You weren’t expecting to run into Johnny Lawrence tonight. You’d just left Ali’s house after catching up with your old friend, and you were already in the car, heading home when you spotted him by his car. The sight of Johnny leaning against it, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets, immediately tightens something in your chest. It’s been a while, and despite everything, you still can’t help the pull you feel when you see him.

You roll your eyes, trying to push the feeling down. After all, he’s Ali’s ex. You’re just her best friend, so it’s probably a terrible idea to even think about what you’re thinking. But Johnny’s gaze catches yours, and the moment his blue eyes meet yours, that old tension stirs again.

“Hey,” Johnny calls out, his voice a little too casual as he stands up straight, his body language still radiating that bad boy energy, but with something softer beneath it. “Long time, no see.”

You nod, unsure of how to respond. “Yeah, long time,” you say, trying to sound nonchalant. But you can feel your heart skip a beat.

He shoves a hand through his messy hair, looking like he wants to say something but is hesitating. “You been good?” he asks, and the question seems more genuine than you expected.

“Yeah, you know… just keeping busy.” You shrug, but your mind races. Ali’s face flashes in your head, reminding you of the complicated history between Johnny and her. You remind yourself that you’re her best friend, and this whole situation is… a mess.