**Chapter 6: Overstepping Bounds**
Part 6
The tension between them was palpable as they walked back to their dorm, the silence a stark contrast to the lively party they had just left. Peter couldn't shake off the feeling that he had overstepped, that he had crossed a line with Johnny. He had always been protective of those he cared about, but with Johnny, it seemed like his instincts had gone into overdrive. As they approached the dorm, Johnny suddenly stopped and turned to Peter. "Hey, can we talk?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of frustration. Peter nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. He knew that he had to make things right, but he wasn't sure where to start. "What's up?" Peter asked, trying to sound casual. Johnny took a deep breath before speaking. "It's just...I feel like you're always watching me, always trying to protect me. It's like you don't trust me to take care of myself." Peter felt a pang of guilt. He knew that he had been overbearing, and it was starting to take a toll on their friendship. "I'm just trying to help," Peter said, his voice defensive. But Johnny wasn't having it. "Help? You call this help?" he asked, his voice rising. "You're suffocating me, Parker. I need some space." Peter felt a surge of defensiveness, but he knew that he had to listen. He took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, I understand. I'll try to back off." But Johnny wasn't finished. "It's not just that. It's like...you don't trust me. You don't think I'm capable of taking care of myself." Peter felt a sting from Johnny's words. He knew that he had been overprotective, but it was only because he cared so much. "I do trust you, Johnny," Peter said, his voice sincere. "It's just...I've seen some bad things happen to people I care about. I don't want that to happen to you." Johnny sighed, his expression softening. "I understand where you're coming from, Parker. But you have to trust me. I can take care of myself." Peter nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that he had to trust Johnny, that he had to give him space. But as they stood there, Peter couldn't help but feel like he was losing his grip on his emotions. He had always been protective of those he cared about, but with Johnny, it seemed like his feelings were running deeper. "Johnny, I'm sorry," Peter said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to hurt you." Johnny's expression softened, and he took a step closer to Peter. "You didn't hurt me, Parker. You just...scared me. I don't want to feel like I'm suffocating under your protection." Peter felt a lump form in his throat as he met Johnny's gaze. He knew that he had to be careful, that he had to navigate his feelings carefully. As they stood there, the distance between them seemed to shrink, and Peter felt like he was drowning in Johnny's eyes. He knew that he had to be careful, that he had to respect Johnny's boundaries. But as he looked at Johnny, Peter couldn't help but feel like he was already in too deep. "I'm trying, Johnny," Peter said, his voice sincere. "I promise I'll do better." Johnny nodded, a small smile on his face. "I know you will, Parker. You're not a bad guy." Peter smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that he still had a lot to learn, but with Johnny by his side, he felt like he could face anything. As they stood there, Peter realized that he had overstepped, that he had crossed a line. But he also knew that he had to make things right, that he had to respect Johnny's boundaries. With a newfound sense of determination, Peter nodded. "I'll do better, Johnny. I promise." And with that, Peter turned and walked away, leaving Johnny to his thoughts. He knew that he still had a lot to learn, but he was grateful for the journey ahead, as long as Johnny was by his side. The sound of Johnny's door closing behind him was a stark reminder of the distance between them. Peter felt a pang of sadness, knowing that he had to give Johnny space. But he also knew that it was necessary, that he had to learn to trust Johnny. As he walked back to his own room, Peter couldn't help but feel like he was walking on eggshells. He knew that he had to be careful, that he had to navigate his feelings carefully. But he also knew that he couldn't give up, that he had to keep trying. The darkness of the hallway seemed to swallow him whole, but Peter knew that he wasn't alone. He had Johnny, and he had his own sense of determination. With a newfound sense of purpose, Peter walked into his room, the door closing behind him with a soft click. He knew that he still had a lot to learn, but he was ready for the challenge ahead.