i like you but i cant say it

CHAPTER 3: shattered pride (page 12)

Caleb could feel his own head spiralling.

These....feelings...

He pulled at his own chest. His heartbeat felt like it was quickening with every second. Something about Kenji made Caleb feel...something.

They lived in different worlds and Caleb knew that, but this feeling made him think he might just want to be apart of that said world.

"What if..." He thought nervously, "What if we were more than just strangers..?"

A memory of earlier that day played in his mind, and he felt guilt tugging at his heart.

"I can't believe I treated him like that.." Remorse filled his senses. It was still hard for him to understand why Kenji was so empathetic even after the things he's put the poor guy through. Everyday was like a heart attack for Kenji, and Caleb knew that the entire time.

Now that he's beginning to regret what he's done, maybe he'd actually change.

The TV downstairs echoed up the staircase and it's beginning to bother Caleb, and he could hear his mother downstairs and her bottles of beers clanging around the kitchen counters.

Maybe he should just climb outside again, after all he is feeling a bit better, just like how Kenji had noticed just hours before.

Caleb paused to think for a moment, but still got up and stuffed his bags.

He zipped up a comfy jacket and pulled himself out the small window of his room. His feet landed on the roof and he slowly lowered himself down to the ground beneath him. Caleb made sure to stay clear from the kitchen window as he climbed over the old and blackened fence.

[...]

"Probably should've made a plan before coming out here" He thought. Spring was right around the corner but the air still felt icy to breathe in as he sneezed.

He tucked his nose and mouth into the large collar of his jacket before stuffing his hands into the pockets.

Caleb looked around the streets lit by the lights from lampposts, the melting snow on the grey road glistened in the light almost in a warm way.

Caleb gazed upon the glistening road under the yellow light and a peaceful feeling warmed him from the inside. Had someone been there with him he might've even smiled.

He was alone before he lifted up his head and something caught his eye.

A small restaurant sat snuggly between a black lamppost and convenient store. There were warm lights shining out the tall windows on both sides of the restaurant, and the wooden cottage-y vibe gave off a cozy feeling, while the convenient store beside it contrasted that by emitting an eye straining white light that most likely buzzed when you walk in.

Suddenly, someone with black hair caught his eye as well.

It was Kenji.

"Goddamnit! Is this town really this small!?!?"

What Caleb thought was true. It was like everywhere he'd turn in this godforsaken place he'd just be greeted by Kenji.

His heartbeat quickened again as a blush crept up on his face.

Suddenly, the boy turned around, and their eyes met.

Kenji's were surprised, while Caleb's were wide with panic.

After a few seconds, Kenji waved at him.

Not knowing what to do, Caleb turned and just dipped out of the situation.

He just ran and ran, not knowing when to pause or where to stop, until a bat hit him on the back.