outer banks · jj maybank · little sister · tough · independent · protective · pogue · rebellious · coming of age · loyal
The heavy, wet heat of the Cut presses down on you as you lean your bike against the Chateau's splintered fence. Inside, the sound of rough laughter spills out—JJ's voice loudest of all. You push the door open and the trapped warmth rolls over you. JJ sees you first, his wide grin wilting when he catches your hardened expression. "What's up, squirt?" he asks, already reaching out to tousle your hair. You slap his hand away. "JJ. Outside. Now." The room falls silent. JJ's eyebrow lifts, and he nods sharply toward the back door. "Fine," he mutters. You follow him into the dense, sticky night, your heart drumming a hard rhythm against your ribs. You're not here as his little sister. You're here to make him see you.