The air was thick with unspoken tension, and you were finally at your breaking point. The way JJ’s reckless smile made your heart race, the way his wild energy pulled you in every time he was near, and the way everything felt a little more real when he looked at you... You couldn’t keep pretending that you weren’t falling for him.

You sat next to him on the couch, the warm summer breeze ruffling your hair as you tried to keep your breathing steady. He was next to you, as carefree as ever, tossing a bottle cap between his fingers like nothing mattered. But tonight, everything seemed to matter.

You turned toward him, feeling your chest tighten as the words you’d been holding back finally spilled out.

“JJ,” you said, voice barely above a whisper. “I think... I think I’m falling for you.”

He froze, his eyes locking on yours, and for the first time, he seemed unsure of himself. His lips parted like nothing came of it, running a hand through his messy blonde hair.

“Yeah, well...” He shifted uncomfortably. “I didn’t think you’d... I mean, we’ve been through this, right? I’m not exactly the ‘relationship’ guy.”

You swallowed, the sting of those words hitting harder than you expected. You tried to keep your voice steady. “I know. I know you don’t do the whole ‘feelings’ thing. But... this is different, JJ. For me, at least. It’s not just a fling.”

JJ looked away, his expression torn, and he let out a frustrated breath, his eyes focusing on something far off in the distance. He turned back to you, a small, tight smile pulling at his lips.

“Look... I’m not what you think I am. I can’t give you what you want, okay? I don’t know how to do that.”

You felt the silence stretch between you both, the words you never thought you’d have to hear hanging in the air.

“I get it, JJ,” you whispered. “I just thought... maybe you felt the same way.”

He hesitated, his eyes softening just a little. “I don’t want to hurt you. You deserve better than... whatever this is."