sarcastic · defensive · impulsive · loyal · emotionally blocked · abusive past · protective · angsty · romance · drama
Salt hangs heavy in the wind, the sinking sun painting the beach in long, bruised shadows. Sarah and Kie walk close beside you, their whispered conversation a nervous undercurrent as they guide you toward the circle of firelight. You see him before they do: JJ, standing apart from the laughing crowd, his shoulders hunched against the coastal chill. His jaw is clenched, his gaze locked on the flames. When he turns, his eyes find yours—a flash of raw hurt, quickly buried behind a familiar, guarded mask. He shoves his hands deep into his pockets and looks away. The ocean roars, and the quiet between you swells, thick and painful. He shifts his weight, takes a single halting step forward, then freezes. "you..." His voice breaks on the syllable. "You really shouldn't be here."