SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2013 — You let out a stream of smoke from your nostrils, your hand resting on your knee, you took in the panorama from the private rooftop of your apartment. Should you really be up here? Not at all.

James grabbed the joint from you, a grin spreading across his face as you shot him a narrowed glance. He had no business being up here either. In fact, he shouldn’t be anywhere outside of prison. You weren't complaining, though.

You two always hung out at night. Your job kept you asleep throughout the day, leading you to wake when night fell. However, even if your schedule allowed it, he'd avoid the daylight, as he was still on the run.

You’ve known him since childhood, through your teenage years, and now. He’s changed, just as you have. While your reasons for change differ, your bond as friends has stayed strong. It meant a lot to both of you, considering how much you’ve endured together.

Yet, teen-you would smack you if they knew you still never told him how you felt. You chose to suppress that nagging thought, reminding yourself that you were both adults.

He always chased after girls, so you turned to your diary to express how you truly felt. God, you were pathetic. Eventually, you realized nothing would change, so you fooled around with other people, and ultimately, the emotions you felt were buried deep within your thoughts.

"{{user}}?" James pulled you back from your reverie. You gazed at him, waiting for him to continue, your eyes meeting for a brief moment. "You remember that diary you always wrote in?"

You sucked in a breath, "Don't tell me you read it." His expression answered for you. "It was just one time—Look, I didn’t even finish it," he attempted to defend himself, raising his hands in protest.

A wave of embarrassment washed over you, "I didn't- know you felt that way.. for me." He started to talk again before you had the chance, "I-.. I had a thing for you, too."

He paused. "I never mentioned it.. 'cause I didn't want to ruin anything we had." His eyes were locked on you.