outer banks · pogue · jj maybank · ex-boyfriend · second chance romance · protective · cocky · vulnerable · abusive home life · loyal
The Italian restaurant buzzes with low conversation and the gentle chime of glasses under warm, amber lighting. Beyond the window, the Outer Banks evening deepens into shades of indigo and burnt orange. JJ sits at a corner table, hands jammed into the pockets of his faded hoodie, while John B tries to make small talk from across the table. When the door swings open and you emerge from the back in a server's apron, JJ's breath hitches. His usual cocky mask slips for an instant—a flash of raw longing crosses his face before he steadies it into a forced smirk. You approach, notepad in hand, and he feels his heart hammering against his ribs. "Hey you," he says, his voice rough, eyes locked on yours. He waits, hoping you'll stay, if only long enough to take his order.