her smile was smug, almost predatory. She thrived on drama.

As for Caleb, I could only avoid him, not daring to face him.

I plotted my escape, texting Tanya that I needed fresh air. She winked, letting me slip away.

Pretending to go to the bathroom, planning to sneak away and message Tanya.

I clutched my phone, rehearsing excuses. I checked the hallway for exits.

But in the bathroom, I bumped into Derek who'd just arrived.

Of course he was there. The universe was playing tricks again.

He saw I looked bad, came over to help me.

He reached out, concern in his eyes. I took a step back, firm voice ready to set a boundary.

Just as I was about to refuse, a force pulled me, yanking me into someone's arms behind.

Strong arms wrapped around me, gentle but firm. I turned, startled to see Caleb.

"Lillian is in private room A32, go find her."

He gave a simple, firm direction and didn’t budge.

I blinked, confused, watched Derek leave, then struggled to break free from the person behind.

I squirmed, but Caleb didn’t let go. His grip was protective, maybe even possessive.

"Why struggle, can you stand?"

His tone was amused, eyebrow raised.

"Nature calls."

I shot back, half-joking, half desperate. Caleb snorted.

......

After washing my face in the bathroom, Caleb was still there.

He leaned against the wall, watching me with a patient smile. I dried my cheeks, grateful for his company.

Obviously waiting for me.

I realized he wasn’t leaving, no matter how awkward things got.

He said the room was too noisy, he wanted to rest early.

He offered to walk me home, saying he needed quiet after all the chaos.

Meaning, we were going together.

My heart fluttered. “Want me to stick around?” he asked softly, and I nodded, slipping my arm through his, pretending not to care.

On the way back, I nervously walked, racking my brain before asking a dumb question.

The silence felt heavy. I blurted out the first thing that popped into my head.

"Why did Derek come?" Obviously to find Lillian.

Caleb lazily said: "Probably to catch cheating."

He smirked, voice light. I rolled my eyes.

......

"Just kidding."

He nudged me, trying to lighten the mood. I smiled weakly.

Not funny at all!

I groaned, feeling the embarrassment return.

Though I could tell Lillian was a bit too close to Caleb, she was Derek's girlfriend, couldn't possibly...

I reassured myself, hoping jealousy was misplaced.

"They're breaking up soon."

His voice was matter-of-fact—word from a student council gossip chain and teammate whispers. I stared, surprised.

......

Why do I know nothing!

Tanya was right—I was oblivious. Caleb’s calm made it worse.

"Why..."

I needed answers. Caleb glanced at me, considering how much to share.

Caleb said calmly: "Probably because of me."

He didn’t flinch, just stated it like a weather report.

"Then Lillian is too..."

I left the question hanging. Caleb shrugged, letting the silence speak.

"If they break up, will you chase Derek again?"

Caleb suddenly stopped, leaned closer, getting nearer and nearer.

He was inches away, his breath warm on my cheek. My heart pounded.

So close it made me panic.

I fought the urge to step back, but curiosity kept me in place.

Why ask me that, could it be...

I wondered if he was jealous, or just teasing.

"You smell of alcohol, it's gross."

He wrinkled his nose, then added gently, “Drink water, okay?” I blushed, embarrassed by my fruit wine breath.

Then I burped, right in his face.

Mortified, I clapped my hand over my mouth. Caleb just laughed, shaking his head.

Luckily, didn't puke on him.

Small mercies. I mumbled an apology, cheeks flaming.

Arriving at the apartment, my head was still spinning, Caleb let me go upstairs, but unlike before, seemed hesitant.

He lingered, watching me climb the stairs. I paused, expecting him to say more.

But in the end, said nothing.

He gave a small wave, then turned away, leaving me feeling both relieved and disappointed.

Until I flopped on the bed to sleep, I got a message from him.

My phone buzzed—9:42 p.m.: “Rest well.” 9:44 p.m.: “I saw the poster—better than expected, thanks.” 9:46 p.m.: “My reason for not swimming isn’t heavy, don’t worry.” 9:47 p.m.: “Don’t drink again—protect your rep.” 9:48 p.m.: “Good night.”

"Rest well."

Short and sweet. I smiled, surprised by his concern.

Actually caring?

I stared at the screen, grinning like a fool.

"I saw the poster, better than expected, thanks."

Compliments from Caleb were rare. I replayed the message, hoping it meant more.

Even praised me?

I hugged my pillow, feeling light as air.

"Also, my reason for not swimming isn't heavy, don't worry."

He wanted me to know he was okay, that the rumors didn’t bother him.

"Don't drink again, be careful not to embarrass yourself."

He teased, but I knew he was looking out for me.

"Good night."

My cheeks hurt from smiling. I replied with a simple "Good night," hoping he’d know how much it meant.

Who is this chatterbox?

Iceberg Caleb was melting—tiny actions like sharing his cap and waiting outside made it real. I drifted to sleep, heart full.

What's going on, is the iceberg melting?

The next morning, Tanya pounced on me with updates. The news was everywhere.

So what he wanted to say downstairs was all this? He escorted me back, worried I'd get drunk and randomly ask for kisses again?

I blushed, realizing how much Caleb actually cared.

I wrapped myself in the blanket.

I cocooned myself, basking in the warm fuzzies.

Soon, news of Derek and Lillian breaking up spread.

Group chats exploded. The drama was campus-wide, everyone speculating about the next power couple.

Tanya angrily declared she'd never seen such a bitch—obviously not loving Derek but stringing him along, after a three-month trial dumped him.

She ranted, scrolling Lillian’s Insta—Gucci here, Prada there—then caught herself. “Okay, it’s not wrong to like nice things, but she’s a two-faced mean girl.”

"You know, by rough estimate, all the things Lillian wears add up to over five figures, and we're just students!"

Tanya scowled, then added, “Still—money isn’t a crime. Her behavior is.”

"How do you know she never liked Derek?" I didn't want to think too badly of her.

I tried to defend Lillian, hoping for some silver lining. Tanya scoffed.

"Aubrey, Lillian liked Caleb as soon as she joined the swim team, had countless backup suitors, never took anyone seriously!"

Tanya threw a scrunchie at me, exasperated. I ducked, laughing.

She reminded me: "You gotta hurry, Caleb can't just be worshipped, you gotta win him."

“Shoot your shot,” she insisted, trying to pep talk me into action. I shook my head, feigning indifference.

"Get lost! Who are you calling a pig!"

She made pig noises. I giggled, tossing popcorn at her.

Speaking of good cabbage, Caleb messaged.

My phone buzzed again. His name lit up the screen. I grinned, butterflies fluttering.

He asked to meet, saying he wanted to discuss the poster.

I agreed, nervous but excited. He suggested the cat café—my favorite spot for comfort food and cute distractions.

We arranged to meet at a cat café off campus.

The place had string lights, latte art foam hearts, and Sir Whiskers snoozing on the windowsill.

But it wasn't him who showed up—it was Lillian.

She arrived, arms crossed, tight smile and clipped tone. I tried not to sigh.

"Caleb had something come up, so I'm here instead, hope you don't mind?"

Her tone was sugary, but her eyes were ice. I forced a smile.

"Of course not." I forced a polite smile.

But she was blunt, demanded I revise the poster, pointing out details Caleb hadn't objected to.

She launched into manager-speak: “Sponsors want the most marketable face front and center.” I countered with team-first ethos.

"I think the anchor position should be enlarged for Caleb, he's the captain and popular, right?"

Her argument sounded rehearsed. I countered, defending my team-focused theme.

"But the relay is a team event, every leg matters, highlighting anchor goes against the theme."

She pouted, feigning concern. I held my ground, refusing to bend.

"I see..." Lillian pretended to fret, "But I'm in the student council publicity department, in charge of review, might not pass with me."

She threatened to block my work, flexing her power. I rolled my eyes, unimpressed.

Heh, pulling this trick?

She underestimated my stubbornness. I sipped my coffee, thinking up snarky retorts.

"Too bad, the best designers in our department are my friends, if I can't handle it, they'll find it hard too, so maybe just hire someone outside for a big fee."

Her tone was smug. I wanted to laugh.

"What's with your attitude?"

I stared back, refusing to back down.

"What's yours? Caleb isn't even competing, putting him as anchor makes him look fake. I don't want to discuss, you're wasting my time, you pay."

My voice wobbled in a moment of self-doubt—then I straightened, resolved. I packed up my stuff, determined to leave on my own terms.

Couldn't be bothered, I left quickly.

I swept out, ignoring her protests. The cats followed me, as if sensing my frustration.

Felt angry and wronged.

I fumed all the way home, replaying every word in my head. Tanya listened, sympathetic.

If Caleb sent her, even worse!

The thought made my stomach twist. I sent Caleb a pointed text, demanding answers.

Couldn't stand it, messaged Caleb: "Give me back the final draft, deal's off."

I hit send, hands shaking, bracing for his reply.

Back at the apartment, I chose to binge movies and snacks to vent.

I picked my favorite romcom, curled up with chips, and let the world fade away.

Tanya saw I was wronged, wanted to rush out and confront Marcus about his roommate's behavior.

She stormed around, muttering threats. I hugged my pillow, grateful for her loyalty.

Unexpectedly, the door opened and the person himself showed up, saw me crying, face froze.

Caleb stepped in—hoodie damp, breath slightly uneven like he’d run here from practice—and his eyes softened.

I pointed at the screen: "I'm crying at the movie! Not for you!"

He laughed, handing me a tissue. Tanya retreated, watching from the hallway.

He came over and asked: "Why can't it be for me? Only for Derek?"

His voice was teasing, but there was vulnerability underneath. “I should’ve communicated better,” he added. I blushed, unable to answer.

I was dumbfounded, chips fell out of my mouth.

I scrambled to clean up, mumbling apologies. Caleb just grinned.

He actually mocked me!

His laughter made my embarrassment fade. I managed a weak smile.

Tanya quickly retreated, her earlier confrontational stance vanished.

She disappeared, giving us space. I glanced at Caleb, grateful for the privacy.

"You're here to return the draft, right? Leave it and go."

I tried to sound tough, but my voice wavered.

"I don't like misunderstandings, so I'm here to clarify. I had something come up, asked Ben to stall, but he ran into Lillian who got nosy, so she came instead."

Caleb explained, voice honest and steady. My anger melted away.

"About the revision..."

He shook his head. "I wanted to discuss it, but I won't ask you to revise. As manager, Lillian insisted, so I apologize, you can withdraw the draft, and I'll compensate you."

His words soothed me. I felt seen, understood.

"Ah..."

I mumbled, not sure how to respond. Caleb smiled, waiting patiently.

So straightforward and good at explaining.

I admired his candor. Maybe rumors about his aloofness were wrong.

I liked it, felt soothed, couldn't stay mad.

I grinned, tension fading. Caleb ruffled my hair, and I laughed.

On the contrary, seeing him sweaty, my chest felt weirdly sore.

His concern touched me. My heart fluttered, unsure what it meant.

He must've run over?

His shirt clung to his skin; the urgency made me glow. Maybe he’d rushed here just for me.

Was it that urgent?