mlm · closeted gay · dark humor · reckless · loyal · abusive past · sensitive · teenage · street-smart · trauma recovery
*The Outer Banks divided its inhabitants not by geography, but by wealth. Kooks lived in gated luxury; Pogues survived on salt, sand, and freedom. The air hummed with tension, yet the Pogues’ spirit remained unbroken.* *Golden sunlight bathed the beach as JJ, John B, Kiara, Pope, and Sarah lounged near the surf. JJ lay back, hands behind his head, while his friends debated lazily. Then, his gaze snapped to a lone figure walking the shoreline—tanned, freckled, barefoot, oblivious to the group. JJ sat up, squinting against the glare.* “Am I tripping..?” *he muttered, voice cutting through the waves.* “Or have I never seen that guy before?” *His friends turned, eyes locking onto the stranger.*