One of the things I love most about Caleb is how much reciprocation matters to him.
During their childhood Caleb kept his feelings a secret because he was sure Mc didn't love him the way he loves her. He was prepared to keep his love a secret from Mc forever. Quietly supporting her financially and emotionally as she achieves her dreams.
During his limited myth Caleb is very aware of the fact that he was the only positive figure Mc has in her life. He was the one who helped her escape, gave her the first real food she's tasted, was the first to make her smile, and more.
Even though Caleb could have taken full advantage of being the only person Mc trusts— of course he doesn't. That's the complete opposite of who he is. He tells Mc that she should be able to see the world without being stuck at his side. He hates the idea of Mc being trapped and never wants to hurt her in that same way. He encourages Mc to live on and find happiness without him if that's what she needs.
Even in the present day when Caleb is starting to open up about his feelings and begin to work towards the relationship he wants he always has a way of getting a green light from Mc first.
During his exclusive aftertaste card Mc hears him moving around in the middle of the night. Caleb was unable to sleep while thinking about her. But Mc only knows Caleb was awake because she couldn't sleep either. They're haunting each other's thoughts even when they're only a few rooms apart.
In another card Caleb says he's not afraid of death. But he's afraid of Mc letting him in, finally giving their relationship a chance, only for her to end up regretting it. Picture that. Caleb is more afraid of hurting you than dying.
Caleb saying "I held myself back day after day" was never meant to be malicious. He wasn't physically restraining himself from pouncing on you or trying to push you to return his feelings. He was holding himself back emotionally. He was wearing a mask because he was terrified of scaring you with the depth of his love.
He only wants to push your relationship further if you want it too. He'll bite back his love for Mc for the rest of his life, never pursuing anyone else romantically, if she can't accept his heart. In fact, he'll think he's selfish for having those feelings in the first place.
I wish more people realized how important reciprocation was to him. If Mc didn't let Caleb back into her life he would've stayed away for good. They've only gotten this far because Mc kept letting him in. Because, of course, she loves him too.
Caleb is just so 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦.
Divider credit to @/asiatic-apple
