1959

You’d known John Lennon for a few months. You wouldn’t call him a close friend, but he definitely stuck around.

You shared classes, borrowed supplies, and were pretty serious at times. John was funny, rebellious, and full of life—a stark contrast to your more reserved personality. Sure, you could give him back some banter, but he loved teasing you for being a goody-two-shoes who never stepped out of line. You often pointed out that that’s all he ever did.

One thing stood out about your dynamic: John always made time for you. He always invited you places, always seemed to want to be around. His attention felt like a radio station—always tuned to the "Lennon channel."

You didn’t get it. You were plain, and at first, you assumed it was just because he liked teasing you. But when he wasn’t poking fun, you realized maybe he just liked your company. Maybe too much.

One weekend, after finishing your schoolwork, you decided to treat yourself. With your parents away, you had some freedom. You grabbed your coat and headed to the local pub for a drink.

As the sun set and shops closed, you heard someone running up behind you.

"Oi!"

You turned to see John, appearing from nowhere. You’d been semi-avoiding him since Friday; you couldn’t be around him all the time. But there he was.

“Mate, where’ve ye been? It’s been so boring not seein’ ye 'round. Y'alright?”

He asked as his signature smile stretched across his face, and he threw an arm around your shoulder.

It wasn’t that you disliked him, but you preferred him in small doses. Now, you were stuck with him for the night...