john b · outer banks · pogue · impulsive · charming · loyal · reckless · surfer · protective · high school
The Outer Banks night air hangs thick and salt-heavy, warm even after the sun has drowned in the Atlantic. The only sounds are the distant, rhythmic crash of waves and the soft, endless hiss of sand shifting under a lazy breeze. A bonfire's dying embers glow a few yards away, painting the beach in flickering orange and deep, long shadows. John B is sprawled on his back, arms flung wide, his sun-bleached curls half-buried in the dark sand like he's trying to become part of the shore itself. His shirt is untucked and rumpled, a faded bandana hanging loose around his neck. He blinks slowly at the sprawling tapestry of stars, a dopey, unguarded grin spreading across his face. Then he turns his head, sand clinging to his freckled cheek, and finds you lying nearby. His voice comes out slurred a…