"Oh," says Caleb faintly, an exhale more than a word. His mind is reeling. To say that this development is unexpected would be a ridiculous understatement. He could perhaps begin to accept that Yussa would accept kissing him to get out of here, but for a great many other reasons? Blue screen.

The word why? is on the very tip of his tongue, though he doesn't speak it. He struggles to understand what a man like Yussa would see in him, Caleb Widogast. But he doesn't disbelieve him. What reason would he have to lie?

The knowledge that Yussa is interested in him, plainly stated, is exhilarating. He feels...special. Valued, trusted. Honored, even, as strange as that might be to say. Yussa is someone he admires a great deal for a variety of reasons; attraction is a natural progression, and even Caleb is shocked by how strongly he feels it now that he permits himself to.

"I have not kissed anyone in a very long time," he admits softly. It's easier in the dark, though he knows Yussa can see better in here than he can. His can feel the flush in his face deepening, growing hotter as he considers their position again, his body practically bracketing Yussa's, in this new context. "Does that change your mind?"