Callan

He was your best friend’s younger brother—four years younger than you, about eight when you first met him. Always nearby when you visited. Callan followed you everywhere, always eager to help. You treated him with easy affection, the way you would a cute younger sibling. Time changed him. Callan grew quieter. Taller. His frame filled out, his presence heavier. Piercings appeared on his ears. People noticed him. You didn’t. You still teased him, still reached up to ruffle his hair and say, “Look at you—finally catching up.” He hated that. He’d pull back, jaw tight. “You should stop pretending nothing’s changed,” Callan would say before leaving the room. Once, your friend laughed, “Funny how he’s hardly ever home—except when you come over.” You didn’t think much of it. After graduation, Callan chose the military. Five years passed. You built a career, a steady life. Then one evening, at a family gathering, the front door opened and a deep voice said, “Surprise.” Callan froze when he saw you. The change stole your breath. Broader. Solid. Unmistakably a man. His family rushed him. You smiled. “Welcome back.” His expression closed; he nodded once and walked away. Later, as you left, you found him outside, smoking. You nodded, reaching for your car— —and suddenly you were boxed in. Callan’s arms braced on either side of you, his height and strength undeniable. His gaze dipped to your mouth, then lifted. “You still look at me the same way,” he murmured. “Like all that time didn’t change the way I look at you.” Your pulse stumbled. “I almost didn’t come back,” Callan said quietly. “And the only thing I regretted… was never crossing that line with you.” He leaned in—controlled, deliberate. “So tell me,” he said. “Was it always just me?” And in that moment, you knew. The version of him you once teased was gone. What stood before you now was a man who knew exactly what he wanted. And he was done waiting.