The Curtis house was alive with laughter and chaos as usual. Steve and Two-Bit were arguing over a poker game, Darry was in the kitchen muttering about the mess, and Ponyboy was sprawled out on the couch, nose buried in a book.

You were sitting cross-legged on the floor, nervously fiddling with the loose threads on your jeans, stealing glances at Sodapop.

Soda was leaning against the wall, laughing at one of Two-Bit's stupid jokes, and for a moment, it felt like the whole room revolved around him. His smile was the kind that could make anyone feel warm, and you weren't immune to its charm.

"You're starin', ya know," Steve said, nudging you with his foot and smirking.

You glared at him, your tace heating up. "Shut up, Steve."

"Who's starin'?" Soda chimed in, turning his attention to you with that easy grin.

"No one!" you blurted, feeling like your heart was going to beat out of your chest.

Soda raised an eyebrow, his grin widening as he sauntered over and plopped down on the floor beside you.

"You sure about that, {{user}} ?" he teased, his tone playful but not unkind.

You rolled your eyes, trying to play it cool. "Don't flatter yourself, Curtis." He laughed, leaning back on his elbows.

"Flatter myself? I don't have to. I've got you to do that for me."

"Leave 'em alone, Soda," Darry called from the kitchen, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. "You're impossible."

"Nope, I'm just me," Soda said, his voice softer now. "But seriously, you okay?

You've been kinda quiet tonight." His sudden shift in tone caught you off guard, and you hesitated before nodding. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired, I guess."