(A Slow Burn, Second Chance, Pilot x Ground Controller Romance)
Summary:
Y/N and Caleb once sat in the same classroom, dreaming of the skies. She was the quiet, shy girl with a crush on the golden boy of aviation school—the one who made flying look effortless. Years later, she’s a dedicated ground controller, guiding planes from the safety of the tower, while Caleb is soaring through the clouds as a commercial pilot.
Their paths were never meant to cross again… until their meddling mothers set them up on the same blind date.
But there’s a catch—Caleb doesn’t recognize her.
What starts as an awkward, mismatched date soon turns into something else when fate keeps pulling them back together. Between late-night flights, stolen conversations, and the quiet longing of two people who were always meant to meet again, will Caleb finally realize the girl he overlooked might be the one who was always waiting for him?
Masterlist
💫 Episode One: A Date Written in the Stars
💫 Episode Two: The Past Comes Full Circle
💫Episode Three: A Question Left Hanging
💫Episode Four: A Place to Land
💫Side-Story: A Marriage of Convenience
💫Episode Five: A Love That Lands
💫Episode Six: A Storm Brewing
💫Episode Seven: Under Pressure
💫Episode Eight: Close Encounters
💫Episode Nine: A Night of Realizations
💫Episode Ten: The Ring and the Accusation
💫Episode Eleven: The Great Bedroom Debacle
💫Episode 12 – The One That Got Away
💫Episode 13 – A Taste of Jealousy
💫Episode 14 – The Real Thing
💫Episode 15 – The Trap
💫Episode 16 – Cracks in the Foundation
💫Episode 17 – The Breaking Point
💫Episode 18 – Fractured Pieces
💫Episode 19 – Shattered Confessions
💫Episode 20 – The Weight of Truth (Caleb’s POV)
💫Episode 21 – The Ending
🛫 Tropes & Vibes:
✔️ Slow Burn & Second Chances
✔️ Grounded x Skybound Dynamic
✔️ Oblivious Male Lead™
✔️ Late-night conversations & longing looks
✔️ Fate keeps throwing them together
Some loves don’t arrive loudly.
They grow quietly—
in glances that linger,
in a name said a little too softly,
in years of loving someone who doesn’t know you’re watching.
She fell first.
She fell quietly.
And she fell for Caleb Xia.
He was warmth without trying.
A presence that felt safe.
A smile she memorized before she ever dared to hope.
This is a story about:
— a crush kept hidden for years
— timing that never seems right
— growing up, growing closer, growing brave
— and realizing the person you’ve always loved might finally see you back
Inspired by C-Drama: Hidden Love
Featuring Caleb Xia (Love and Deepspace)
Soft slowburn • Mutual pining • Comfort romance • “he’s always been there”
Tara caught up to Y/N just as the dismissal bell rang.
“Hey,” she said casually, falling into step beside her. “Come with me? I need to buy something.”
Y/N hesitated. “Now? Caleb said he’d pick me up.”
Tara waved it off. “It won’t take long.”
At the school gate, Caleb waited longer than usual.
Students streamed past—laughing, shoving, calling out goodbyes—until the courtyard slowly emptied. Minutes passed. Then more.
The guard finally shook his head. “All students already left.”
Caleb frowned. “If you see a girl with a bandaged ankle, tell her to wait for me.”
Unease settled in his chest as he stepped away, scanning the street. At a nearby stall, he asked, “Did you see a high school girl? Limping a little?”
The vendor pointed down a narrow passage. “Went that way.”
The alley smelled damp, the concrete cold beneath Y/N’s shoes.
Three older girls stood in the shadows—arms crossed, expressions sharp and bored.
“Hand it over.”
Y/N froze.
They didn’t wait for permission. Rough fingers dug through her bag, movements practiced and impatient. When they found almost nothing, one of them scoffed.
“No money?” she sneered, gaze dropping to Y/N’s bandaged ankle. “Then bring some tomorrow, cripple.”
Y/N’s face burned. She couldn’t even lift her head.
Tara started crying then—mumbling apologies, saying she had no choice, that they’d threatened her first. The words blurred together, dull and distant. Disappointment settled heavier than fear.
“Go home,” Y/N said finally, voice quiet but firm. “Tell your parents. Tell the school.”
She didn’t wait for a response.
She turned and limped away alone.
“Y/N.”
The voice cut through the alley like a blade.
She stopped instantly.
Caleb stood at the entrance, chest rising fast, hair damp with sweat, eyes dark with worry.
“Why didn’t you answer your phone?”
She shook her head. Her throat tightened, words stuck somewhere between shame and exhaustion.
His gaze dropped.
To her scraped, reddened hand.
“…Did someone bully you?”
“No.” The word came out too fast. Too thin.
Caleb didn’t argue. Didn’t press. He simply waited.
That was what broke her.
Her shoulders sagged, tears spilling before she could stop them. She turned her face away, embarrassed by how small she must look right now.
“They took my wallet,” she whispered. “And… they tapped my cheek.”
Her voice cracked.
“The hand was an accident,” she added quickly, as if she needed to defend herself.
Caleb’s jaw tightened.
“A classmate brought me,” Y/N said softly. “She was scared.”
He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again, calm and steady. “You need to stay away from her for now.”
She nodded.
“And you have to tell your parents,” he continued. “Always.”
“…You’re not mad?” she asked, barely audible.
He looked at her—really looked at her. “Why would I be?”
Carefully, he helped her onto his bike, as if afraid of hurting her again.
The ride home was quiet.
Wind brushed against her face, cooling her tear-stained cheeks. She held onto the back of his jacket, fingers curled tightly in the fabric, grounding herself in the simple fact that he was here.
“Zayne’s busy,” Caleb said when she finally spoke. “Graduation stuff.”
“Are you going back to Yihe?” she asked after a moment.
“Not sure,” he replied. “Nanwu’s not bad.”
At her gate, he pressed folded bills into her palm.
“For what they took.”
“I’ll pay you back—”
“Tell your parents everything,” he interrupted gently. “That’s enough.”
She nodded, eyes stinging again.
He waited until she was safely inside before turning away.
That night, Y/N lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Her heart still hurt—but it felt warm too, like something fragile had been placed carefully in her hands.
She opened her diary.
October 27I think I’m in love with him.Caleb Xia is too handsome.
Flustered by her own honesty, she folded the page into a star and dropped it into her wish bottle.
She didn’t know what the future held.
But she knew one thing—
She wanted to grow up faster.
The next day, Zayne showed up at Y/N’s school, with Caleb and Gideon right behind him.
He barely glanced at her. “Lead the way.”
Y/N swallowed and turned, limping slightly as she guided them toward the alley.
“No one messes with my family,” Zayne said, jaw tight.
When they spotted the girls, he stopped short. “They’re… girls.”
Gideon rubbed his temple. “Four guys versus three girls? Yeah. Not a good look.”
After a brief pause, Zayne went alone, leaving Caleb behind.
Caleb shifted closer to Y/N, lowering his voice. “You okay?”
She nodded, though her fingers curled into her sleeve.
Minutes later, Zayne returned, tossing fifty yuan into her hands.
“Got it back,” he said flatly. “Told them to study instead of being trash.”
Y/N blinked, then looked at Caleb. “What did you say?”
He shrugged. “Told them I’ve got a monthly quota for killing people.”
Her cheeks puffed up. “You’re lying.”
He laughed softly. “Pufferfish.”
Gideon grinned, glancing between them. “Honestly? She looks more like your sister than Zayne’s.”
Y/N said nothing—but she didn’t disagree.
Later that day, news spread quickly.
Tara had transferred schools.
An apology note sat neatly on Y/N’s desk. She stared at it for a moment before folding it carefully and slipping it away, her expression unreadable.
That evening, her parents reviewed her grades.
Her father tapped the paper. “Physics?”
“I hate it,” Y/N muttered.
Her mother didn’t budge. “Then we’ll get you a tutor.”
When the tutor turned out to be Zayne, the lesson lasted exactly ten minutes.
“You’re not even listening!” Zayne snapped.
“You’re impossible to talk to!” Y/N shot back.
They shouted in unison, “CHANGE THE TUTOR.”
The next morning, her mom announced calmly, “New tutor. Ten a.m.”
Y/N smiled sweetly—already planning to sneak out early.
Across the city, Caleb leaned back at work as a colleague mentioned a possible transfer to Yihe.
“I’ll think about it,” he replied.
Zayne clapped him on the shoulder. “Before that—do me a favor. Pick up my sister tomorrow.”
Caleb nodded without much thought.
He had no idea that the so-called difficult student waiting for a tutor…
Morning sunlight streamed through the blinds as [Reader] sat on the edge of her bed, phone in hand, scrolling mindlessly through notifications.
A message from the old class batch group chat caught her eye.
“Aviation Academy Batch Reunion – Tomorrow! RSVP now!”
Her thumb hovered over the message. A reunion?
She hadn't kept in touch with most of them. Some, she had good memories of—friends who supported her through the grueling academy years. Others? Not so much. There were a few who made her life difficult, like her.
Liana Reyes.
The self-proclaimed queen of their batch, always flaunting her family's wealth and belittling anyone she deemed beneath her. She used to mock [Reader] for her simple clothes, her quiet nature, and her relentless focus on studies instead of chasing popularity.
But things were different now.
[Reader] smirked, tapping the RSVP button.
Let’s see how everyone turned out.
—
The reunion was held at an upscale hotel, the banquet hall buzzing with chatter and laughter as people reconnected. The space was decorated in warm golden hues, and waiters moved gracefully through the crowd with trays of champagne.
[Reader] walked in, confidence in every step. She wasn’t flashy, but the way she carried herself—poised, self-assured—turned heads. She wore a sleek yet simple black dress, paired with heels that gave her just the right amount of height. Her makeup was subtle but polished, her hair styled effortlessly.
She didn’t need to announce herself.
People noticed.
Conversations quieted slightly as eyes turned toward her, whispering among themselves.
"Is that [Reader]?"
"She actually looks… good?"
"No way. I thought she’d be some workaholic mess by now."
Liana, dressed to the nines in an expensive but slightly overdone outfit, practically beamed as she strutted toward [Reader], champagne glass in hand.
"[Reader]! Oh my God, it’s been years! I was so excited to see how you turned out," Liana gushed, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
"You and me both," [Reader] replied smoothly, tilting her head.
Liana’s smile twitched, but before she could continue, one of [Reader]’s former friends—Marissa—spoke up, voice laced with fake concern.
"Wow, [Reader]. You look so… well off. What happened? Did you get a sugar daddy or something?" She giggled behind her glass, others around her chuckling in amusement.
[Reader] didn’t even flinch. Instead, she raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at her lips.
"That’s funny, Marissa," she said, tilting her head. "I heard you’re the one dating a married man."
Silence.
Marissa’s face paled, and the group exchanged nervous glances.
"You should be careful throwing around accusations," [Reader] continued, voice light but cutting. "Especially when your business is all over social media."
Marissa sputtered, gripping her glass tighter. "T-That’s not—"
Before she could retaliate, a deep voice cut through the tension.
"What’s going on here?"
All heads turned toward the entrance, where Caleb stood.
He had just arrived, dressed in his usual semi-casual look—dark jeans, a button-down, and that effortless pilot confidence that made people naturally gravitate toward him. He scanned the room, his sharp gaze landing on [Reader].
And for the second time in two days, she saw it.
Surprise.
Recognition.
The realization finally settling in.
"You," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
She raised a brow. "Me."
His lips quirked into a small smirk before he turned to the room. "Alright, let’s all sit down. I came here to eat, not witness a reality show."
People chuckled nervously, the tension breaking as everyone slowly moved to their seats. Caleb, however, strode toward [Reader] and took the empty seat beside her.
"You didn’t tell me we were classmates," he said, resting his elbow on the table, leaning slightly toward her.
"You didn’t remember me," she countered, sipping her drink.
He exhaled a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "I feel like an idiot now."
"You should."
He turned to face her fully, curiosity dancing in his eyes. "So, were we friends back then? Or just… strangers?"
She met his gaze, considering her answer.
"We weren’t strangers," she said finally.
He studied her for a moment before smiling, like he was realizing there was more to their story than he ever knew.
And this time, he wasn’t going to let her slip away unnoticed.
The clinking of silverware and the hum of conversation filled the reunion hall as the dinner progressed. Laughter echoed from different corners of the room, old classmates sharing stories of how they made it in the aviation world. But amidst the cheerful energy, Marissa had her sights set on something else.
Or rather, someone else.
"You know, Caleb," Marissa drawled, swirling the wine in her glass, "it’s so surprising that you’re sitting with [Reader]. I mean, of all people."
[Reader] sighed inwardly. Here we go.
Caleb arched a brow, his fork pausing midair. "What’s that supposed to mean?"
Marissa smirked. "Oh, don’t get me wrong, it’s just… people change, you know? Some for the better, some for the worse." Her eyes flickered toward [Reader], full of artificial concern. "I just don’t want you to waste your time on someone who doesn’t deserve you."
The table grew quiet. Eyes darted between them, some eager for drama, others visibly uncomfortable.
Liana Reyes, seated a few chairs away, leaned in with a practiced smile. "What Marissa means is," she said, her voice saccharine sweet, "you and I would make a much better match, Caleb. We come from the same background, the same standards. [Reader]… well, she’s just not in our league, is she?"
[Reader] clenched her jaw, fingers tightening around her napkin.
But before she could respond, Caleb set his glass down with an audible clink, his usually calm expression darkening.
"Marissa," he said, voice steady but cold, "shut up."
Marissa’s smug expression faltered. "W-What?"
"You heard me." He leaned back, arms crossing over his chest. "I don’t know where you got the idea that I need your opinion on who’s worth my time, but let me make something clear—I decide that. Not you. And definitely not Liana."
Liana scoffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "No need to be so defensive, Caleb. We’re just looking out for you."
"Yeah?" Caleb tilted his head. "Then maybe you should start by not treating people like garbage."
Marissa’s face turned red, her mouth opening and closing like she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.
[Reader] placed a hand on Caleb’s arm, a silent gesture to calm him down before she stood.
"Let me handle this," she murmured.
Caleb hesitated, then gave her a small nod.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to Marissa, her voice clear and unwavering. "You’ve spent years trying to make me feel small, haven’t you?" She tilted her head. "Why? Did it make you feel powerful? Like you were better than me?"
Marissa scoffed. "Oh, please—"
"You called me pathetic, made fun of my clothes, told people I’d never make it. But look at where we are now." She gestured to the grand hall around them. "I built my career with my own hands. What about you?"
Marissa stiffened.
[Reader] let a smirk cross her lips. "Oh, that’s right. You spend more time chasing after men with money than actually earning it yourself."
A few gasps rippled across the table, quiet murmurs breaking out. Marissa paled.
"Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d rather enjoy my evening with people who actually matter." [Reader] picked up her drink and sat back down beside Caleb, dismissing Marissa completely.
Humiliated, Marissa grabbed her purse and stormed out, Liana quickly following after her.
The tension slowly dissipated, and soon, the table erupted into casual conversations again, as if the whole ordeal had never happened.
Caleb let out a low chuckle, nudging [Reader] slightly. "That was satisfying to watch."
She smirked. "She had it coming."
—
After the reunion, Caleb and [Reader] stepped outside together, the night air crisp and cool. The city lights flickered below, painting the streets in a golden glow.
Caleb shoved his hands into his pockets, glancing at her. "I still can’t believe I didn’t recognize you."
She laughed softly. "I wasn’t exactly the loudest person back then. Always kept to myself."
"Yeah, but we studied together, trained together. It’s crazy." He shook his head with a chuckle. "I must’ve been blind."
"Or just busy being the golden boy of the academy," she teased.
He groaned. "Please don’t call me that."
They walked in comfortable silence for a moment before Caleb slowed his steps.
"You know," he started, voice quieter, "our moms set up that blind date hoping something would happen between us."
She hummed, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I figured."
He turned to face her. "Did you ever consider it?"
That made her pause.
All these years, she had carried that quiet, unspoken crush—watching him from afar, wondering what it would be like if he ever noticed her.
And now, here he was, asking if she had ever thought about them.
She opened her mouth, ready to answer.
But then—
His phone rang.
Caleb pulled it out, checking the caller ID. His expression shifted, a flicker of frustration crossing his features.
"Another emergency flight," he muttered. He let out a sigh before meeting her gaze again. "I don’t need your answer now," he said, voice firm. "But when I come back…"
He took a step closer, just enough for her to catch the warmth in his eyes.
"I want to hear it."
And just like that, he was gone again—leaving [Reader] staring after him, her heart pounding.
For the first time in years, she had a chance.
And for the first time ever—Caleb was waiting for her.
She would sneak out before ten, disappear for the whole morning, and make the new tutor give up before even meeting her. Easy. Foolproof. She even rehearsed her excuses—I didn’t hear the doorbell, I had a stomachache, I was already out.
She was halfway into her shoes when her bedroom door opened.
“Y/N.”
Zayne stood there, blocking the doorway like a wall she couldn’t climb over.
“Where are you going?” he asked, suspicious by default.
She straightened, trying to look casual. “Out.”
“You have a tutor.”
“I hate tutors,” she said immediately. “They’re boring. And annoying. And—” She paused, then added sweetly, “I’ll buy you milk tea for a week if you cancel him.”
Zayne considered it. “Two weeks.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re negotiating?”
Before she could push further, a voice drifted in from the kitchen—unhurried, calm.
“The egg’s done.”
Y/N froze.
Slowly, she leaned out of her room and looked down the hallway.
And then she saw him.
Caleb Xia stood by the stove, sleeves rolled to his elbows, steam curling lazily around him as he lifted a bowl of instant noodles from the pot. Two sausages lay neatly on top, an egg balanced carefully like it belonged there. It looked… intentional. Like he’d thought about it.
Her brain blanked.
“…Why is he here?” she whispered.
Zayne didn’t even look apologetic. “Because he’s your tutor.”
Her head snapped toward Caleb. “You’re—”
“Morning,” Caleb said easily, glancing at her. “You sleep a lot.”
“I do not!”
“Zayne tried waking you up three times,” he added.
“That’s slander!”
Zayne scoffed. “You sleep like the dead.”
Caleb set the bowl down in front of her. “Eat first. Physics later.”
She sat without realizing she’d moved.
Somewhere between the steam, the food, and the fact that Caleb Xia was standing in her kitchen, tutoring suddenly didn’t seem like the worst thing in the world.
After breakfast, Zayne and Caleb collapsed onto the couch, controllers in hand, fully absorbed in a game.
“Should I get my books?” Y/N asked hesitantly.
“Rest,” Caleb replied, eyes still on the screen. “This round’s almost done.”
She nodded and wandered to the table, trying not to stare.
That was when she noticed a document lying there.
A resume.
She picked it up, curiosity winning.
Her gaze skimmed down the page until she stopped.
Caleb Xia.
So those were the characters of his name.
She traced them silently, realizing she’d never known how to write it properly. No photo attached. Just words. Clean. Simple.
She hesitated… then slowly lifted her phone.
Just one picture.
“Want me to pose?”
She nearly dropped it.
Caleb had already turned around, leaning slightly, smiling straight at her camera like he’d been waiting.
Flustered, she blurted the first thing that came to mind. “My classmate thinks my brother is handsome!”
Zayne glanced over. “She needs glasses.”
Caleb laughed softly. “At her age, pride matters.”
Y/N’s ears burned as she looked away.
Later, she changed Caleb’s contact name in her phone—once, twice—before settling on something painfully normal.
Caleb appeared beside her with a slice of watermelon.
“Trade,” he said lightly. “Show me the photos.”
“I deleted them.”
“If they’re ugly, I’ll let you take more.”
Her heart skipped. She shoved her physics book at him instead. “Teach me.”
“I don’t get physics,” Y/N admitted quietly, staring at the page. “Especially conservation of energy.”
Caleb didn’t rush her. He nodded, pulled a pen closer, and said, “Then we start from zero.”
His explanations were slow, patient. He didn’t sound annoyed. Didn’t sigh when she asked the same question twice.
“I tutor three days a week,” he mentioned casually. “The other four, I intern.”
“Can you tutor me every day?” she asked before she could stop herself.
He laughed. “You’ll get tired of me.”
“I won’t.”
He didn’t tease her for that.
Another tutoring day, Caleb arrived late.
Y/N noticed it the moment he stepped inside—his shoulders slightly slumped, movements slower than usual, the faint shadow beneath his eyes that hadn’t been there before.
“You worked late?” she asked.
“Yeah,” he replied, setting his bag down.
She watched him for a second longer than she meant to. He looked tired in a way that wasn’t dramatic—just worn down, like someone who kept pushing because stopping wasn’t an option.
Without thinking too hard about it, she slid her workbook across the table. “Then sleep.”
He paused. “What?”
“I’ll do the problems,” she said quickly. “You can check them later.”
Caleb raised an eyebrow. “You’re trying to slack off.”
“Only a little,” she admitted.
A beat passed. Then he sighed, the corner of his mouth lifting faintly. “You’re bold.”
Still, he lay down on the couch, one arm thrown over his eyes as if the light bothered him. Within minutes, his breathing evened out.
Y/N stared at her physics book… then glanced at him.
Caleb Xia, asleep.
She’d never seen him like this before—unguarded, quiet, the sharpness in his expression softened. His lashes cast faint shadows against his cheeks. For once, he wasn’t teasing her, or explaining concepts she didn’t understand, or walking one step ahead of her like he always did.
He was just there.
She bent over her work, pencil moving slowly. Every now and then, her eyes drifted back to him—checking, as if to make sure he was still breathing, still real.
He works too hard, she thought.
When he stirred slightly, she froze, heart jumping—but he only turned his head and slept on.
Later, when he woke, she pushed the book toward him.
“I still don’t like physics,” she admitted quietly. “It doesn’t stick.”
Caleb sat up, rubbing his eyes. He looked at her work, then at her face.
He didn’t look annoyed.
He looked thoughtful.
“Then,” he said slowly, “we’ll find a reason for you to like it.”
Y/N nodded.
She didn’t realize it yet—but somewhere between watching him sleep and hearing him say we, physics had stopped being the hardest thing in the room.
That was how they ended up at the Linkon Museum of Science and Technology.
Zayne paid for three tickets, then pocketed the change without a second thought. “I’m going to a cyber café,” he said dismissively, shaking his head. “That place is for kids.”
Y/N watched him leave, feeling a little left out, but Caleb was right there beside her, calm and patient. He guided her through the exhibits, explaining the curved slide, tsunamis, and thermoelectric sensing, turning abstract physics concepts into things she could touch, see, and understand.
“Study hard,” Caleb said gently, his voice quiet but firm. “Your future dreams depend on it.”
“I’ll find one,” Y/N said suddenly, more to herself than to him. “Like you.”
He smiled, noticing the small sketches she had been doodling of the exhibits. “You’re good at drawing. Don’t stop.”
As they paused near a bright overhead light, Y/N noticed flower-shaped shadows dancing across the floor, cast by a decorative screen. She reached down instinctively, tracing them with her fingers, and Caleb crouched slightly to watch her, his presence warm and reassuring.
“Look at how they move with the light,” she whispered. “It’s like they’re alive.”
Caleb nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Sometimes, the world shows you patterns in the smallest things. Remember that—you can find beauty even in the details.”
Y/N felt her chest tighten slightly, not just from the shadows, but from the way Caleb’s words and calm attention made her feel safe and inspired all at once.
On the ride back from the museum, Y/N sat quietly on the bike, the evening air cool against her flushed cheeks. Her heart had been racing ever since they’d left the interactive exhibits, and finally, the words tumbled out before she could stop herself.
“Don’t… date,” she blurted, voice barely above a whisper.
Caleb blinked at her, one hand steadying the bike, the other brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “What?” His tone was gentle, patient, but there was an undercurrent of curiosity—he wanted her to explain.
Y/N hesitated, twisting her fingers in the folds of her jacket. “What if dating… ruins your dreams?” Her voice wavered slightly. “And… what if she doesn’t treat me well?”
Caleb laughed softly, the sound warm and comforting, a little like sunlight breaking through clouds. “If I ever date, I’ll choose someone gentle,” he said. His eyes, serious now, met hers. “Someone who treats you well.”
Her mouth fell open slightly. “…Can I meet her first?”
He chuckled and nodded. “Of course.”
The silence that followed was comfortable, filled only with the hum of the evening and the faint rhythm of the bike wheels against the pavement. Y/N felt a small, fluttering relief in her chest, though she didn’t let herself smile too widely—she still felt a little embarrassed by her own childish worry.
Soon after, Zayne arrived to pick her up, glancing at her with his usual mix of exasperation and care. “Ready to go?” he asked, voice clipped but not unkind. Y/N climbed onto his bike without a word, her mind still tangled in thoughts of Caleb’s promise.
That night, once she was safely in her room, Y/N realized her sketchbook was missing. Panic fluttered in her chest as she remembered leaving it at the museum, alongside all the drawings she’d made of Caleb. She bit her lip, feeling suddenly vulnerable—what if he had seen them all?
The next day, Zayne appeared at the door with a slightly awkward expression, holding out the sketchbook. “Here. Caleb dropped it off on his way to work.”
Y/N took it from him, her fingers trembling slightly as she hugged it to her chest. Her cheeks burned, a mix of embarrassment and the strange thrill of knowing Caleb had handled it. Without thinking, she tried to shove it into a drawer, hiding it away.
“Why are you trying to throw it away?” Zayne frowned, stepping closer. His eyes narrowed, protective and curious at once.
Y/N avoided his gaze, muttering, “I… I don’t want him to see it. It’s nothing.”
Zayne didn’t push her further. Instead, he shook his head slightly, exasperated but understanding, and handed her the sketchbook again. “If it’s important to you, don’t destroy it.”
Y/N held it close, a small sigh escaping her lips. Inside, among the sketches of everyday objects and landscapes, were the careful, tentative drawings of Caleb—drawn with admiration she wasn’t ready to confess. And though she told herself it was just art, her heart felt heavier and lighter at the same time, tangled with a feeling she didn’t yet have words for.
Zayne stormed into Caleb Xia’s dorm, his face a mixture of panic and exasperation. “My sister—Y/n—she’s online dating!” he burst out, voice rising as he waved his hands. “She’s talking to someone, and I don’t even know who! You need to stop her tutoring sessions immediately. She can’t be left alone like this!”
Caleb, lounging casually on the couch with a half-finished cup of tea, only sighed. He leaned back, crossing his arms, eyes calm yet sharp. “Zayne,” he said, his voice even, “take a breath. This is completely normal. Don’t scare her.”
Zayne froze, disbelief written all over his face. “Normal? She’s sneaking around, whispering online, pretending to have a boyfriend! She’s barely thirteen!”
Caleb’s expression softened, and he leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady. “Yes, it’s normal. Curiosity, crushes, a little excitement—this is all part of growing up. She doesn’t need you controlling her every move. She needs guidance, patience, and trust.”
Zayne ran a hand through his hair, still frowning. “But… how do I know she won’t get hurt? Or make a mistake?”
Caleb gave a small, reassuring smile. “She will make mistakes. That’s how she learns. The best way to protect her isn’t to smother her—it’s to be there when she needs you. Talk to her reasonably, explain things clearly, but let her feel safe enough to make her own choices.”
Zayne’s shoulders slumped slightly. The fiery frustration in his eyes dimmed as he realized Caleb’s point was valid. Caleb leaned back, picking up a notebook, casually adding, “Trust me. She’s stronger than you think. And if she ever needs advice, you can be the one she comes to.”
Zayne huffed softly, muttering under his breath, but he felt a flicker of relief. For the first time, he understood that sometimes letting Y/n navigate her feelings—carefully, with support—was better than trying to control her.
Caleb sipped his tea, eyes on the window as the evening light faded. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to finish. But remember, Zayne… trust your sister a little. She’ll surprise you.”
Zayne nodded reluctantly, finally understanding that Caleb wasn’t dismissing his concern—he was teaching him to guide wisely.
At the next tutoring session, Y/N decided she would act first—before he could bring up anything else.
She sat at the desk with her shoulders slumped, eyes fixed on the corner of her notebook, fingers nervously twisting the hem of her sleeve. When Caleb arrived, she didn’t greet him like usual. She didn’t even look up.
Caleb noticed immediately.
He didn’t ask about her homework. Didn’t tease her for zoning out. Instead, he pulled out a chair and sat across from her, his voice softer than usual. “You okay today?”
That was her cue.
Y/N sniffed, lowering her head even more. “I’m… fine,” she said, though her voice cracked just enough to sound convincing. “Just tired.”
Caleb studied her for a moment. He didn’t expose the lie. Didn’t smile knowingly. He simply nodded, as if he understood more than she was saying.
After a pause, he spoke gently. “About that thing your brother mentioned…” He kept his tone careful, nonjudgmental. “I won’t tell your parents.”
Y/N’s fingers stilled.
“But,” he continued, “relationships can wait. You’re still young. There’s no rush to figure everything out right now.”
She swallowed, her chest feeling strangely tight.
“I know,” she whispered.
And she did know. Every word made sense. It was reasonable. Responsible. The kind of advice adults were supposed to give. She hated that he was right—because it meant there was no excuse for the way her heart still leaned toward him.
Caleb leaned back slightly, giving her space. “Your family worries because they care. And one day, when you’re older, you’ll get to choose for yourself. Freely.”
Y/N nodded again, staring at the page in front of her, even though she wasn’t really seeing it.
Inside, though, her thoughts were anything but calm.
She knew she shouldn’t like him this way.
She knew it was temporary.
She knew this feeling would probably fade with time.
But knowing didn’t stop it.
She still liked the way he explained things patiently.
The way he spoke to her like she mattered.
The way he never laughed at her feelings—even when they were messy and inconvenient.
Y/N pressed her lips together, forcing herself not to cry.
Life contains several unforgettable moments—or more precisely, distinct, paused time nodes. This sets the stage for Y/N’s story, which begins in middle school, specifically in Grade 8. During math class, while the teacher explains the Pythagorean theorem, Y/N is completely distracted, captivated by a mother bird feeding its young outside the window.
“Y/N! Answer the question!” the teacher’s voice snapped her back.
“I… the mother bird… feeds the chicks carefully… then hops to another branch…” Y/N recounted, describing every detail she had observed.
Her teacher, whom her friends call “Old Chen,” scowled. “Focus, Y/N! This is an attitude problem. I’ll be calling your parents tomorrow.”
Her friends whispered, “Sorry… I didn’t mean to get you caught.”
Y/N groaned. “It’s not your fault. I just… his voice is hypnotic. I can’t stay awake unless I find something to do.”
“Want to come with us to the bookstore? Fu Zhengchu and the others are buying study materials.”
“No thanks,” Y/N muttered, flipping her notebook shut. “Not in the mood today.”
That evening, her mother called, “Y/N, take this fruit upstairs for your brother.”
Carrying a watermelon, Y/N tiptoed to Zayne’s room—and froze. A tall, impossibly handsome young man stood there.
“Zayne… did you get plastic surgery?” she blurted.
From behind her, Zayne smirked. “You only miss me when you need help, huh?”
The stranger stepped forward politely. “Hello, I’m Caleb,” he said, holding out his hand.
“You’re… his friend?” Y/N asked, flustered.
“Yes. Your brother asked me to stop by,” Caleb replied calmly.
Zayne rolled his eyes. “Don’t let him spoil you.”
Caleb handed Y/N a slice of fruit. “Don’t mind him. Here—take this.”
Y/N hesitated, then accepted it. “Thanks…”
“You’re encouraging her!” Zayne groaned.
“She’s polite,” Caleb said softly, smiling.
The next morning, Y/N tugged at Zayne’s sleeve. “Can you come with me to the parent-teacher meeting?”
“Nope. You only want me around when you’re in trouble,” he said with a smirk.
Y/N’s eyes filled with tears, and she ran to her mother, hiding behind Caleb. “Mom! Zayne hit me!”
Her mother scolded Zayne and took him away. Y/N peeked at Caleb. “This is how we always do things,” she said with a small grin.
He tilted his head. “You want me to help you?”
“No. You wouldn’t anyway,” she replied. Then her eyes sparkled with mischief. “But… can you pretend to be my brother for the meeting tomorrow?”
Caleb raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Yes! I was punished even though I answered correctly.”
He laughed softly. “Alright. Where’s your school?”
“Xuri Middle School. Grade 8, Class 1. My name is Y/N.”
“And your age?”
“Fourteen.”
“You’re so short,” he teased. “At thirty, you’ll still look eighteen.”
Y/N rolled her eyes. “And you might be mistaken for my father.”
Caleb smirked. “Got it. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
Y/N hugged the fox doll she had taken from his luggage. “Will you really come?”
“You’ll find out,” Caleb said mysteriously, walking out the door.
Y/N smiled, clutching the doll. “I hope so…”
Years later, Y/N, now a high school junior, eagerly helped Zayne move his things back to the main campus near her school. When he asked if she wanted to carry his luggage, she hesitated for only a moment before adding, “And Caleb’s too!”
Zayne raised an eyebrow. “You really want to carry his stuff?”
“Of course!” she said, smiling brightly. Their parents overheard and encouraged her insistence, leaving Zayne with no choice but to let her.
At the dorm, she spotted Caleb again. His eyes flicked to the Sunny Apple plushie in her hands, and he smirked.
“You’re a thief,” he joked, pretending to scold her. “Did you steal my Sunny Apple?”
“I don’t play with plushies anymore!” Y/N huffed, clutching it tighter.
Caleb feigned anger. “Then I’ll throw it away!”
“Fine, I’ll keep it,” she surrendered, though secretly happy he had even noticed.
Inside, she met Zayne’s roommate, Qian Fei, who immediately commented on her cuteness. Caleb gestured for her to sit beside him.
“I’m not little!” Y/N protested, flustered.
The roommates discussed dinner, and Caleb reluctantly excused himself for his part-time job. Before leaving, he gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. Sunny Apple is yours to keep.”
Curious, Y/N leaned toward Qian Fei. “Was it a gift from a girlfriend?”
Qian Fei shook his head. “Nope. He’s too busy to date. It’s a prize from some event.”
Declining dinner, Y/N walked home clutching Sunny Apple, and her thoughts drifted to a book she had taken from Caleb’s room, The End of Eternity. She turned the pages slowly, realizing she couldn’t quite comprehend it—an unintentional symbol of the distance between them.
Later that night, she called Caleb under the pretense that she had left her essay notebook at his place.
“I can have Zayne bring it over,” Caleb offered casually.
“I… haven’t started it yet,” she admitted, biting her lip.
He paused, understanding her unspoken plea. “You should be honest with your teacher,” he said gently, “but I can help. Meet me at the bus station tomorrow at 6:40 AM. I’ll make sure you get it done.”
Excitement coursed through her, and she set her alarm extra early. Clutching Sunny Apple, she fell asleep with a flutter of anticipation, remembering their enigmatic farewell from middle school and wondering if he would really show up in the morning.
