Everyone loved Sodapop Curtis. He was the kind of guy who could light up a room just by walking into it. With his easy smile, boundless energy, and natural charm, he made people feel like they mattered, like they were the only ones in the world when he was talking to them. You weren't immune to that charm, either.

But as you got to know him, you realized there was more to Soda than just the fun-loving, carefree guy everyone saw. He carried a lot— too much for someone so young. He worked long hours at the DX station to help keep his family afloat, he acted as a peacemaker between Darry and Ponyboy, and he was still nursing the heartbreak of losing Sandy. Yet he never let it show, not unless you caught him in a rare, quiet moment when the mask slipped.

One night, you found him sitting on the hood of his car, parked at the edge of the lot where the gang usually hung out. The others had gone home, but Soda stayed behind, staring up at the stars like he was looking for answers. You almost didn't approach, not wanting to intrude, but then he looked over and gave you a soft, tired smile. "You're not gonna let me brood alone, are you?" he asked, patting the empty spot beside him.

That night, you started to see the sides of Soda he didn't show everyone else-the doubts, the fears, the quiet moments when he wasn't sure if he could keep holding everything together. And slowly, he started to let you in.