Hidden Waves (Caleb Memoria)
Friend 1: It's pouring outside... You know, the weather's been unpredictable lately. One minute it's hot, the next it's cold. And everyone's getting sick. It sucks.
Main Character: I thought you were still recovering, so you wouldn't be able to meet up this time.
Friend 1: But I haven't seen you in forever!
Friend 2: Yeah, we don't hang out much these days. You've been so busy since becoming a hunter.
Main Character: Oh, right. Take care of yourself out there.
Don't worry. I'll come back to Skyhaven when I get the chance.
It's already midnight when we leave the café. I finished catching up with two friends I hadn't seen in a long time.
As the rain falls, I rummage through my bag for an umbrella and my phone.
Friend 2: We had such a great time, and I lost track of time. Not to mention, it's hard to get a taxi around here...
Main Character: Crap...!
I quickly see several missed calls from Caleb on my phone screen.
Main Character: (I promised Caleb I'd be home before twelve when I left...)
Friend 1: Hmm? What's wrong?
Main Character: ...Can I stay over at your place tonight?
Friend 1: Why? Is there something scary waiting for you at home? Why do you look so worried?
Caleb: It's probably because I'm home.
Main Character: ...!
Not knowing when Caleb arrived, I can only turn around with unease. I watch as he approaches.
His umbrella is already above my head before he's standing right before me.
Caleb: Skyhaven isn't very safe tonight. I can drive all of you home.
Friend 1: Um... Thanks, but you don't have to. My apartment is right across the street.
Friend 2: Mine's nearby too... You don't need to trouble yourself.
Friend 1: Main Character, he's here to pick you up, right? Do you still wanna stay over at my place?
Main Character: ...No, it's okay.
Friend 1: Then we'll get going now.
Friend 2: Yeah. See you later!
As my friends leave, they cast a worried look at me.
Main Character: Caleb, I wasn't ignoring your calls on purpose. I was chatting with my friends and didn't notice my phone was ringing.
Caleb: Yeah, I figured as much. You ordered coffee three times. You really were into the conversation and lost track of time.
Main Character: When did you get here? And why didn't you go inside the café?
Caleb: You were laughin' up a storm. I didn't want to interrupt.
Seeing how drenched his shoulders are, I feel even more guilty.
Main Character: (He must've been standing outside for a long time...)
Main Character: You didn't have to pick me up. I could've gone home by myself or just stayed-
Caleb: You have a home. Here.
Caleb: Besides, Skyhaven isn't as safe as you think it is.
Main Character: Isn't this place safe with the guards on patrol?
Caleb: They should consider themselves lucky if they can hold on to their lives.
He leads me to the car. The rain becomes heavier. Its pitter-pattering irritates me for some reason.
Caleb: If I hadn't picked you up, you would've gone to your friend's place, right?
Caleb: Then you'd message me with an apology. Oh, throw in a cute emoji as the cherry on top.
Caleb: With that done, you'd put your phone away and curl up into a ball to sleep. You wouldn't even dare to check my response.
Caleb: You'd wait it out and believe I wouldn't be upset. And once I'm away on a mission or somethin'...
Caleb: You would sneak back into the house and pretend nothing happened. Right?
He goes through my plan with impeccable accuracy. My face is flushed as I feel I should defend myself.
Main Character: Okay, but-
Caleb: Get in. It's cold outside.
Inside the car, Caleb switches on the air conditioning. And once it starts moving, I open my mouth.
Main Character: Caleb, I'm an adult. I have stuff to do.
Main Character: And I'm a hunter. I know how to protect myself.
Caleb: Yeah, yeah, there are guards on patrol. But you have no idea how they slack off while on the job. Especially when no one's looking.
Main Character: Right, only you are the epitome of dedication and hard work, Colonel.
Annoyed, I say these words before looking out the car window.
A cool sensation hits my face as Caleb's finger touches the area below my eye. Confused by this unexpected touch, I turn my head.
Caleb: I thought you were crying.
Main Character: I'm not. Besides, this isn't the first time we've argued.
Caleb: Then don't fall asleep in the car.
Main Character: Why should I listen to you?
Caleb: Sleep can make memories more intense before bedtime. And right now, I'm Caleb the Loathsome.
Main Character: Oh. That means you'll end up as "Caleb the Annoying Lord Who Deserves to be Hated" when I wake up.
Caleb: ...
Main Character: So what happened this time?
He uses the turn signal without really answering my question.
Caleb: The Fleet's still keepin' things under wraps. But it'll be on the news tomorrow.
Main Character: (I guess it was something unusual.)
Main Character: That explains it. If nothing happened, you wouldn't be acting weird, right?
Caleb: You think I've been acting weird?
Main Character: ...Think whatever you want.
I lean back against the seat. As I watch the scenery outside glide past me, my eyelids grow heavier and heavier.
Caleb: A world built on ruins is an illusion. It was in ruins before, which means it can be destroyed again.
Caleb's voice, hard to make out, reaches me.
Caleb: A ruined world doesn't deserve you.
I wake up. Sunlight streams in through the partially closed curtains.
OTTO-SHD: Good morning!
Main Character: It's already a new day?
Memories flood my mind as I recall everything that happened after Caleb picked me up last night.
He told me to check the news today. I immediately grab my phone.
There's a headline about the tragic death of a fleet officer, who was attacked by a Wanderer while on his way home.
Main Character: (So that's why Caleb was in a rush to take me home...)
Main Character: (Was I too mean to him last night...)
OTTO-SHD: How may I help you?
Main Character: Hmm... Can you apologize to Caleb for me?
OTTO-SHD: I'm sorry. I don't understand what the command is.
Main Character: Sigh. Why hasn't anyone developed an Al that can apologize on other people's behalf?
I get out of bed. And after freshening up, I knock on the door to Caleb's room.
Main Character: Did he go out?
OTTO-SHD: I am currently checking Caleb's movement log for today.
OTTO-SHD: Caleb hasn't gone out yet.
Main Character: He's still in his room?
Main Character: Caleb, are you there?
Just as I'm about to knock again, my phone suddenly buzzes.
I turn the doorknob only to find out the door's locked.
Main Character: Caleb, you don't have to hide because of a fever. Why did you lock the door?
I don't hear any noise coming from inside his room.
Main Character: Caleb, are you still mad at me?
Main Character: I want to apologize, but we need to talk face-to-face. Open the door so you can see how sincere I am.
It's then that I hear Caleb's voice.
Caleb: I'm not mad. And you don't need to apologize.
I've never heard him sound so exhausted before.
It's as if he's been drained of all his strength.
Concerned, I knock on the door again.
Main Character: Caleb, open the door.
Main Character: I haven't finished reading a book. I almost forgot I left it in your room.
There are rustling sounds on the other side of the door.
As soon as he opens the door, I try to squeeze in through the gap.
However, Caleb stands in the way. He pushes me out while shoving a book into my hands.
Caleb: Take it and stop knockin', pip-squeak.
As I approach him, I immediately sense the heat that's radiating from his body. However, he swiftly grabs my hand when I try to touch his forehead.
Main Character: Did you get sick because you waited for me outside the café and got caught in the rain?
Caleb: Don't blame yourself. And it has nothing to do with you. I've taken some medicine. I'll be fine.
Main Character: At least don't lock the door. Let me in so I can take care of you.
Caleb: Have you ever seen me be defeated by something as small as this? I can handle it.
Caleb: Don't you have your own stuff to do? Focus on that.
Main Character: Caleb!
I make another desperate attempt to push past
Caleb and enter the bedroom. But the door closes right in front of me.
Main Character: (Hmph... Let's see how long you can keep up this tough guy act.)
I've been racking my brain since noon. I come up with countless excuses to convince Caleb to unlock the door, but it's all in vain.
Night falls in the blink of an eye. Carrying some food back home, I head to the kitchen. I'm going to cook a meal for him.
For some reason, a heaviness lingers in my heart.
Cold water rushes down my hand. I realize that this experience is somewhat unfamiliar to me.
Caleb is staying at home while I take care of things around the house.
And when I turned on the faucet, his hand would usually reach out and pull me away from the table.
Holding a tray with a bowl of porridge, I make my way to Caleb's room. Unsurprisingly, the door is still locked.
Standing before the door, I gently knock on it.
Main Character: Caleb, I made you some food.
No noise comes from the other side of the door.
Main Character: I got scratched by a stray cat when I was outside earlier. It hurts. Can you open the door and help me check it?
Caleb: I'm pretty sure you said stray cats always welcomed you with open paws.
Caleb: Remember to review your past lies before you tell a new one next time.
Using a lot of more force, I knock on the door again and again.
Main Character: If I had a fever and locked myself in my room, you would've already kicked the door down.
Main Character: Why can't I do the same thing to you? Caleb, you're the epitome of double standards in Skyhaven!
Main Character: I will see you today. I'll just pick the lock if you keep the door shut.
OTTO-SHD: Here's a friendly reminder. When you're asking for help, you should gently approach them.
Main Character: ...
The heavy door quietly stands before me. It's as if it will never open.
Main Character: Caleb... What are you afraid of?
Sighing, I put down the tray. In the dark corridor, I crouch down and place my hand on the door between us.
In the silence, a soft click reaches my ears.
I quickly stand up and turn the doorknob.
Caleb lies down on the bed. He speaks in a hoarse and resigned manner.
Caleb: I told you I'm fine. I wasn't lying.
Main Character: But you kept yourself locked inside. I'm worried about you.
A chuckle tinged in self-mockery escapes him.
Caleb: How can I keep up the tough guy act if I let you see me like this?
Main Character: Idiot. Do you really have the energy to joke when you sound like that?
I sit down on the edge of the bed. Caleb turns over, but he's facing away from me. I reach out and touch his forehead.
Main Character: You're still hot.
Main Character: ...If only you hadn't picked me up last night.
Caleb: I already said it has nothing to do with you. I got sick because I was overworked and didn't get enough rest.
I can't help but touch his cheek.
Main Character: First things first, eat this porridge. I also have meds for your fever.
Main Character: Where's the thermometer? Let's check your temperature.
Caleb: While I'm kinda used to you being bossy, I don't feel like playing along.
Main Character: 39.2 degrees Celsius. You still have a fever. Right now, you have no choice but to-
Caleb: It was better this morning. I feel like a champ right now.
Main Character: You're a champ at acting tough. I'll give you that.
Caleb: ...When have I ever lied to you?
His voice is deeper, and for a moment, I don't know how to respond. Instead of saying something, I move the pillow to let him sort of sit up in bed.
Holding the bowl, I stir the porridge that's still hot.
Caleb: You can't think of anything.
Main Character: Because there's a lot I could say. And by the time I'm done, the porridge would've gotten cold.
Caleb: When I went to Skyhaven for college, I promised to call you every week. Have I ever gone back on my word?
With my head lowered, I continue stirring.
Caleb: When we were kids, I'd get anything for you so long as you asked for it. Was there ever an exception?
Main Character: Enough with the small talk. Caleb, you said you'd never hurt me.
Caleb: Do you feel like everything I do is supposed to hurt you?
Main Character: Your inability to believe I can protect myself hurts me.
Main Character: Also, locking yourself in your room and not letting me see you when you're sick is hurting yourself, which indirectly hurts me.
Main Character: Why aren't you saying anything? If you think I'm wrong, you're free to correct me.
He's still silent like a fragile snail as it retreats into its protective shell. I hold out the bowl of porridge for him.
Main Character: Eat. If you don't finish it by today, I'll bug you again tomorrow.
Caleb: You really enjoy taking care of sick people, huh.
Caleb: Give it to me.
Caleb finishes the porridge and takes his medicine. I remain by his side and watch over him until the moon rises.
Drowsiness washes over me. Struggling to stay awake, I prop my chin up on my hand.
Caleb: Tired?
Main Character: A little... I'll return to my room once your fever's gone down.
Caleb: You can take a nap here.
I stop rubbing my eyes once he says that. With my eyes half-closed, I see he's making space for me on the bed.
Main Character: Scoot over some more.
Caleb: Do you also want more of the blanket?
Wrapping the blanket around me, I drape my arm over Caleb to ensure he's still covered.
Main Character: I want more of the pillow, too.
Caleb: You're demanding so much from a pitiful sick person. Use my arm instead.
I rest my head on his right arm while Caleb leans against the headboard. He gazes down at me.
Caleb: I barely remember the last time I looked at you like this.
Main Character: How come I don't remember?
Caleb: You were sleeping.
Main Character: ...?
Caleb: You even drooled, you know. I couldn't help but wonder what tasty food was in your dreams.
Main Character: Caleb, I think you'll look super handsome when you're quiet. Why don't you try shutting up for once?
Caleb: Sure.
Finally, a faint smile appears on his face. He smooths out my hair as his gaze finds its way back to me.
Feeling slightly awkward, I look away from his face. Instead, I focus on his slender neck until I see a silver chain.
The necklace I gave him securely hangs from his neck and touches his chest.
Before me lies Caleb, the person I can't be any more familiar with. Yet sometimes, he still feels like a stranger.
Caleb: Main Character, I have to tell you something.I avoid his gaze as if I was caught red-handed.
Main Character: I'm listening.
Caleb: Let's make up.
Main Character: What do you mean?
Caleb: We fought last night. Don't tell me you already forgot.
Main Character: I didn't, but...
Caleb: Then we should patch things up like we always do after every argument.
Main Character: You still haven't told me why you refused to let me in... And why you changed your mind.
Caleb: ...
Main Character: You're scared, right? You're afraid I'll see your weakness.
Caleb: You wanna see my weakness? Well, now you have.
Main Character: So you have a fever when your ears are red?
Caleb: Let's go with that.
Main Character: I think your fever's gone down...
Caleb: You still wanna confirm it? You're even copying what I do when you're sick?
Caleb: ...
Main Character: Caleb, what can I do to make you feel better?
Caleb: When you were sick, you never wanted to be alone. You made me sing for you.
Caleb: Then you'd complain, say I sucked and cover my mouth.
Main Character: Then I'll sing for you. Is that okay?
Main Character: ...Was it bad?
Caleb: Not at all.
Main Character: Caleb, you're still messing around. You're not letting me see your weakness.
Caleb: ...Don't go.
Main Character: I've never kept anything from you. The same can't be said about you, though.
{{Script/speaker|Caleb|
Main Character: I can't have any weaknesses. Then you'll feel safe relying on me.
But I don't want to stand behind you. I want to stand by your side.
Caleb: ...
Caleb: Do you feel it? This is my weakness.
Caleb: She's here.
Caleb: For a long time, she's been here.
Time slips away unnoticed. Only when moonlight casts a soft glow on the wall above the bed does Caleb break the silence.
Caleb: We're good now?
Main Character: Mm. Caleb, I think I understand how you felt when you picked me up last night.
Main Character: Can you forgive me?
Caleb: Of course. I'm pretty sure it's a fever anyway. I'll be as good as new in no time.
Caleb: I'm afraid that if you see me at my lowest, you won't believe I can always protect you.
Caleb: Come a little closer.
I move toward him and smooth out the wrinkles on his clothes.
Main Character: Arguing at dawn and making up before nighttime-Caleb and I don't hold grudges overnight.
Caleb: You shouldn't forgive me so easily.
Caleb: Or else I'll want to keep testing your limits.
Suddenly, the arms around me tighten their grip. I almost want to free myself. Yet as soon as he senses this, he holds me even tighter. He refuses to let me go.
Main Character: (Caleb...)
Main Character: A lot of people say the knife that hurts the most isn't wielded by your enemies. The people closest to you have it.
Main Character: We're the closest people to each other. We'd never hurt each other.
Caleb: Are you afraid I'll hurt you?
Main Character: Do you think you can hurt me like this?
Caleb: You're right. It turns out a simple illness can easily knock me off my feet.
Caleb: Speaking of which... Whenever you were sick as a kid, you'd use that as an opportunity to make me fulfill one of your requests.
I cup his cheek to offer him solace.
Main Character: While Caleb's an adult now, I can also do that.
Caleb: Yeah?
Caleb holds my hand that's pressed against his cheek. The warmth from his palm flows through me.
He thinks for a moment before speaking slowly.
Caleb: I want you to stay here. Stay with me.
Caleb: Please, spend the next hundred years with me.
I look up at him only to see even his breaths appear restrained.
Main Character: Right here?
Caleb: Linkon or Skyhaven, it doesn't matter. It can be anywhere so long as you're by my side.
Main Character: But I might not live a hundred years.
Caleb: Don't you always say I'm in great shape? You'll be around for however many years I'm alive and kicking.
Main Character: But we're not the same person.
Caleb: True. We're not.
Main Character: ...
Caleb: Cat got your tongue? Do you think my request is too much?
Main Character: Caleb, a hundred years is too long. I can't promise you that. Not yet.
If a person makes a promise and then breaks it... Well, that's the cruelest thing anyone can do.
Caleb: It's okay if you can't give me an answer right now. But for you, I'll do it.
Caleb: You won't stand behind me. I'll let you stand by my side.
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