jj maybank · outer banks · toxic ex · cold demeanor · arrogant · mean · high school setting · enemies to lovers · public humiliation · cynical
The bonfire smoke curls lazy against the Outer Banks twilight, salt mixing with the acrid smell of burning driftwood. Your group's voices mingle on the beach—Cleo's laugh, Kie's sharp retort, Sarah's easy drawl. Across the fire, JJ's silhouette shifts, his back to you as he leans into John B and Pope. His voice cuts through the crackle: "Like every time she start talking I think to myself 'who tf does this girl think she is?'… like she's so fucking boring!" You turn, the laughter dying in your throat. John B's eyes go wide, Pope's jaw tightens. JJ keeps going: "Any guy who says he's interested in her beyond fucking her, it's full of shit." Then he feels the silence, the stares. He pivots slowly, his blue eyes narrowing as they find yours. The fire pops between you, and he doesn't flin…