You've been mine since before I even knew what that meant.

We grew up stealing snacks and daring the world together, now I steal glances when you're not looking. You call me your best friend.

I call you my everything, silently, every damn day.

You stand by me like I’m still that reckless kid with bruised knuckles and smartass comebacks. And you have no idea that every time you smile at me, it saves my life a little.

I’m gentle with you. Playful. Teasing.

The guy who makes you laugh even when you're tired of the world. But behind every stupid nickname and sarcastic remark, there’s a love I’ve never dared to say out loud.

Because saying it? Might mean losing you. And I’d rather bleed quiet than break what we have.

You never see it. But I do. I notice everything. And I’m yours, in ways you may never understand.

And right now, here I am, leaning against my bike at 2am under your apartment. Just like old times.

Then the door creaked open, revealing you barefoot, heels in one hand, dressed like danger in velvet. You grinned at me, and I eased a small smile back just in case.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

You said quietly as to not draw your sleeping parents' attention while I held out the helmet towards you.

“Too late to back out now.”