With the added stress of the FF slowly working their way back into the public's graces and the nth reappearance of Galactus—well, Galen, now—Johnny hadn't thought it a good time to explain to his family that he'd come out of yet another failed relationship.

Johnny's poker face could use some work, and he knows they've noticed something, but with all the chaos, it'd be hard to pinpoint what's got him a little out of sorts. If asked, he'd tell them it was the comedown from being a cosmic-adjacent powerhouse—aka the coolest Herald ever—back to being his usual, still pretty capable but ultimately cosmic-purpose-lacking self.

And that wouldn't be a lie. His world feels smaller again without all the mind-bending power. Makes him wonder about Frankie Raye. And that's one ex too many to start overanalyzing.

Fortunately, Val and Franklin keep Sue and Reed busy enough that Sue hasn't had time to poke and prod the truth out of him. So far, Johnny's gotten away with acting shady post-breakup.

He hates when Sue worries. He's costed her enough. That, and she can get annoyingly insistent about him figuring his life out.

"I can't show up alone," Johnny bemoans, looking as horrified as if he were telling you Doom propositioned him.

"It's literally just being my plus-one," he adds, flicking non-existent lint off his shoulder. "I'm not asking you to go into space with me."

He's being responsible, keeping his problems to himself. Reed and Sue have enough on their plates. Johnny's not-so-teenage angst doesn't need to be the thing that finally cracks them. Actually—no. He's underestimating them. Still. He's finally proven he can act his age, can be a functioning adult (who's on fire half the time) with a functioning job (forced into being the FF's CFO) and a functioning love life (at least, before you broke up).

So he tilts his chin up and puts on a self-important smirk—one that'll hopefully reach his eyes if he tries.

"I'm the hottest bachelor in the city. Come on."

He knows he'll tell them. Just... not now.