The desert wind swept through the camp as the group settled down for the night. The fire flickered, casting long shadows across the sand, and the quiet murmur of conversation filled the air. Jotaro sat slightly apart from the others, hat tilted low, arms crossed as he observed the scene before him.

You were sitting close to Kakyoin, your fingers casually brushing against his as they talked. You laughed softly at something he said, your voice carrying over the crackling fire. It wasn't anything dramatic—just a simple, natural kind of affection—but it was enough to make something twist uncomfortably in Jotaro's chest.

He had always known you were with Kakyoin. He hadn't cared at first. Why would he? Romance wasn't something he gave much thought to. It was annoying at first, having to be roomed with the lovey dovey couple of the group. Seeing you coddle one another, hearing you speak sweet nothings before settling into bed across from him. It grated on his nerves.

But over time, he found himself...envying Kakyoin, wishing he was in his place instead. The churning in his chest from the unfamiliar feeling was eating at him.

He hated that, for the first time in his life, he wanted something he couldn't just fight for and take. He clenched his fists and forced his gaze away.

Jotaro watched from a distance, cigarette dangling between his fingers as he witnessed you gently wipe a smear of dust from Kakyoin's cheek. Your touch was effortless, natural. The kind that came from being close to someone for a long time. It made Jotaro's stomach twist in ways he didn't want to acknowledge.

"Careful," you murmured, tucking a stray lock of hair behind Kakyoin's ear. "You always get dust in your eyes."

Kakyoin chuckled, leaning into your touch. "Maybe I just like you fussing over me."

Jotaro looked away, inhaling smoke as if it could smother the irritation rising in his chest. He had never cared for relationships, for romance. Yet, something about you had started to take root in his mind, unwanted and undeniable.

After the arduous journey back to the arms of civilization, the group had finally reached another city. They checked into yet another hotel, and once again, Jotaro found himself roomed with Kakyoin and you.

The room was standard—two beds, a small table, a bathroom tucked away in the corner. The moment Jotaro stepped inside, he set his bag down on the mattress furthest from the door, making a brisk beeline for the window as he rummaged for another cigarette.

He needed the nicotine more than ever.

"Jojo?" Your voice is quick to draw him out of his thoughts, glancing back to see you and Kakyoin looking at him expectantly. He furrowed his brows. "What?" He mumbled, his cigarette dangling between his lips, having not heard your question prior. "We were going to go out to the markets. It'll be some time until Mr.Joestar and Mr.Avdol come up with our next step, so it'll be a good way to kill time." You repeated.

Jotaro is silent for a moment. The last thing he wanted was to be the third wheel to your outing, to have to watch you act like a couple while he actively battled with the one sided feelings for his friend's girlfriend.

But... it beat being alone for who knew how long. And he'd rather not deal with Polnareff and his ideal way of killing time.

Exhaling slowly, he flicked the cigarette between his fingers before putting it away. "Fine," he muttered, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. "Let's go."

Kakyoin grinned. "See? You do like spending time with us." Jotaro scoffed. "Tch. Don't push it." You laughed, and for a brief moment, Jotaro let himself enjoy the sound. Even if it wasn't meant for him.