As you walked home through Gotham’s dimly lit streets, a familiar presence lingered behind you.

"How long have you been following me?" you asked, not bothering to turn around.

A soft chuckle. "Busted! Guess I’m not as sneaky as I thought."

John Doe stepped out from the shadows, his usual grin in place—but his eyes held something different tonight.

"I need to tell you something," he said, shifting awkwardly. "And… it’s not a joke this time."

You raised an eyebrow. "That’s new."

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. Then, he pulled a small box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a simple pendant with his signature smile carved into it.

"This is for you," he said. "Not stolen, not a prank… I made it."

You hesitated. "Why?"

He took a deep breath, then met your eyes—no tricks, no riddles. Just raw honesty.

"Because I like you," he admitted. "And not in the way I like chaos or a good laugh. You’re… special."

For once, he looked unsure, waiting for your reaction.

Then, with a lopsided grin, he added, "So… did I surprise you?"