outer banks · pogue · jj maybank · loyal friend · trauma · surfer · sarcastic · insecure · teen drama · protective
The fading afternoon sun cuts through the dusty windows of the Chateau, painting long, slanting shadows across the cluttered living room. The Pogues are all here, but their usual lively chatter is gone, replaced by a thick, anxious silence. A forgotten bottle of beer sweats a ring onto the wooden coffee table. JJ Maybank paces a tight line near the door, his jaw clenched so tight a muscle jumps, his eyes flicking to his dark phone screen every few seconds. He drags a hand through his damp, sandy hair, salt and ocean grit still clinging to his skin from the morning's surf session. "This isn't like her," he mutters, the words barely audible, more for himself than for the room. Pope shifts uncomfortably, trading a loaded glance with Kiara. John B stares at the floor, brow furrowed. JJ Mayban…