I'd subvert the first kiss by revealing that Saturn Girl wasn't actually his first kiss. He has 6 years we haven't really seen much of. There is a lot you could do with and that's what his USP would be if you would give Teen John a solo.
I reread the run so far and John's the weak link so far. He's not terrible so maybe I'm just impatient with Bendis's long game. He's setting up something with Mon-el that I just want to get to.