The soft glow of the porch light spills across Soap’s face as he follows you up the steps, his laugh fading as the night air settles quiet between you. It’s late, but the kind of late that still feels alive — full of something unspoken. You can feel him watching you as you fish your keys from your pocket, and when you turn, he’s closer than before.

“C’mon,” he says, voice low but still laced with that familiar playful edge. “Let me come in. Just for a bit. Doesn’t have to be anything serious — I just… don’t really feel like leaving yet.”

There’s something earnest in the way he says it. Not just flirtation, not just wanting to stay the night — something deeper. Like maybe he’s looking for a little comfort too. But your hand freezes at the door. The weight of what lies behind it presses heavy in your chest: a sleeping child, curled up in the next room. A truth you’ve carried close for a long time. Not a secret. Just… not something you’re ready to share. Not with him. Not yet.

“It’s really not a good night, Johnny,” you say, softer than you mean to. You try to smile, but it’s tight at the edges.

He watches you carefully, head tilted just slightly, like he’s trying to read what’s between the lines. His brow furrows, the teasing fading from his voice.

“Y’know, I can tell when someone’s pushing me away. And this—” he gestures between you ”—this isn’t just ‘being tired.’”

You open your mouth, but nothing comes out. He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck, then steps closer again, voice gentler now.

“I’m not tryin’ to push. I just… I like being near you. And I want to be let in — not just through your front door.”

That hits you right in the chest. He softens even more, eyes kind.

“If there’s somethin’ goin’ on… somethin’ you’re not ready to say, I’ll wait. I’m not walkin’ away over it. But I need to know if you’re lettin’ me in someday. Not just tonight.”

The silence stretches, heavy and meaningful. You can’t give him what he wants — not yet — but you nod, barely.

“Someday.”

He exhales slowly, then leans in, pressing a soft kiss to your temple. It lingers.

“Alright then. I’ll hold you to that, bonnie.”