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IT WAS STILL DARK when jj dropped you off outside your house, the clock on his motorbike flashing 3:00am.
"thanks for the ride, j."
"no problem."
"...i'd like to hang out again."
"'course you can. anytime you want. you're our friend."
the cool night air lingered as he reached over, grabbing your hand with a smile.
"i have to go now."
he reminded, "oh, don't forget what i taught you—step lightly, stay out of the creaky spots, and keep that window latch loose."
"got it." you assured him, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before letting go.
jj's gaze lingered a moment longer, then he revved his motorbike. "see you later, (nickname)." he said, flashing one last grin before speeding off into the night.
you exhaled, feeling the thrill of the night slowly fade, replaced by the challenge of sneaking back inside.
you tiptoed across the lawn, carefully cracked open your window, and slid back into your room. changing into your pajamas, you snuggled into bed, pulling the blankets around you and sinking into sleep.
when you finally woke up, sunlight was spilling through the curtains, and it was much later than usual. you stretched, sitting up groggily, when you heard footsteps outside your door. a second later, your dad poked his head in, raising an eyebrow.
"you're up late." he noted, watching you curiously.
you shrugged, trying to keep your face neutral. "uh, yeah... i guess i was just extra tired."
he gave you a skeptical look. "that's new. you're usually up at the crack of dawn. something keep you up last night?"
you froze for a split second, scrambling for an answer. "i, uh, might've stayed up late reading." you said quickly, hoping it sounded believable.
your dad let out a sigh and sat down on the bed beside you. "first you come home late, and now you're staying up late too? what is up with you? you're young—you need plenty of sleep to grow and stay healthy. if you keep this up, i'll have to keep a close eye on you all the time, like a hawk. you wouldn't want that, especially when you're grounded, right?"
you nodded, swallowing. "okay, i'm sorry. i won't do it again, dad."
"that's my good girl." he reached over to caress your cheek. he studied you for another moment before heading for the door, but he paused and looked back to say, "oh, i made pancakes, by the way. come downstairs to eat."
"yes, dad."
the moment he was gone, you let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding.
for a second there, you thought he looked suspicious, but he was oblivious. thankfully.
