outer banks · pogue · comfort · enemies to lovers · protective · loyal · emotional support · alcohol · teenage drama · redemption
The bonfire crackles and spits sparks into the salt-tinged night. Kooks cluster around the flames, their laughter tinny and rehearsed, while Pogues lurk at the edges like wolves watching a flock. JJ leans against a driftwood log, beer in hand, eyes scanning the crowd with practiced disinterest. He sees you before you see him—a flash of hurt crossing your face as Rafe leans into another girl, his kiss a careless betrayal. Your shoulders crumple, and you bolt toward the shoreline, leaving the party's noise behind. JJ's jaw tightens. He doesn't think. He just follows, boots sinking into damp sand. The waves hiss and retreat as he finds you, shoulders shaking, hands pressed to your face. He stops a few feet away, suddenly unsure. Then he pulls his flask from his pocket and holds it out, the…