synopsis. a cute barista tries to give caleb their number
pairing. caleb x reader
tw/content. jealousy, established relationship
masterlist
You scowl, chin resting in your hand as you glare at the man in front of you. The cafe is busy today, bustling with tired students seeking a place for coffee and rest.
“I can feel you glaring at me, pips.” Caleb doesn’t look up from his notebook, jotting down notes. “C’mon, don’t you have something to work on? Your eyebrows are going to be stuck like that forever if you continue to scrunch them.”
Caleb closes his notebook and sets it to the side, his eyes moving up to meet yours. You narrow your eyes at him and avert them angrily to the barely annotated notes and textbook sitting in front of you. Not wanting to give him the satisfaction, you ignore him.
“You want another cup? I’ll pay,” Caleb offers, gesturing to your empty cup.
As if he’s ever made you pay for anything in your life, you think sourly. The thought makes you roll your eyes. He taps his pen against his page trying to sweeten the deal. “Whatever you want.” He ceases his movement, leaning back in his chair. The cafe’s background ambience fills the silence — muffled conversations, clanking cups, the hiss of the espresso machines.
Caleb watches you silently with a soft smile playing on his lips as he observes your stubbornness. “Okay, okay. I know a grumpy pip-squeak when I see one. What’s up?”
You push your books away, done pretending to do your assignments. You’re too annoyed to get your brain to work. “…Look at the napkin beside your cup.”
You’re no stranger to all the attention Caleb gets — he’s always being flocked by both girls and boys alike. You know Caleb is yours, but you can’t help but let an ugly, green monster take shape every time you have to deal with it. Caleb doesn’t make it any easier, sometimes even enabling that kind of behaviour from others on purpose. An all-star back in high school, and even more so now in college.
Caleb doesn’t even look at it, his smile not leaving his lips. “I saw it. Just wasn’t going to acknowledge it.” He grabs the offending napkin with the (admittedly) cute barista’s name on it and crumples it. “I think she’s in my physics class.”
He then shakes his head, stretching his arms upwards. Despite being unfairly upset at him, you can’t help but sneak a peek at his exposed skin.
“What are you looking at?” He looks at you knowingly, pulling you out of your trance by standing up, moving to your side and flicking your forehead.
“You know you’re the only one I look at, pip-squeak. Don’t need another girl's number.”
You scowl, pushing at his hand. “Still, isn’t it obvious we’re together?” You scoff. “I can’t believe she did that.”
Caleb’s eyes crinkle as he chuckles, putting his hands up in mock surrender. “Okay, okay,” he hums as he steps back. “What do you want? Thinking about getting something to snack on.”
Irritation spikes through you as you think about Caleb interacting with that barista again, and your lips form a pout without you realizing. He notices you bite your lip, a knowing smile spreading on his face as he leans in to place a soft, reassuring kiss on your forehead. “Your usual?”
You ignore his question for a moment and push your tongue against your cheek. Making up your mind, you yank him down by his necklace, firmly planting a kiss on his lips. He tastes like apples, courtesy to the brand you’ve been sharing for years, which makes your heart sing with glee and unravels the tension in your body.
Caleb freezes for a split second before melting into you, hand wasting no time to slither to the back of your neck to hold you closer. When you pull away, he blinks, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Better now?” He clears his throat, head tilting and ears slightly red. He’s letting you act out, you realize.
You peek behind his large frame and make eye contact with the barista, who glances away immediately. “…Yeah. Better. Get me whatever you’re getting,” you mutter before pressing one more sweet kiss to his lips.
synopsis. frat!caleb attempts to win you over (does it work?)
pairing. caleb x reader
tw/content. fluff, banter, frat parties, university life
wc. 5.3k
masterlist
“It’s over for me,” you grumble, slamming your pen on top of your notes. “Someone needs to execute me. Preferably without any pain and a week before this shitty midterm.”
The campus cafe is busy due to the lunch rush, students quietly studying or getting a quick coffee before having to rush to their classes. Xavier gives you a quick nod from behind the counter as encouragement before another customer comes up to the cash register.
“You just need a break!” Tara swirls her overly sweet frappe in her hand. The pink contents makes you grimace — it’s topped with extra whipped cream and loads of pink heart sprinkles. “And… a new date-”
“What I need is for you to stop bringing that up,” you sigh. “I’m talking about my upcoming exam. How is everything related to my love life and ex-boyfriend when it comes to you?” You tap your pen against the offending textbook in front of you, rubbing your forehead.
Simone speaks up, without removing her eyes from her laptop screen. “She’s right, Tara. Don’t you have something to work on right now instead of talking about her love issues? I haven’t seen you look at your notes once.”
“I need time to hype myself up to work.” Tara sips the last of her drink before setting it to the side. You scowl when she places the condensation covered cup onto your notes. “Xavier’s getting off his shift soon anyway, and I need his help with my astrology assignment.”
“Astronomy, not astrology.”
Tara waves her hand dismissively. “Same thing. By the way, are you guys going to tonight’s party? Apparently it’s a follow-up celebration for Caleb’s basketball win from last week.”
“There’s always a party,” you roll your eyes. “Do they even need to make excuses like that anymore? A ‘second follow-up celebration’… really?”
“I can’t make it,” Simone says. “I need to get home after this to start sourcing materials for my project.”
“Then that makes us two!” Tara giggles, ignoring your ‘I didn’t even say anything yet…’ to clap her hands. “This is perfect! I have the perfect outfit for you, so that you can find-”
“Tara…” Before you could strangle her from across the booth Xavier slips into the seat beside you, shoving his backpack beside your things and resting his head against his arms on the table. “…Rough shift?”
“About the same,” he mumbles. “Don’t worry about me. Just going to take a quick nap.”
Tara kicks his foot under the table. “Wait! Before you doze off. Will you be at the party tonight?”
“I have to be,” he raises his head with a furrowed brow. “Zayne will scold me again if I don’t do my part and hang around. I don’t remember what the theme is this time though.” Xavier shakes his head before turning to you. “By the way… I gave Caleb your number.”
“…So it was you.” You narrow your eyes at him. “Why?”
“Oh finally someone's fessing up. Do you know how many times I’ve had to tell her it wasn’t me?” Tara clicks her tongue. “It’s like she thought I was the god of deception, Hermes or something.”
“Not even close.”
“Caleb says he saw you at the last party event you went to and thought you were cute. I tried to resist for a while but he kept interrupting my naps.” Xavier’s eyelashes flutter against his cheeks, signaling that he’s about to fall asleep.
Deciding to let him be, you turn to Tara. “Isn’t he dating MC?”
“I’m pretty sure they’re just friends,” she hums, puckering her lips dramatically around the tip of the straw. When did she get another one of those drinks?
“Huh, didn’t know that. Wouldn’t put it past him if he was dating her while talking to me though. He’s like the epitome of a womanizer. The guy has been bothering me for a little over a week now,” you sip your own drink. “I can’t believe Xavier traded my number for a couple more minutes of sleep.”
“It was much worse than you think,” Xavier grumbles. “That guy is persistent. You would know.”
He’s right. You would know, because ever since you’ve first crossed paths with Caleb through mutual friends, he has been consistently going out of his way to talk to you — and courtesy to Xavier, message you. You have a fair amount of evidence.
“It’s not that he’s bad looking, it’s just that I don’t want to be some other girl to add to his list. You’ve seen him at parties, right?” You shut your eyes tightly and scratch your head. “Gah! You’re all distracting me, I need to get this done by tonight. No more talking about dumb Caleb or-”
“Dumb Caleb?” You stiffen when you hear a familiar boyish voice come up from behind you. Tara grins, making a show of dramatically swirling her drink again. Fuck you, you mouth to her before turning around. “What… are you doing here?”
Caleb is clad in a hoodie and basketball shorts, bag slung over his shoulder. He’s tall — and with you sitting down the height difference is much worse. He’s towering over you as you take in a second to notice how sweaty his forehead is from practice.
“Xavier messaged me to pick him up after his shift. Didn’t think I’d see you here, it’s a nice surprise.” He leans over, a cheeky smile on his lips. “What else were you gonna say about me?”
“Can it,” you turn around with an embarrassed flush gracing your cheeks. You hear what sounds like a pitiful whine behind you.
“Did you get my text?” Quickly recovering from your rejection, Caleb easily grabs a chair with one hand to bring to the side of the table. “About the party tonight.”
You stare aggressively into your laptop screen, tapping your finger against your thigh. “…no…,” you lie through gritted teeth.
“Good thing I happened to see you now, then. Well?”
“Well what?”
“Are you going?”
“Not anymore.”
“Tough crowd.” Caleb’s lips turn down and his eyebrows furrow, about to work his magic. “Please?” He tilts his head and gives you the most pathetic, soggy puppy eyes he could muster.
“…no…” You’re sweating, hunching over your laptop as you jab your fingertips into the keyboard pretending to type something into a doc.
“She’s coming with me!” Tara cheerfully speaks up. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she’s there tonight!”
Caleb perks up. “Sounds good. I really hope to see you both there!” He pats Xavier on the back with more force than necessary. “C’mon pal, we’ve got some prep to do before tonight, Gideon is waiting in the car.”
Xavier sighs, rubbing his eyes as he lets Caleb lead him out. The latter has a pep in his step, turning around to wave at you excitedly before they exit.
“…I’ll kill you, Tara.”
—
The party is in full swing, music blasting and crowds flooding inside and out of the house. Tara insisted on pregaming, already stumbling and giggling as you both made your way to the door. Before you could say anything a tall man with bright red eyes speaks. “Hello ladies. Looking stunning. I already know who you are, so…” His eyes bore into yours before he tilts his head to the door. “…head right in, gorgeous.”
You furrow your eyebrows, confused, but before you could question him about how he knows you or why he has cloth wrapped around his fists, Tara is already dragging you inside.
It’s hot and sweaty, bodies pushing you left and right as your head pounds to the bass. Tara is behind you dancing to the music as you scan the area, attempting to find a less crowded area to stand.
Hands brush your back and guys whistle giving you blatant up-downs, as the girls slyly wave and send you flirtatious winks. You awkwardly nod back to some and ignore others, praying for someone to save you both.
“You guys made it!” Caleb spots you immediately and grins, pushing his way to you. His cheeks are flushed and his eyes are dilated, the smell of vodka radiating off of him in waves. “You look great. Want something to drink?”
He looks good in his tight tee that hugs and accentuates his biceps, and his backwards cap. A gleaming silver chain hangs around his neck. Peak frat guy look. You shake your head, yelling over the music. “I’ll get something for myself later.”
“Help yourself, the kitchen is that way.” Caleb points to the left, about to accompany you before someone calls his name. He scowls, looking down at you apologetically. “Gideon needs me for something but I promise I'll catch up with you in a second over there. Wait for me?”
Before you say anything he jogs off with a wink, handling god knows what. Tara grabs your arm, saying something about seeing a cute boy before ditching you with a smile. Great. You have half the mind to just find Xavier, knowing he’ll be napping on a couch somewhere forsaking his responsibilities.
“Maybe I do need a drink,” you mutter to yourself. As you push your way through people to get to the kitchen, an ethereal man with purple locks comes by, leaning against the island table.
“Ohhh, you’re the girl Caleb’s always talking about,” he drawls. “I’m Rafayel. You might not know me or this yet, but we’re basically best friends at this point. Solely because Caleb is a walking fan page of you, constantly spouting out random facts nobody asked for.”
You cringe, pouring yourself something out of a blue bottle. “I didn’t know that.”
“It’s honestly concerning.” Zayne comes up from behind you both, nodding to you in greeting. “I’m hoping you giving him a chance will cease his everlasting yearning.”
“What chance? I haven’t really given him one yet, plus we’ve hardly talked. I’m not sure if I’m what he’s looking for right now.” You take a gulp of your drink, the topic of the conversation already wearing you out.
You all glance at Caleb, who’s at the centre of attention with girls hanging off him left and right. Someone says something and he lets out a hearty chuckle, flexing his bicep while the crowd cheers, eating it up. He’s clearly loving it.
Facing Zayne again you raise a brow. He shakes his head and presses a finger to his temple. “Anyway. It’s been a while since we’ve last spoken, I believe it was since Candace’s class?”
“You mean the prof who was caught cheating on her husband?” Rafayel twirls a pen around his fingers. “Pretty sure it was with a student too, how scandalous.”
“Yeah, I remember that. Her class made it a tough semester…” You wrinkle your nose at the memory. “Her accent also made things even harder to understand. I wish I knew what she was saying when she tried to defend her case about cheating, though.”
Zayne nods in agreement, wincing. “The class was quite difficult, and the drama was uncalled for. I sincerely wish scandals concerning our professors would be less public. Everything I've heard has been from Caleb or Rafayel against my will.”
“Talking about me again?” Caleb casually wraps his arm around your shoulders, purposefully knocking you off balance with his weight.
“Yeah, but nothing good,” you scowl, shoving his arm off you. He puts his hands up in mock surrender.
A girl peeks behind Caleb’s shoulder, gripping his bicep. “Caleb, they’re throwing eggs into the pool again.”
Caleb groans. “Not again, I just finished dealing with some other troublemakers. By the way, this is-”
“I know who she is.” The girl rolls her eyes, shoving him out of the way roughly to get to you. Then she smiles, tapping her red solo cup to yours playfully. “Hi, I’m MC. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
You grimace. “…How much has he talked about me?” Everyone falls silent as Caleb grins shyly, the crowd and music louder than usual.
“Oookay. So now that introductions are out of the way, orgy time?” Rafayel awkwardly claps. “Or even better. Body shots!”
The night goes on with this unbearable tension between the two of you. It’s obvious you and Caleb have started to form a connection despite not knowing each other very long, and you almost have half a mind to give him a chance. Maybe even as early as tonight.
He seems to be proving well that he’s interested in you, his attention never wandering far from you. Questions about your day, not overstepping boundaries – all checks in your book. At some point, every brush of his hand or bump of his shoulder sent sparks flying.
You’re in a good mood, sipping your drink from your cup as you watch a game of pong. Maybe it’s about time you finally got over your ex. Tara’s cheering beside you, before nudging her shoulder against yours. “Wait… is that Caleb?”
You look up just in time to see a girl firmly plant her lips on his, her arms looping around his neck. So much for proving himself.
—
Getting kissed by a random girl in the middle of the party was not on Caleb’s to-do list tonight.
As he feels lips that aren’t yours descend on his own, Caleb’s mind stutters and he fully sobers up. He firmly but respectfully pushes her away, shouting, “Woah, woah! What’s going on?”
The girl whines and tries to tug him closer, batting her eyelashes with a pout. “Not interested tonight?”
“Wait what? Who are you?” Dismissing her, his back straightens as he scans the area, eyes hoping to catch yours. Caleb gets what he wishes for; but the hurt on your face and the view of you turning your back to him almost makes him wish he hadn’t in the first place.
Caleb rushes to follow you but you’re already disappearing into the sea of bodies. He catches Tara instead, frantically asking where you were going.
“She’s getting some air,” Tara yells over to him.
Just as he’s about to take off after you, Tara grabs his arm tightly, shaking her head. “She’s not feeling well.” Her stern expression tells Caleb all he needs to know.
Chewing his lip he scans the crowd regardless. The fact you didn’t stay for an explanation puts him in a frenzy, leading him to a path of irrational, terrible decisions as students crowd him, unaware of what just went down. Before he can register what's happening, someone shoves a drink into his hand. Then another.
“Where’s Caleb?” Zayne is shouting over the music, having witnessed the whole thing.
An entertained Sylus arches a brow, making no move to fix the situation and points to the set up in the living room. There’s a circle of hyped up people chanting and a drunk, wobbly Caleb about to clamber on top of the table in the middle. Gideon is cheering him on as he tries to help him up.
Zayne groans, pushing his glasses up to rub the bridge of his nose and grabs Rafayel’s arm, who yelps as he’s dragged along to Caleb’s location. “My drink! Stop manhandling me, I’m quite fragile you know!”
“Help me take Caleb back to his room.” Zayne grabs Caleb by the shoulders to push him down, grunting when he tries to struggle. Damn athletes.
Rafayel scrambles to help tug him down, almost collapsing because of Caleb’s dead weight.
“Shit Caleb, you need to stop drinking tonight — preferably before we have to put you on life support, because you know Zayne will pull the plug.” Rafayel drapes Caleb’s arm over his shoulders, heaving him up with a huff. “Fuck, you’re heavy.”
“All muscle,” Caleb slurs, eyes blurry. “I didn’t want her to kiss me. She did it without asking.”
“Yeah, we know,” Rafayel sighs. “Just sleep it off. You can deal with it in the morning. Wait hey, don't pass out yet, wait until we get to your room- no!”
—
Caleb wakes up to the sounds of chirping.
Fucking birds.
Caleb groans, head throbbing and sunlight shining in his eyes. What a combination.
The clock reads 10am. He’s surprised that Zayne hasn’t started banging on his door yet for him to get up — maybe it’s because of his pitiful state from last night. After freshening up and a couple quick stretches, he changes and slips out of his room to start prepping for his morning run.
His mind constantly slips to what happened last night. It makes his heart pang, knowing that you left while you both weren’t on good terms. He knows what it looked like — he’ll get on his knees and beg if it meant you’d hear him out.
Zayne is already in the kitchen drinking his usual sweetened coffee as it fogs his lenses. Caleb gives him a quick nod, opening the fridge to take a swig from the milk carton. “Gonna go for a quick run, then we can head out. Wanna join?”
“…I really wish you’d stop doing that. And no thanks. I’m catching up on some articles I didn’t have time to read last night.”
Caleb hums in acknowledgment, slipping on his shoes and grabbing his keys. “Will be back.”
The sun is shining nicely, spreading warmth to combat the cool morning air as Caleb looks at the time on his phone, deciding how long he’ll go for today.
As he starts off with a light jog he can’t help but think about you again and again. The past couple weeks have been slow, Caleb consistently trying to show you that he’s interested. Was it that you just really didn't like him back? But you had still been talking to him prior to last night — with an attitude yes, but still putting the effort in to talk.
Caleb is already considering asking Xavier where your dorm is, just to apologize and make up. He had already sent you a message he knows will probably be left on read, and he doesn’t want to risk lowering the chances of you forgiving him if he spams.
Sighing at the difficult mess he’s in, Caleb looks up at the sky and decides on another block before turning back around.
When Caleb gets back Zayne is already ready to go, checking his watch. “Let’s head out before it gets too busy.”
“Are you guys going grocery shopping?” Rafayel groans from the couch, extremely hungover.
“Yeah. Need something?”
“A gun.”
“Weren’t you the one who told me to pump the breaks last night? Y’know, something about our studying doctor and pulling the plug?” Caleb checks the cupboard to make sure there’s enough protein powder for the next week.
“I got roped into taking more shots after taking you back to your room, you know how it can be. And I smoked.”
Zayne opens the living room curtains, making Rafayel screech. “God, Zayne! You’re actually the worst. I’m going back to my room…”
“Good, you smell like shit,” Zayne deadpans. “Tell the other two to message us if they need anything from the store.”
“No need, I can speak for myself. I don’t need anything,” Sylus’ deep voice echoes as he walks into the kitchen. Xavier trails behind him, still clad in his fuzzy star pajamas.
“Me neither,” Xavier says slowly, voice riddled with sleep. The two of them start scavenging the cupboards for breakfast, and a painkiller to ease the headache.
“Are you guys doing anything today? If not, you should be offering to come help us grocery shop.” Zayne is slipping on his coat, scrolling through his phone to make sure his list is right.
Sylus shakes his head. “I’m working on my motorcycle. She needs some maintenance done before tonight’s race.”
“I’m test driving for him,” Xavier adds, yawning.
Caleb furrows his eyebrows. “You don’t have your license.”
Xavier shrugs, uncaring that he was caught. “Shouldn’t you be staying home too? Considering your heart was broken last night.”
“Ouch,” Rafayel calls from the couch, fanning the flames as he nurses his pounding head.
Caleb rubs his own forehead. “Just… message the group chat if you guys change your mind about needing anything. Xavier, stay out of the kitchen. Just wait ‘till we’re back, we'll pick up something for breakfast.”
–
The grocery store is packed. Zayne grabs a cart, diligently heading directly to the sweets aisle as Caleb trails behind him. His head still feels like shit, the bright lights and crowds not doing him any favours.
As Zayne debates between different flavoured truffles, Caleb freezes. There you are, looking like an angel dressed in a comfy hoodie and jeans, with a shopping basket looped around your arm.
“Hey!” He jogs up to you, desperate to have a chat. “You left early last night.”
Caleb shoves his hands in his jacket, glancing at you without trying to make it obvious. You look so cute, and it makes him extremely nervous. Of course you looked gorgeous last night, but the way you look now has a different charm to it.
He watches you remove your earbud, before awkwardly scratching the back of your head. “Yeah, I wasn't feeling too good.”
Silence falls between the two of you, Caleb awkwardly trying to walk your pace as you shop. He opens his mouth to say something to fix the uncomfortableness, but you beat him to it.
“Look, I’m trying really hard not to be awkward here, but you're making it really hard.” He watches you absentmindedly toss a box of cereal into your basket.
Caleb tries his best to keep eye contact with you, but fails when you consistently attempt to avoid his eyes. “You left before I could explain myself. I didn’t want her to kiss me. I promise I didn’t even know who that was either, it was just a spur of the moment, I guess and-”
“It’s fine, Caleb. There’s no reason for you to apologize or for me to get upset. We aren’t anything in the first place.” Caleb bites his lip, falling back into a silence at your words. The way you’re pretending as if nothing happened between the two of you sounds like a defensive mechanism. Of course, what you said was right. Instead of fighting you about it, he musters up a different answer.
“I have a game next Wednesday, 8 o’clock. It would mean a lot if you came, and would be even better if you let me take you out after to prove it to you.” He rubs the back of his neck, uncharacteristically nervous.
“Prove what?”
“That I’m serious about you. I really do like you, y’know.” He tilts his head, eyes earnest as he analyzes your face. “Aaand, I think we might have a misunderstanding on what you think my character is like.”
“You’ve got a reputation,” you glance at him. “And it’s not exactly baseless accusations or presumptions. I’ve been to a couple of your guys' parties, Caleb. I’ve seen it for myself.”
“I know, I know,” Caleb mutters, ears turning aflame. He doesn’t know if now is the time to defend himself, but he does know it hurts knowing this was your impression of him. “Just… please? Let me take you out once.”
You fall silent, thinking about it. Caleb’s sure he looks like a dog right now with his tail tucked between his legs, ears flat.
“Just once. If after that one date you still think I'm the same guy you saw at those parties, then I'll stop bothering you." Caleb’s heart is hammering in his chest.
“…Okay. But this is your only chance.”
Caleb grins, fighting not to pump his fist. “Great- ow…?”
Zayne turns the corner, intentionally shoving the shopping cart into the back of Caleb’s legs. “Let’s go. Stop harassing her.” He sends you an apologetic look which you shake your head at, a small smile gracing your face. It makes his breath hitch.
“8 o’clock, next Wednesday. Don’t forget!”
–
You park outside the campus gymnasium, rubbing your nose. It’s cold and dark out, but there's a warm liveliness coming from all the students and parents ready to cheer on their friends and family.
Shoving your hands in your pockets, you make your way to find a seat. On the court it’s easy to spot Caleb, his tall, charming self beaming as Gideon slaps him on the back.
“Hey!” You hear your name, looking up into the crowds, the blinding lights making you squint. MC is waving her hand in the air, gesturing for you to come join her and a brown haired man who is sitting beside her. You push your way up the bleachers and greet them both with a smile.
“Cool of you to make it,” MC says, sliding over to make some space. You take the seat gratefully, thanking her. “This is Jeremiah. You might have seen him last night?”
Ah, Xavier’s friend. You kind of recall seeing him at the cafe sometimes, always bringing in new flowers for the vases. You wave politely, about to say something before the whistle blows.
You see the coach yell at the players, watching as some stretch and others do warm ups. Caleb looks into the crowd, searching for someone.
MC cups her hands around her mouth and yells. “She’s with us!”
You shrink into your jacket, hissing. “MC!”
Caleb grins, sending you a wink. The girls around you scream, making you flinch and shake your head. Holy fan girls. He points at you, saying something. When you scrunch your brows and put your hand to your ear, he yells again.
“THIS ONE’S FOR YOU!”
“He wouldn’t,” you cringe in horror. Caleb dribbles the ball once before shooting a three pointer. The ball moves cleanly through the air before swishing through the net, sinking easily. He looks up at you with a proud, boyish grin, puppy ears sprouting from his head.
“He would,” MC shakes her head. “That was… are we in high school?”
The whistle blows once more to signal the start of the game, and you thank the gods.
–
A couple hours and a win later, you stand near the entrance of the building to wait for Caleb.
“Hey, thanks for waiting up.” Caleb has his bag slung over his shoulder, hair wet from his shower. “Was thinking of hitting some street vendor stalls before taking you home, thoughts?”
“That’s fine with me,” you mumble, tucking your hands into your pockets. “Can’t be out too late though, I have a test tomorrow morning.”
He stands up straight and salutes you. “I will have you home by midnight. No funny business."
You scoff at his playfulness, following after him as he leads you out into the fresh air. A comfortable silence settles between the two of you. You take in the stillness of the usually busy campus, watching the lamp posts flicker.
“What’re we thinking,” Caleb hums. “Sweet or savory tonight? Tanghulu, or dumplings?”
“I want dumplings,” you kick a rock. “Pork and leek.”
“Got it, Colonel,” he leads you to a bench. “Wait here. I’ll go order.”
The intimacy of it all makes your cheeks flush as you wait for him. You sneak glances at him as he orders servings for the both of you while chatting with the old couple running the stall. Caleb then points at you, the old granny smiling sweetly as you wave shyly.
He makes his way back to you, handing you your piping hot dumplings. “Careful, it's hot. The lady said she gave you extra since you’re so cute. Have to say, I agree.”
You duck your head, cheeks turning pink. “I’ll have to thank her when we’re done.”
Caleb sits onto the bench next to you, dropping his bag to the ground. “So…” He bumps his shoulder against yours as he chews his own dumplings thoughtfully. “Should we talk about it?” Caleb glances at you sideways. “I like you, and you like me. Feels like that should count for something, right?”
“That’s an overly simplified way to put it,” you puff out, the steam of your dumplings fanning your face. “And how do you know I like you?”
Caleb gives you a look that makes you give up easily, not even attempting to fight it.
“…Fine. I think what’s stopping us is that you’re in a frat, constantly kissing girls.”
Caleb groans dramatically, throwing his head back. "Okay, yeah, I get why you'd maybe think that. But being in a frat doesn't automatically make me a manwhore." He runs a hand through his hair. "I promise I'm not sleeping around."
You shrug your shoulders, unsure of what to say.
“Have any of the guys described me that way? I feel like you can trust Zayne’s judgment of character at least.”
“Aren’t you guys childhood friends?”
“Don’t even try. Y’know Zayne is not the type to give me special treatment. In most things at least. Sometimes I can squeeze a little something out ‘cus he’s older ‘n secretly likes to take care of MC and I still.” He sets his paper cup to the side, stretching his legs. “But it’s rare. Anyway, I think Zayne likes you enough that he would warn you about me if I was really that bad.”
His fingertips inch towards where yours are resting on the bench. If you see it, you don’t mention it or pull away.
“Just give me a chance,” Caleb murmurs, slowly intertwining your pinkies. His movements are tentative, as if waiting for you to pull away. “I promise I’ll be good to you. Better than good.” You feel the warmth of his skin against yours, your pinkies loosely twisted together. The night air is cool, but where your hands touch, it's warm. He doesn't push further and lets you think.
“Okay,” you murmur, as you slide your palm against his to link your fingers together. “ I guess we can see how this goes.”
You can’t bring yourself to look at him directly, rather opting to shift closer to him and rest your head on his shoulder. You let the silence stretch, enjoying each other’s company.
Caleb ducks his head with a small laugh, relaxing. “That went better than I expected.”
Nudging his shoulder you give him a crooked grin. “Don’t get used to it, yeah?
“I should probably get you home soon,” he says gently. “It's getting cold. Does this mean I get to walk you to your car tonight?”
“You were going to do that anyways,” you reply.
“Yeah,” he admits easily. “But now I get to hold your hand while I do it.”
The walk back feels short. Standing in front of the driver’s side of your car, you turn to face Caleb. He’s already looking at you with a sweet expression, ears and cheeks flushed from the cold air. Glancing away, he rubs the back of his neck. “I’ll see you soon, I hope? When do you have time next?”
You try not to snicker at his endearing mannerisms. Instead of answering right away, you step forward to press a soft kiss to his cheek. Caleb malfunctions, eyes blinking wide as he looks down at you before covering his face with his hand, shaking his head. “Hah…” he exhales. “You’re so cute.”
You watch him short circuit, enjoying the effect you have on him. “You have my number, Caleb. Just text me and we can make plans. Preferably not a meet up at a house party.”
“Yeah, okay," he exhales. "I can do that. Text me when you get home?”
“I will.” You slip into your car, smiling at him. Caleb’s hands are shoved in his jacket pockets, rocking slightly on his heels like he doesn’t know what to do with himself.
As you pull out and drive off, you catch him in your rear view mirror touching the cheek you kissed. Yeah, you think you could give him a chance.
synopsis. rafayel being his usual (unreasonable) self
paring. rafayel x reader
tw/content. friends to lovers, fluff
masterlist
“Alright. I can tell you’re mad at me.”
Rafayel huffs and swishes his paintbrushes in his water cup with more force than necessary. He was definitely mad.
You rub the bridge of your nose, stifle a sigh and think to yourself, he obviously wants me to ask. Why can’t Thomas deal with this like usual?
You’ve been standing behind him talking to his back for the past fifteen minutes. He seems to be rather insistent on focusing all his attention to his painting rather than anything you have to say.
You tap the tall stool he’s sitting on. “Raf.”
He glances down at you, blue-pink eyes meeting yours. Finally, you think. But then he turns back.
“Acting disinterested doesn’t suit you,” you rub your forehead. Here we go. “Can’t we talk like adults?”
Silence.
“You are not nonchalant like that. If anything, you're the most chalant guy I know.”
Still no response.
You sigh. “Fine, if you’re not going to talk I’m not gonna waste my time here, since you, y’know, obviously don’t care.”
His head snaps behind him after you fake a step, his eyes blown wide with panic. “Wait-”
You grin, arms crossed, your eyes meeting his. “Wow, I haven’t even taken two steps, Rafayel. So you do care.” A smug expression finds its way to your face.
His face falls back to an emotionless expression when he realizes he was tricked.
“Ha-ha. Very funny, cutie.”
You shrug. “It actually was. Now, want to tell me what’s got our brilliant painter all upset?”
Rafayel lets out a frustrated huff knowing you played him and called his bluff in all but thirty seconds. He finally swiveled around to face you.
“…You’re late.”
“I had to do something last minute.”
“Does that ‘something’ include going on a date without telling me?”
You pause, furrowing your eyebrows.
“Date?”
“Did I stutter? Obviously not, because you just repeated what I said,” he haughtily responds without missing a beat.
You scrunch your nose. “Mind toning down the difficulty of this conversation? Bring it from a 10 all the way down to a 1. What the hell are you talking about?”
“You went on a date instead of coming straight to me. I told you it was important.” He points the end of his paintbrush at you accusingly. His face expresses how unhappy he is.
“First of all, why would it matter to you? It’s none of your business,” your eye twitches. “Secondly, I wasn’t that late. And third, were you spying on me?!”
“What? No,” he says with a scowl. “Thomas visited me earlier and told me he saw you with a guy at the mall.”
“Okay. Let’s start there. Yeah, I was at the mall with a guy.” You scratch the back of your head. “On a date though? Didn’t know I was into dating my cousins. No one told me.”
Rafayel freezes.
“Also come down here,” you snap. “Get off that stupidly tall chair. It hurts having to crane my neck to talk to you. Didn’t Talia teach you any manners?”
Finally listening, he makes his way to you. You wait at the bottom, arms crossed and foot tapping impatiently.
He smiles sheepishly. “Well miss bodyguard, are you hungry? I have some food prep resting in the fridge that we can use-”
“I ate while I was on my date with my cousin.”
Rafayel looks away, brushing his bangs to the side. His ears turn red.
“Hmph.”
You shake your head in disbelief. “Never mind that. Have you eaten?”
He shrugs. “Not hungry.”
“Okay…” you raise an eyebrow. “Then, you want to be honest with me?”
Rafayel sighs as if you’re inconveniencing him — which you both knew was not the case — before leaning against a doorframe. “Ask away, cutie,” he waves his hand dismissively.
Ignoring his sass, you continue. “Were you upset because I, your employee, was late and didn’t prioritize your ‘emergency’ first?”
Stepping closer to him, you close the space between you. “Or, is it because I was on this so-called date?”
The closeness makes Rafayel’s ears turn red again.
“If you pick the former, I’ll drop this and we can pretend nothing happened,” you hum.
Rafayel swallows hard, Adam's apple bobbing. “Both.” He clears his throat. “I mean, I was upset about both things. Mainly the latter. But-”
“Yeah?” The corners of your lips lift, satisfied.
“Don’t ‘yeah’ me,” he mutters. He turns his head to the side defiantly. “Drop the faux innocence. You knew what the answer was going to be the whole time, why bother asking?”
The studio light catches his face, making his frustration look unfairly attractive.
“You’re insufferable,” he pouts. “Do you get off on making me admit things I’d rather not say?”
“I’m insufferable?” You roll your eyes. “I came here at your request and I got ignored as a greeting.”
“You were fifteen minutes late,” he counters, chin up. “You owe me attention for the time you stole from me, you know.”
He leans in closer, lips a hair away from yours.
You smirk, pressing your index to his lips. “Maybe after you admit it. You were jealous. Pick, fess up and get what you want, or don’t answer and I’ll leave.”
“Gun to my head? I think I’d rather kill myself. And I know you won’t leave, miss bodyguard.”
