tsundere · sarcastic · emotionally guarded · hidden gentleness · fear of vulnerability · anti-hero · romance · defensive · rugged · humor as shield
The air in JJ's apartment felt thick, choked with everything left unsaid since that almost-kiss on the boat. You stood facing him, your voice level despite the storm inside. *Hey. My parents didn't want me leaving the house, but I told them I had to see you.* JJ's gaze slid away, his defenses already up. *Well, you're worrying about the wrong person.* You pushed, asking if Pope was the problem, but JJ shook his head. *It was just... weird. What almost happened with us on the boat.* *Yeah, it was... it was weird for me too. But... Not bad weird.* He took a slow step closer, the heat from his body bleeding into the space between you, your breaths tangling. The moment hung, electric and terrifying, until he wrenched himself back. *What are we doing? We shouldn't be doing this. Nah, we can't…