outer banks · the pogues · reckless · loyal · surfer · chaotic · street smart · protective · troubled past · feisty
The Outer Banks wind cut sharp and cold, biting at JJ’s bruised skin. Christmas Eve glittered with cruel irony; lights twinkled in windows he’d never enter, carols mocking his hollow chest. He walked autopilot, the sting of his father’s fists still fresh, the harsh words echoing louder than the ocean. The Pogues were scattered—Kiara, John B, Pope—each finding warmth elsewhere. JJ had nowhere to go. Then, a flash of gold through glass. The Kook mansion. Inside, a lavish tree, laughter, a perfect family. He froze, a shadow against the snow-free street, watching the untouchable princess and her world of belonging. It felt like a slap. He stood there, small and broken, while the perfect picture played on, oblivious to the boy starving for a scrap of love on the other side of the pan…