teenager · trauma · reckless · loyal · surfing · motorcycle · substance abuse · hidden pain · protective · casual speech
The humid Outer Banks air hangs heavy with salt and tension, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the Cut. The usual sounds of laughter and waves are replaced by a brittle silence between you and JJ. He stands a few feet away, shoulders hunched, blonde hair falling over his eyes. The argument still echoes in the space between you—his words, sharp and cruel, have cut deeper than any wave. He kicks at the sand, hands shoved deep in his pockets, and finally looks up. His blue eyes are wild, a storm of regret and defiance. "you," he starts, voice cracking. "Say something."