Perhaps it was the embarrassment, or maybe it was the chagrin that left me feeling so deflated.

On the way home from the hospital, I rested my head against the car window, giving off the vibe of a "bitter heroine".

Zoe sent me messages on WhatsApp asking how things were going.

I had nothing to offer in response except a string of ellipses.

After Caleb dropped me off at home, he reminded me to take a shower.

In the rush of the moment, I had only rinsed off and hurried on.

I looked at him with a tinge of despondency, caught between wanting to say something and knowing it was better to remain silent.

Some moments, once broken, lose their charm when you try to rekindle them.

I nodded, got out of his car, and melted into the night without a backward glance.

-

Two days later, Zoe was discharged from the hospital and called me for a pick-up.

I asked, "Where's Caleb? Why not have him pick you up?"

"He's on a business trip."

"Oh..."

Zoe picked up on my dejection and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Did Caleb turn you down?"

"No... but it's almost the same."

If he had been interested, he would have messaged after I'd made my move the other day.

I had to admit that Caleb was proving to be more of a challenge than I had expected.

"Your brother is such a tough nut to crack, I'm throwing in the towel."

"That's not an option. I've even practiced washing my hair upside down in anticipation. You can't give up now," she retorted.

"..."

I had never seen anyone so eager to perform a handstand hair wash.

Then Zoe added, "Just wait, I'll do some snooping for you."

Before I could respond, she hung up.

I couldn't help but think that the situation wasn't going to improve.

The reason Caleb joined me at the hot spring and shared that kiss with me may have been because he had a "why not take what is readily offered" attitude.

However, two minutes later, Zoe sent me a screenshot of her conversation with Caleb.

Zoe: [What the hell do you think about my friend?]

Caleb: [?]

Zoe: [If you don't like her, just say no, don't leave her hanging.]

Caleb: [Am I that kind of person to you?]

Zoe: [You're not exactly known for being nice.]

Caleb: [I'm not leaving her hanging.]

Zoe: [Then what the hell do you mean?]

Caleb didn't respond.

Zoe took his silence as a clear sign that Caleb was interested in me as well.

I scoffed.

His method of showing interest was certainly unique, to say the least.