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Borrowed Promise (Caleb Tender Moment)
Warm summer sunlight streams in from the window.
I wake up. Rubbing my eyes, I hear noises coming from the living room. Caleb must be back from his morning run.
Caleb: Main Character, are you awake?
Main Character: Yeah... I just don't want to move.
I roll over instead of immediately getting up to open the door.
I got in a fight with my best friend. A few days have already passed, but I'm still not ready to make up with her.
Caleb: You sound tired. Are you about to faint from hunger while you're still in bed?
I sigh and get up to open the door.
Caleb: Oh, nice. How did you know I was ready to drag you out of the room?
Main Character: On a perfect weekend, some people go for a morning run. And others just want to sleep in.
Caleb: I thought we agreed to go out a few days ago. Buuut you keep making excuses.
Caleb: The weather's nice today. Why not come outside with me?
Caleb: During my run, I ended up passing by that park we used to visit.
Caleb: They're having a fair nearby.
Looking at him with little interest, I lean against the doorframe.
Main Character: A lot of people will be there. And it's going to be hot...
Caleb: I knew you'd try to come up with a reason not to go.
Caleb: There are game and snack stalls set up around the park. And I checked it out already. It's not crowded.
Caleb: You wanna walk around at least?
Main Character: Maybe...
Seeing my hesitation, Caleb pulls me out of the room. He pushes me into the bathroom, and I stand in front of the mirror.
Caleb: Look how messy your hair is. Mushrooms are basically growing out of your head.
Caleb: Sooo, if you don't go out, we're eating mushroom stir-fry for lunch.
As he talks, he pretends to pick a few imaginary mushrooms from my head.
Caleb: Ohh they're homegrown and organic.
Main Character: ...Caleb, you're stupid.
Caleb: Wash up already, pip-squeak. We'll head out once you're ready.
His mushroom-picking turns into an airplane taking off.
I swat Caleb's hand away. He gives me a toothbrush.
Main Character: Are you calling the shots because Grandma's not home?
Holding the toothbrush, I grumble.
Caleb: Huh? What did you say?
Main Character: Nothing. I said I'll get ready!
The weather is nice, and the bustling fair welcomes everyone. Compared to my mood, it's amazing.
But even though I agreed to go out with Caleb, I'm still down in the dumps.
Main Character: It's too hot, Caleb. I'm going to melt.
Behind me, he remains quiet. I immediately sense something's off.
Main Character: Ca-
A big red sun hat is placed on my head.
Main Character: ...Isn't this the hat Grandma got from her tour group, Caleb?
Caleb: You gotta protect yourself against the sun. In this heat, you can cook an egg on the asphalt.
He then pulls out a pink, sun-protective jacket with a floral pattern. But I quickly stop him and drape it over his shoulders.
Main Character: You can keep it yourself.
Caleb: ...Okay. You wear the red hat and I wear the jacket with flowers on it. We each got one. Perfect, right?
The small jacket doesn't even fit Caleb. But he looks content.
I laugh, and most of the gloom in my heart dissipates.
Caleb: We're fully equipped, right? Can we continue explorin' now?
Caleb: Or do you wanna go home?
I hesitate for a second before shaking my head.
Main Character: No, but...
Caleb: Buuut what?
Main Character: I want that fruit-flavored cotton candy!
Caleb: Phew. I thought you were gonna ask for the moon.
Caleb: Fruit-flavored cotton candy, huh? Let's go.
Caleb and I chat and laugh. The memory of the fight with my friend is pushed to the back of my mind.
Before I know it, it's afternoon. And despite the heat, there are still a lot of people at the fair.
Stallholder: Giant ice cream cones here! It's better if you share 'em!
Main Character: Caleb, hurry!
Caleb: Mmm.
I excitedly call for him. Yet when I turn around, I see him struggle with the bags he's carrying. He's a little flustered as he navigates through the crowd.
Main Character: We bought a lot of stuff... Let me help you carry some of it.
Caleb: I'll be fine even if you buy more.
Main Character: Don't lie. If we get separated, you won't be able to pull me back.
Caleb frees one hand and takes a few pictures of me with his phone.
Caleb: Then I'll go around and ask if anyone has seen Little Red Riding Hood. I'll show them this picture.
Main Character: ... You just wanted a picture of me wearing Grandma's hat.
I try to grab his phone, but Caleb lifts it out of my reach.
Caleb: That reminds me.
Caleb: I'll bring out these photos when you don't wanna do the dishes next time. I'll delete one if you wash everything, though.
Main Character: You're so mean, Caleb!
The hat's brim blocks my view. So, I lift my chin and glare at him.
Caleb: Come to think of it, I'm the one who always does the dishes.
Caleb: You better start helping out with chores, pip-squeak. Otherwise, I'll only have a few opportunities to delete these pics.
Main Character: Fine, then. Keep them forever if you want!
Caleb: All righty. Also, you said that, not me.
Smiling, Caleb flicks the brim of my hat. He starts walking to the nearby ice cream stall.
Caleb: Hi. I'd like one giant ice cream cone, please.
After finishing our mountain of food, Caleb and I sit on a swan boat by the small lake in the park. We're taking a break.
I lazily pedal, but I sneakily put my feet up on the boat and slack off.
The swan boat slows down and wobbles.
Caleb: You could barely reach the pedals on these boats when we were kids.
Main Character: And you haven't noticed how our boat's been going in circles?
Caleb: Oh... The swan's feet must be broken.
Caleb: Otherwise, we would've been on a speedboat considering how hard you were pedalin'.
Main Character: If you already knew, then why didn't you point it out?
Main Character: Caleb, you're too nice. I'm worried you'll be bullied.
Caleb: Puh-lease. Remember when I was the PE class monitor in high school? I was responsible for recording who was absent for morning runs.
Main Character: Yeah, and people would always try to slack off. They begged you not to write down their names.
Caleb: But I didn't listen to them. In fact, I was a tough cookie. Who'd dare to bully me?
Main Character: Really? But I remember you let someone off the hook one time. And you got punished for it. You had to run laps.
Caleb: We don't count that.
Caleb: I was really busy, so I asked a few classmates to give you something for me.
Caleb: When they came back, they told me they brought you a lot of snacks along the way. They even said, "Caleb, she was really happy."
Caleb: So, I let them off the hook. And Teach punished me with twenty laps.
Guilty, I clear my throat.
Main Character: ...I thought those were all from you. That's why I accepted them.
Main Character: And I felt really guilty when I found out you got in trouble because of me
Caleb: Yeah, you even coughed up an apology note and put it under my pillow.
Main Character: I was worried you were really mad!
Main Character: You're important to me, so I wanted to make sure there wasn't any bad blood between us.
Caleb: Aaand I told you I wasn't mad. Was there anything to be broody about?
Main Character: ... Then why are you bringing this up in the first place?!
Caleb: I just remembered how admirable you were while begging for reconciliation.
Main Character: ...
Under the sun, I notice how hot my face feels.
Seeing how quiet I am, Caleb pats my head and leans forward to pedal.
Caleb: Pedal faster. If you keep slacking off, we won't make it back before nightfall.
As evening approaches, the fair starts to quiet down. People slowly gather by the lake.
Main Character: What's going on over there?
Because he's tall, Caleb can easily see above most people's heads.
Caleb: They're writing their wishes on paper lanterns. They should be setting them on the lake soon.
Man A: Over here! Yeah, it's a good spot. Come on, guys! You better start walking now!
Woman A: We are!
A group of students holding pens and paper lanterns takes the empty spot next to us.
Man B: What did you write? Pfft, I bet you wish to be a hunter.
Woman B: As if! You just want to be with your girlfriend forever, right?
Man B: Shut up! If you say that out loud, it won't come true!
Man A: Hmph. Well, my wish is gonna come true.
Woman A: Let me see. Hmm... For our ten-year high school reunion...
Man B: We'll have hot pot for dinner!
I can't help but be drawn to the giggling students. Their joy rubs off on me a little.
Following my gaze, Caleb looks at them as they burst into a fit of laughter over something.
Caleb: It's lively here. Do you wanna join in?
Main Character: I'd rather not. There are too many people around.
Caleb: Do you feel tired? I can give you a piggyback ride.
Main Character: Sure.
Caleb: Hop on.
As the sky darkens, the lights around us blur. Many visitors head to the lake with their lanterns to make a wish.
Caleb carries me on his back as he walks away from the bustling crowd.
We slowly leave the most crowded area and soon pass by the park he mentioned this morning.
Main Character: We're already far away. Aren't you tired, Caleb?
Caleb: You're only asking that now?
Caleb: Hold on tight, pip-squeak. I won't catch you if you fall.
Main Character: Yeah, right. You always take care of me. You have my back.
Caleb: Huh... Why are your hands so cold? We're in the middle of summer.
He places me on the swing in the small park.
Caleb: I'll get a hot drink. Be right back.
The night breeze carries the distant cheer of the crowd. As I'm on the swing, I recall those students laughing and playing together.
Caleb: ... How admirable you were while begging for reconciliation.
Main Character: (He brought up the past on the boat as a way to encourage me to take the initiative...)
Main Character: (Maybe mustering the courage to say "let's make up" isn't that hard.)
Coming to terms with what happened, my bad mood disappears.
Main Character: (Caleb's been trying everything so I could go out and get some fresh air.)
Main Character: (He must've noticed it a while back. But he never asked... He acted like he didn't know and took me outside to "put" me in a good mood.)
Kicking the sand under my feet, I suddenly feel curious.
Main Character: (What would he be like when he's worried about someone?)
Before long, I hear footsteps behind me. I turn around, and a warm paper cup touches my cheek.
Caleb: Luckily, the drink stall wasn't closed. Here, take it.
Pretending to be sad, I rub my eyes. I try squeezing out a few tears.
Main Character: Caleb...
Caleb: Why are you crying?
He quickly walks to be in front of me and leans in.
Caleb: You were staring at those students back at the lake. Are you still upset about your friend?
Main Character: I...
Main Character: Caleb, how did you know I was upset?
Caleb: When you're in a bad mood, you can be a little dense. I can tell whether or not you're happy.
Caleb: I thought I cheered you up today.
Caleb's tone and expression reveal some of his frustration. He hugs me and pats my back.
Caleb: There, there. Don't cry.
Caleb: What happened? You can tell me.
Main Character: What would you do if you like someone who doesn't like you back?
Caleb: You got a crush?
Main Character: I don't think they don't like me anymore.
Caleb: "Anymore"? They used to like you then? Why didn't you tell me about this?
Main Character: ...It's a girl's secret. Of course I wouldn't have told you.
Caleb: ...
Caleb: Well, they don't know how to cherish you. If they don't like you, don't like them back. Besides, other people will like you.
Main Character: Really?
I sit up straight and look at him. A hint of dismay appears on Caleb's face.
Caleb: Yeah. You're the best of the best.
Main Character: Haha, you're probably the only one who thinks that.
Caleb: Of course not.
Caleb: Besides, I'm not gonna let you get bullied.
Caleb: So who is it?
Caleb: Is it the brat who gives you Wanderer crystal samples?
Caleb: Or the class monitor who lives next door? They always find an excuse to borrow your homework.
Seeing Caleb frown and prepare to stand up for me, I can't help but fan the flames.
Main Character: I can't tell you. Forget about it.
Caleb: Who else are you gonna tell if not me?
Main Character: It's my secret. Don't you have any secrets...?
Caleb: I don't... And we're talking about you right now.
Barely holding back my laughter, I quickly rest my head on Caleb's shoulder and sniffle.
Main Character: How do you think we should make up?
Caleb: ...I don't have a lot of experience in that area, pip-squeak.
Caleb: I've only ever gotten notes from you.
Main Character: Should I write one for them too?
Caleb: Nope. Notes are our thing. Don't tell me you want to give them to someone else.
Caleb: ... You've been stressing about this for days. Let me handle it for you.
Main Character: You? How are you going to do that?
Caleb: Guys have their own way of dealing with things.
He says this nonchalantly.
But I feel like if a boy ever made me this upset, Caleb would've handled it in a terrifying way.
Main Character: It's not a big deal. I can handle it myself.
I quickly sit up and clench my fist to show my determination. Unexpectedly, Caleb raises his fist to compare its size with mine.
Caleb: You have to tell me if you can't though.
Caleb looks serious. It's as if he's making an important promise.
I was just teasing him so I could see him worry about me. But now, unexpectedly, I find myself feeling a lump in my throat.
Main Character: Having Caleb backing me up is wonderful.
I throw myself at him again. I sniffle and rub my face against his neck.
Caleb wraps his arms around me.
Caleb: If you have any grievances, I'll be there for you.
Caleb: But I didn't bring any tissues today. You're on your own with your tears and snot.
Main Character: I'll wipe them on your shirt.
Caleb: I already do the dishes. Now I have to do the laundry?
Main Character: Well, duh!
Caleb: If you don't do your chores, I won't be deleting those photos anytime soon.
Caleb: How about I develop them and hold a photo exhibition at your school? Your friends could see them too.
I put some distance between us and punch his shoulder.
Main Character: Don't you dare! I have photos of you too! Lots of them, even.
Caleb: Then we can show everyone our photos together.
Main Character: Yeah, no. The last thing I want is to be embarrassed with you.
He laughs and talks about random things. I can't help but laugh, too.
Main Character: You know, Caleb, you always find a way to cheer me up.
Caleb: You realized this now?
Main Character: Then, will you... always be the one to cheer me up?
Caleb: Pip-squeak, you're slower than the dial-up. Even your questions are laggy.
Main Character: Is that a yes or no?!
Caleb: What are you gonna do if I say no?
Main Character: ...I've never thought about it.
Caleb: What a coincidence. Me neither.
Main Character: What's your answer, then?
He hooks his pinky with mine.
Caleb: Yeah. I'll always be the one to cheer you up.
The light from the street lamp illuminates Caleb's eyes, and his gaze is very sincere as he speaks.
Main Character: Caleb, why are you so nice to me?
Caleb: I'm pretty sure you already know the reason. You even said "duh."
Main Character: Right... Okay, I need to tell you something. But you can't be mad about it.
Caleb: What is it?
Main Character: The friend I mentioned earlier...
Main Character: She's a girl!
Caleb: You-
Main Character: Hahaha, I can't believe you fell for it!
Caleb stands up. Instantly, his hand lightly smacks my forehead.
Main Character: Ouch!
Caleb: I was worried for nothing.
Main Character: How was it for nothing? When you worry about me, I'm happy. And aren't you happy when I'm happy?
Caleb: Boooo. Talk about lame. Anyway, let's go home.
He walks out of the park and starts heading back.
Main Character: Caleb, wait for me!
I catch up to Caleb. I tug his sleeve and look at him.
Main Character: Caleb, I'm starving!
Caleb: Didn't you eat a ton of snacks today? How are you hungry again?
Main Character: I want to eat the food you make. Your cooking's the best!
Caleb: ...
He slows down, but he still has yet to respond. I decided to up the ante.
Main Character: Caleb, please don't be mad at me.
Main Character: How about you cook and I'll clean starting tonight? Is that okay?
Caleb: Sounds good to me. You better do the laundry too.
Main Character: ... You sure know how to push your luck.
Caleb: You're too kind. But I don't plan on deleting your photos.
Main Character: Okay, okay. I promise you can keep as many photos of me as you want!
Caleb: Deal.
I grab his arm and shake it.
Main Character: So what tasty food are you going to cook for me tonight?
Caleb suddenly pulls out Grandma's red hat. He plops it onto my head.
Caleb: We'll be having somethin' special this time. Mushroom stir-fry!
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