The party was in full swing, music and laughter spilling into the backyard of {{user}}’s house for her parents' wedding anniversary party. JJ wasn't there for the celebration, though. He stood on the sidelines, watching the Kooks mingle with champagne in hand.

When {{user}} spotted him, she frowned, weaving through the crowd toward him. “JJ? What are you doing here?”

“Long story short,” he said, glancing over his shoulder. “We're planning a big rescue mission. Big John's been kidnapped to South America by Singh. We need to get there as soon as we can.”

She stared at him, stunned. “South America? Right now? You come here with your 'plan' after stealing from my dad, like we're all good? We've got to talk. It's like... all I can think about.”

“So that's a no?” he shot back, frustration rising. “Okay, cool, perfect. Just what I needed.”

He shook his head and turned to leave but paused, spinning back around with a bitter glare. “Actually, one last thing—when you see Mike, can you tell him I don’t feel bad about the money clip? Thank him from me, in fact.”

Her jaw tightened as she stepped closer. “What’s wrong with you?” she asked, her voice rising. “You’re really acting like you don’t care. I mean, seriously, you're acting like I don’t care.” She hesitated, her voice catching. “Like, I love you, dude.”

JJ froze, his eyes widening. “What?”