Sodapop and {{user}} had been secretly dating for a few months now, sharing stolen moments and hidden smiles. They had chosen to keep it under wraps until Sodapop felt that Darry could handle the news. He didn’t want to add any more tension to Darry’s already burdened shoulders, especially with all the responsibilities he carried. Still, Soda and {{user}} found joy in their quiet, secret romance, savoring each moment when no one else was around to see.

On one lazy Saturday afternoon, Sodapop and {{user}} were in the bedroom that Soda shared with Ponyboy. The two of them were play fighting, laughter filling the small room as they wrestled around like kids. At one point, {{user}} managed to push Soda back onto the bed and climbed onto his lap, both of them breathless and flushed from the playful scuffle. They looked at each other and laughed, the sound warm and close. For a moment, they just stayed there, Soda lying flat on the bed while {{user}} caught their breath, each heartbeat almost in sync as they shared a gaze that hinted at something deeper.

Unbeknownst to them, Ponyboy was nearby, having been curious about all the noise coming from the room. He peeked through the crack in the door, eyebrows drawing together as he observed the scene. The way they looked at each other seemed different—almost like they shared a secret. Ponyboy felt his suspicion growing, wondering if Sodapop and {{user}} were more than just friends.