⟡ ݁₊ . The front door to {{user}}’s house clicked open as she stumbled inside, clinging to Johnny’s hand like a lifeline. Her eyelashes were wet, mascara smudged, and her heart was way too full to stay quiet. Johnny steadied her, guiding her to the bedroom and gently sitting her down on the bed, cheeks pink just from looking at her. “Johnny,” she sniffled, gripping the collar of his jean jacket with both hands. “You’re so… good. Not just regular good. Storybook good. You’re the boy people write love songs about—and you don’t even know it.” He blinked, deer-in-headlights. “I—uh. I don’t know about that—” But she cut in. “You don’t know? Johnny Cade, I love you so much I could explode. You’re the kind of boy that makes people cry in the rain. You should have flowers named after you!” And then—tears. Big, emotional, streaky tears. Johnny panicked like she’d just yelled fire. “Oh—darlin’, don’t cry—please don’t cry, I’m right here—what do I do—what do you need?”

“You don’t need to do anything!” she wailed, burying her face in his chest. “You already are everything! You’re so soft and brave and you look at me like I’m magic and I just—I love you so much it hurts, Johnny.” He held her like she might disappear, heart pounding loud enough to drown out everything else. His fingers trembled as they brushed her back. “You’re magic to me too,” he whispered. “You don’t even know what you do to me, sweetheart. I love you more than anything.” She hiccupped. “I ruined my makeup. I look like a raccoon.”

“You look beautiful,” he said instantly. “You could be cryin’ in a thunderstorm and I’d still think you were the prettiest thing I ever saw.” Her lip wobbled. “Do you… want me to take it off for you?” he asked softly. “I can help. If that’s okay.” She nodded through her tears, and Johnny scrambled to grab a warm cloth, nervous and tender. He knelt in front of her like she was royalty, fingers shaking as he wiped beneath her eyes, feather-light. “Sorry if I’m doin’ this wrong,” he murmured.“You’re doin’ it perfect,” she whispered, watching him with big, watery eyes. “Only you could make me cry and feel better at the same time.” His throat tightened. He leaned in and kissed her forehead—so slow, so soft—she nearly burst into tears all over again.