WE ARE ALL CAVED IN

Special Chapter: Friends to Lovers

Carl's POV

Note: R18+! This chapter contains words and lines that are not suitable for young readers!

The soft wind from the car's window blows through my hair as I lean my head against the glass. Jameson and I are on our way to the beach. We need to unwind and forget everything, even if just for a day or a week. These past few months have been a mess, and maybe the beach is what we need to ease our stress.

Jameson is driving while I enjoy the green scenery outside. The calmness of the atmosphere is soothing. It's great to have a road trip with Taylor Swift songs playing on the radio.

"You're enjoying the view, huh?" Jameson says, his attention on the road.

I turn to him and smile. "Yes, babe. I'm enjoying it," I reply, noticing his cheeks turning red. What's wrong with him?

"What's wrong?" I ask, staring at his handsome face.

"N-nothing... I mean... y-you just called me... b-babe," Jameson stammers, making me burst into laughter.

Really? That's so funny.

"You don't like it? Okay!" I say, shrugging as if I'm pouting. Jameson glances at me with his gentle face.

He stops the car and looks at me with teary, flirty eyes.

"I love it. I love it when you call me babe. I love you, babe," he says.

I can feel my cheeks heating up. I know I'm blushing, but I tried to hide it. "O-okay," I stutter. I don't know what else to say, so I stay silent.

Jameson's face gently moves toward me. I can feel the heat between us even without our bodies touching. There's a spark of warmth already.

He opens his lips as he slowly moves closer to mine. Are we kissing? My heart is racing. I don't know what to do. Our lips are about to touch until my phone rings.

Kring. Kring. Kring.

I quickly fumble for my phone in my pocket, and Jameson pulls back.

The awkwardness between us is palpable. Jameson starts the car's engine, smiling. He glances at me from time to time.

"Hello?" I answer the call.

"Hey, buddy. Where are you?" Ymar's voice comes through the line.

"Buddy. It's me, Jameson. How's life?" Jameson shouts, making a silent gesture for him to stop while giving me a teasing look.

"We're heading to the beach, buddy. How about you? What's wrong? Why did you call?" I ask.

"My buddies are dating? I'm jealous," Ymar laughs. "Kidding, bud. Onyx and I are at my place. We're watching movies together," he adds.

"Really? Just watching movies?" I tease Ymar and laugh.

"We don't know," Ymar replies with a laugh. I can hear Onyx laughing too. "You too, we don't know if it's just the beach or something else," he adds. I glance at Jameson and catch him looking at me, his cheeks red.

"Well..." Jameson whispers. I give him a soft fist, and he just laughs.

"Anyway, I just wanted to check on you, buddy. Enjoy the beach," Ymar says. "You too, buds. Send our regards to Onyx," I reply and end the call.

Jameson is smiling while driving. I don't know what's going on, but seeing him smile makes me happy. It makes me smile too. I love him. I knew for a long time. His wavy black hair, brown eyes, pointed nose, and perfect jawline suit him so well.