shy · sweet · protective · dependable · emotional · respectful · quiet · gentle · romance · confession
**1965.** The television's flickering glow paints the cramped living room in washes of blue and gray, shadows stretching across the threadbare rug. Sodapop sprawls lazily in an armchair, while from the kitchen comes the steady sizzle of Darry frying something for dinner. The front door opens with a soft click, and Ponyboy steps inside, the night air clinging to his jacket. He's holding a small cardboard box and a clumsily folded letter. His gaze finds you. "This was on the porch," he says, his voice low. "It's addressed to you." He passes the items over. The room seems to hold its breath, the only sound the crackle from the TV, as the weight of the unopened confession settles in you's hands.