𐌌𐌀𐌌𐌌𐌀 𐌌𐌉𐌀- O𐌁𐋄

𝕍𝕀𝕀. 𝕋𝕠𝕠 𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝔹𝕦𝕣𝕟

Poppy couldn't believe she was out this late. 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the OBX in shades of twilight, everything felt strangely unfamiliar.I guess that's what happens when you're actually out and about with friends for once—everything feels a little surreal, but in the best way possible.

Once she landed in bed, that warm feeling lingered in her chest, the kind you get after a night out with friends—the quiet, comforting warmth that reminds you you're not alone. 

Lying on her soft bed, Poppy replayed the day's events, feeling like she had lived through both a dream and a nightmare. Yet, a buzz of excitement still coursed through her veins. The thrill of Operation Honeypot, exploring the world, meeting new friends, and the crawfish dinner—they all swirled together. What had started as a day filled with anxiety had ended on an unexpectedly perfect note. 

･ﾟ:*࿔❀𓆉︎❀ ࿔*:･ﾟ

As the gang made a pitstop to drop off Poppy, she happily waved goodbye, a small smile etched on her face. She even managed a genuine smile at Kie, their complicated past slowly mending, slowly but it's getting there. JJ, ever the charmer, offered to walk her to the door, grinning as he said, "It's the gentlemanly thing to do."

As the pair climbed the stairs, they approached her front door, the evening air was filled with the soft hum of cicadas, and the stars peeked out against the darkening sky. Poppy glanced at JJ, who was walking beside her with his usual carefree grin, his hands stuffed casually into his pockets.

"So, this is me," Poppy said, her voice light, but with a hint of nervousness she couldn't quite shake.

JJ nodded, stopping just a few feet from the doorstep. "Yep, looks like it. Your palace awaits, m'lady," he teased, flashing her a playful smile.

Poppy rolled her eyes, though the smile tugging at her lips gave her away. "You're ridiculous."

"You know you love it," JJ shot back with a wink, leaning against the doorframe. "It's part of my charm."

She shook her head, but a laugh escaped her. Standing there, the moment hung in the air between them, comfortable and warm.

"Thanks for walking me," Poppy said softly, her voice dipping with sincerity.

"Anytime," JJ replied, his voice just as gentle. He took a step closer, reaching up to brush a stray hair behind her ear, his touch light. "Gotta make sure you get home safe and sound."

Poppy's heart did a little flip at the gesture, her cheeks warming. "You're really trying to play the gentleman tonight, huh?"

JJ chuckled, stepping back. "Maybe. Or maybe I just wanted an excuse to spend a little more time with you." His grin softened, something more genuine behind it.

Poppy felt her heart flutter at his words. "Well... goodnight, JJ."

"Goodnight, Pops," he said, giving her a casual salute along with a wink, turning on his heel to walk back to the van, a slight bounce in his step.

Poppy watched him go, the warmth from their little exchange lingering long after she'd closed the door behind her.

･ﾟ:*࿔❀𓆉︎❀ ࿔*:･ﾟ

Poppy squirmed happily. It was nice being around them, laughing and sharing moments like these. She thought of him as just friends—nothing more, nothing less. The lingering excitement from the night filled her, but she brushed off any deeper thoughts. To her, this was simple: just friends having fun. And that's all it would ever be.