The drive-in movie was in full swing, the bright screen flickering across rows of parked cars and clusters of teenagers gathered in cars or leaning against hoods. The smell of buttery popcorn and soda mixed with the cool night air, and conversations buzzed over the low hum of the movie.

{{user}} leaned against the side of her friend’s shiny convertible, arms crossed as she half-listened to her friends’ chatter. They weren’t paying much attention to the movie—honestly, neither was she. Her eyes kept drifting toward the far back of the drive-in, where two figures stood near the edge of the lot, away from the clusters of people.

Ponyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade.

They were leaning casually against the side of an old car, quietly watching the movie. Ponyboy’s arms were crossed, his face thoughtful as the light from the screen reflected in his sharp greenish-gray eyes.

“{{user}}!” one of her friends said, snapping her out of her daze. “Are you even listening?”

She blinked and shook her head lightly. “Sorry, what?”

Her friend rolled their eyes. “Never mind. Go get more popcorn or something.”

Taking the out, {{user}} grabbed an empty popcorn bucket and made her way toward the concession stand—but she veered off track as soon as she was out of sight. Instead of heading to the front, she walked toward the back of the lot, where Ponyboy and Johnny were standing.

As she approached, Johnny noticed her first, nudging Ponyboy lightly with his elbow. Ponyboy glanced up, his eyebrows raising slightly when he saw her walking over.

Up close, Ponyboy looked even younger than she’d realized at school. His sharp features softened slightly in the dim light, but his eyes remained alert. Johnny gave her a brief nod before looking away, clearly uncomfortable.