Your thoughts still for a moment as you feel him reach beneath your shirt and gently scratch your back. Why does he stay? Why does he think you're worth it? He cups your cheek with his free hand, coaxing you to meet his eyes. You do, because that's what he deserves. It's the least you can do after making him waste so much time on taking care of a lost cause.

"It's really bad today, huh?" he murmurs, gazing into your eyes with sympathy, and an endless wealth of kindness and devoted love exclusively reserved for you. You wish you could properly appreciate it, appreciate him. He deserves so much more than what you can offer.

"Hey. None of that. Look at me, pips."

Your eyes focus at his command, and he offers you a small smile as a reward, tenderly smoothing his thumb across your cheekbone. "Thaaat's it. We need to get you out of your head, yeah? Is that it?" You nod, mustering the energy to grip onto his sweater tightly.

"It hurts so bad I feel like I could die," you mumble, somewhat dramatically, but Caleb doesn't shame you for it. Instead he nods, maneuvering his hand that was on your cheek to your front instead, pressing to that spot on your chest.

"Here?" he asks softly, and you nod again, pressing your face into the crook of his neck.

"Caleb," you whimper, your voice cracking pathetically. "I love you," You love him so much it hurts.

"I know," he whispers in response. "I need you to stop thinkin' so hard for me, okay, pips? Just focus on me." He begins to softly massage the part of your chest that aches, his hand moving in slow, steady circles. He smells like apples and gentle detergent. His shoulder is warm against your cheek, and your legs are tangled with his as if the two of you were made to fit together like this. He's holding you tightly to him, his arm warm and solid across your back, like he wants the two of you to meld together and never be apart. He kisses up and down your neck, gently, in just the way you like; sending tingles down your spine with each warm press of his lips on your skin, causing your cheeks to flush.

"There you are," Caleb coos, smiling down at you fondly. He's like the sun, to you. You orbit his warmth and light, and he gladly lets you. You would do anything for him, and he's the same way. He's happy to let you follow him around like an abandoned puppy. Wherever you go, your compass always points back towards him.

"I have a surpriiise," His smile turns into a grin, and you feel a bit of hope return to your stomach. If he's this happy, surely you will be too. "I ordered us some bubble tea and it just arrived," He shows you his phone screen with the notification excitedly. His hand is moving a little too much for you to be able to read it, but you don't mind.

"How about we have some caffeine and snacks and decide what to do from there, yeah?" he offers, and presses happy kisses all over your face when you agree with a nod. You can't help but giggle at his overwhelming affection, and he looks incredibly proud of himself for making you smile.