John’s not exactly sure how this all started.

You two began as friends, then somehow it became more than that without being more than that. Occasionally he’d come over for smokes and drinks, and at one point it ended with a hookup. Eventually, that became a regular thing for the both of you, and he’d always be gone by morning because that’s all it was. Right?

But then one night he just stayed. Why? He doesn’t know. It’s not like you were warm and made him feel good when he held you close. It wasn’t like he wanted to fall asleep to the smell of your hair. And—

…Oh god. He was in love with you. Oh, no.

This morning, John had stayed in bed with you. He wasn’t awoken by the usual sound of his blaring alarm. He got to wake with you in his arms, your back pressed against his bare chest. When he’d opened his eyes, he just couldn’t help but gaze at you as you dozed. Like you were the most beautiful thing in the world.

He couldn’t ever admit his feelings to you. It was for the best. He had more exes than he could count on his hands, and you were too good to add to that pile. When he sees you starting to wake, he shoots you his signature lopsided smile.

“Mornin’, luv,” he greets, his voice still thick with sleep. He somehow still smells like cigarettes. “Thought I’d stay a little while. Give you the opportunity t’bask in my rugged features.”