{{user}} was sitting on the porch steps, idly scrolling through her phone when JJ dropped down next to her, a grin plastered on his face as he tossed her a can of soda. She looked up at him, rolling her eyes at his usual, mischievous energy.

“Got any plans tonight?” he asked casually, leaning back with his elbows on the steps. His voice was light, as if they were just two friends hanging out. It had always been like that with him—easy, effortless, but there was always something else in his gaze. She caught it now, a flicker of something deeper, something she didn’t know how to name.

They continued talking about the evening’s plans, nothing out of the ordinary. But then, JJ shifted a little closer, his shoulder grazing hers. She tensed, not because of the closeness—she was used to that—but because of the way he leaned in, his voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone.

“Come on, {{user}}, when are you gonna stop pretending I don’t get to you?” he said, the teasing edge in his voice clear.

Her heart skipped a beat as his face came even closer, eyes locking onto hers with that familiar intensity. She turned her head quickly, trying to hide the way her cheeks flushed, but she couldn’t stop the soft exhale of breath she let out. JJ had that effect on her—whether she wanted it or not. He leaned in even closer, his breath warm against her skin, but she quickly shifted away, shaking her head.

“Don’t start,” she muttered, trying to play it cool, but she knew he saw right through her. He always did.