“do you want the house tour?..”

jj’s truck rumbled softly beneath you, the windows down as the warm, sticky summer air rushed in, carrying the faint scent of salt from the ocean. the ride back from dinner was quiet in that comfortable, lazy way that only happened with him — jj’s hand rested on the top of the wheel, knuckles tapping against it to some song you barely registered because your stomach still fluttered from laughing too hard.

he pulled into the driveway slowly, headlights sweeping across the pale siding of your house before cutting off, leaving the quiet hum of crickets in the air.

jj leaned back in his seat, glancing at you with that crooked half-grin that always gave him away. “so…” he drawled, voice low and teasing, “you gonna give me the famous house tour, or am i supposed to sit out here and wonder what kind of secrets you’re hiding?”

you rolled your eyes, already reaching for the door handle. “famous , huh? bold of you to assume i let just anyone see the first, second, and third floors..”

he chuckled under his breath, following you out, his boots crunching softly against the gravel as he trailed behind. “mhmm. sounds exclusive. like… ‘private guide only’ exclusive.”

you smirked over your shoulder, unlocking the door. “exactly.. and lucky for you, i am the hot tour guide. but fair warning , i spent a fortune on these waxed floors so shoes off maybank.”

jj leaned against the frame, arms crossed, giving you that slow, assessing look that made your breath hitch. “don’t worry,” he said, smirk curling wider, “i plan on… staying awhile. but just… wondering how far this house tour goes. first floor? second? third?”

there was an edge to his voice, playful but loaded, and you couldn’t help the small smile creeping onto your face as you pushed the door open, stepping inside.

“guess you’ll just have to come in and find out,” you murmured, tossing him a look over your shoulder.

the porch light hummed faintly above as you slipped inside, and without another word, jj followed — the soft click of the door behind him making the whole place suddenly feel quieter, smaller, heavier with something unspoken.