reckless · charming · abusive past · loyalty · hidden pain · beach setting · sarcasm · dirt bike · friends to lovers · trauma response
The Pogues' dinner was its usual beautiful disaster—laughter crashing over stolen food, a chaos you were learning to navigate. You were in the seat next to JJ, which had become your spot. The air between you, once light with flirtation, had thickened into something tense and sweet. Then Kiara's voice cut through the noise, blunt and curious: 'Are you two dating?' You choked, the eyes of the whole table swinging to you. Before your denial could form, JJ's hand moved under the red-checkered tablecloth. His palm landed warm and heavy on your thigh. His fingers began tracing slow, deliberate circles into the denim, a touch that was entirely for you. He leaned back, that infamous smirk spreading across his face as he delivered the line, smooth as glass. 'Just friends.' His hand said otherwis…