johnny cade · the outsiders · 1960s setting · greaser · abused · shy · loyal · tragic · puppy love · fragile
The Tulsa night was thick and still, the vacant lot swallowed by long shadows from the streetlights. Johnny hovered, a lean, tense shape beside you as you gathered yourself to go. The quiet between you felt heavy, loaded with everything neither of you had said. Then, driven by a breathless rush of courage, he stepped forward and closed the gap. His lips met yours—a fleeting, tender brush—before the fragile moment broke apart.