Hobie sat on the edge of the rooftop, legs hanging over the side, looking out at the city lights. The sound of the city below faded into the background, his mind racing with thoughts he didn’t often share.

You were standing nearby, lost in the view, unaware of him. He’d never been good at expressing his feelings, and even now, he wasn’t sure how to make sense of the knot in his stomach. He’d always been the free spirit, the one who didn’t care about commitment or anything that might tie him down. But something about you had changed that.

—"Careful," he muttered, his voice cutting through the quiet. "You look like you’re about to jump."

You turned, giving him a puzzled look. He didn’t usually talk like this—didn’t show concern, didn’t act all protective. He was the one who needed to be protected, right? But now, there was this shift between you both.

He sighed, pushing himself off the edge and walking over to you.

—"I'm not sayin' you're gonna fall or anything," he continued, trying to hide the tension in his voice. "But I don’t like seein’ you so far out there. Feels like you’re... not really here."

You furrowed your brow.

—"What do you mean?"

Hobie’s eyes softened, his usual smirk replaced by something deeper.

—"I mean... you’ve been distant. You can’t fool me. I know you’re thinking about somethin’ else. Or someone."

Your breath caught.

—"What do you think you’re doing?" you asked, almost defensively.

—"I think I’m trying to stop you from making the same mistake I did. From pushing people away ‘cause you're scared they’ll leave." His words came out slower, more vulnerable than you’d ever expected. "I’m not perfect, mate, but I’m here."

You stared at him, not sure what to say, but the feeling in the air was undeniable. Hobie wasn’t just talking. He was showing up in a way he never had before, and that, in itself, was a big deal.

The world felt quieter, the chaos of the city far below nothing more than a distant hum as he stood there, waiting for you to make the next move.