Temporary Bliss [boyxboy]

22: Unbelievable

"I can't believe you're actually hungover from like one and a half beers," Caleb laughed at me.

I wanted to smack him, but I was too weak. I didn't want to move either, so I settled for muttering a "fuck off" and closing my eyes.

"Pickle juice helps," my best friend offered and I snorted.

"I'd rather die than drink pickle juice. No thank you."

"Whatever you say, hun," he threw himself onto the couch next to me with a sigh, making me spill some of the Mountain Dew that I was holding over my legs.

"You're so fucking stupid, I hate you," I grumbled, wiping at my sweatpants to no avail. All it did was make my hand sticky.
I got up with a groan to wash my hands at the kitchen sink.

A few seconds later I felt Caleb's hands on my shoulders, massaging them slightly.

"Are you high?" I asked, "What's gotten you so affectionate?"

"Just trying to be nice," my best friend said nonchalantly, "I'm in a good mood today. Don't be a douche about it, or I might change my mind."

I decided not to say anything. I was enjoying it way too much, the way Caleb was teasing me whilst still being sweet.
It was a rare combination that I really liked. I tilted my head back and sighed as Caleb continued to rub my shoulders gently.

"Do you want something?" I finally asked, turning around, "I don't trust this."

"I'm being nice and you don't trust it?" Caleb said, pouting at me, "I'm hurt."

I didn't answer, instead sighing and leaning back against the kitchen counter.

I glanced up at Caleb and immediately blushed at the way we locked eyes for just a second too long for it to not be awkward.
I lowered my gaze, hoping that he hadn't noticed, but he put his index finger under my chin, making me look up at him again.

"Watcha blushing about?" he teased with a smirk, just making my face grow impossibly hotter.

"Nothing," I muttered, turning my head to the side so that he let go of my chin.
He dropped his hand, still staring at me intently, like he was thinking hard.

I could've sworn he was going to kiss me then, but he didn't make a move.

It made me very uncomfortable, and when he stepped back I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding.

Caleb smiled again and walked over to the fridge, scanning the contents before he eventually took out a milk carton, humming like nothing had happened.
I still felt all weird, running a hand over my face in an attempt to calm myself down.

Caleb was never going to kiss me, I told myself, It was just wishful thinking. He would never.

"You want some cereal?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked over to my best friend, shaking my head no.

"I'm gonna go take a nap," I announced curtly, suddenly feeling unable to handle the situation, or being around Caleb at all.

It was messing with my head too much, having all these questions and not a single answer.

Did Caleb know the way I was feeling?
Was he doing all of this just to mess with me?
Had Matt told him?
And if not, what would he do when he eventually found out? It was inevitable, right?
And was there a teeny tiny chance that just maybe... he liked me too?

No. I didn't want to get my hopes up like that. It would just make me even more miserable than I already was.

I laid on my bed for a while, too lazy to move under the covers as I wallowed in self-pity.
Why did this have to happen to Caleb and I of all people? Why couldn't I have crushed on Anna, or even Kate? Anyone but Caleb!