It was raining weakly outside, slow drops against Johnny’s bedroom window. The yellowish light of the lamp created soft shadows on the walls as he ran his fingers absently through your hand, lying on his side, looking at you as if it were some kind of miracle.

“I like it when you wear glasses,” he said out of nowhere, smiling the crooked way that only he could. “She looks like a half bossy, kind of adorable teacher.”

You laughed, a little dull, and pulled the pillow to cover your face. He took it off carefully, still with that smile in his eyes.

“You’re beautiful,” he said again, lower now, as if confessing something he had been keeping.

It was always like that - he looked at you as if he was seeing the most important thing in his life. And maybe it really was. But it wasn’t a courtship yet. It wasn’t a label yet. It was just... that. A way of the way where feelings were already greater than words could handle.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” You asked, unable to hold back your smile.

“Because I can’t believe you’re here.”

He looked away for a second and then came back to you.

“I think, like... I’ve never had that. This calm. And you give me this.”

You stretched out your hand and touched his hair, messing up a little, feeling your heart tighten and expand at the same time.

“Johnny...”

“I don’t know how to do it right, okay?” He said, a little more serious now. “But I know I like you. And I hate it when you leave. I hate it when you cry. And even when we fight... I still prefer that than not having you.”

Silence. But it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was full. Heavy of everything that had not yet been said out loud.

“I like you too,” you whispered. “More than anything. Even than everything that comes in the middle of the road.”

He laughed softly and approached, touching his forehead to his. The mixed breaths, the world outside disappearing - only you two were left there. In the in-between that was already almost love. Almost not, it was. Even if it didn’t have a name yet.