𐌌𐌀𐌌𐌌𐌀 𐌌𐌉𐌀- O𐌁𐋄

𝕍𝕀𝕀. 𝕄𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕖 ℕ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 & 𝔽𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤

Poppy couldn't believe she had the courage to invite JJ over to her house. It took everything she had to push past her nerves.

The thought of having him in her personal space, where she felt most vulnerable, sent butterflies racing through her stomach. But there was something about JJ—his easy smile and the way he made her laugh—that pushed her past her usual anxieties.

Aunt Lib and Kai were still on their shifts at the hospital, so Poppy knew they wouldn't be back for a while. This left her feeling completely at ease.

As she paced in her living room, she mentally rehearsed what she would say when he arrived. What if I mess this up? What if he thinks I'm weird? Poppy shook her head, trying to dispel the doubts swirling in her mind.

The doorbell rang, and her heart leaped into her throat. She took a deep breath, smoothing down her shirt before opening the door. JJ stood there, casually leaning against the frame, a mischievous grin on his face.

"Hey, Poppy! Ready for some world-class dining?" he joked, holding up a takeout bag from The Wreck.

Poppy couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "You brought food? You're already winning at this dinner thing!"

"Only the best for my favorite person," he replied, stepping inside. The warmth of his presence filled her home, and she felt a flutter of excitement mixed with nervousness.

"Nice house," JJ said, glancing around the living room with an approving nod.

Poppy smiled, a bit shy but pleased. "Thanks! I've always loved this place. Aunt Lib and my brother Kai put a lot of work into it."

JJ wandered over to a bookshelf filled with framed photos and knickknacks. "You've got a lot of memories here," he remarked, picking up a small, seashell-shaped trinket. "Did you collect these?"

"Yeah, a lot of them are from beach trips. We love going out to the ocean," Poppy replied, feeling a sense of warmth as she saw JJ genuinely interested in her life.

He turned to face her, a playful glint in his eye. "So, what's the story behind this one?" He held up a photo of a younger Poppy holding a baby sea turtle, grinning widely.

"Oh, that was the turtle rescue I went to!" Poppy exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "We saved a whole bunch of baby turtles that day. It was so much fun!"

JJ grinned. "You're like a superhero for turtles. I'm impressed."

"Not quite a superhero," Poppy chuckled, brushing off the compliment. "But it felt good to help them get to the water safely. It's always been a passion of mine."

"Passion looks good on you," he said, setting the photo back on the shelf. "So, what else do you love besides turtles?"

Poppy hesitated for a moment, the familiar wave of nerves washing over her. "Um, I really like movies. And music. Mamma Mia is my absolute favorite!" she admitted, her cheeks warming slightly.

"Really? Now I know I like you even more," JJ teased, crossing his arms with a smirk. "You'll have to show me your favorite scenes sometime."

"Only if you promise not to make fun of my singing," she shot back, laughter bubbling between them.

"Deal. But I can't promise I won't join in," JJ replied, a playful challenge in his voice. "Now, where do you keep the snacks? I feel like this house could use some popcorn."

"Follow me," Poppy said, feeling a sense of ease as she led him to the kitchen, a smile tugging at her lips.

･ﾟ:*࿔❀𓆉︎❀ ࿔*:･ﾟ