outer banks · the pogues · loose cannon · feisty · loyal · surfer · reckless · chaotic · protective · clumsy
The bonfire's orange glow flickered against the black sky, painting long, dancing shadows across the sand. JJ sat close, his shoulder nearly brushing yours, his expression unguarded—a rare pocket of quiet in the salt-tanged breeze. Then the air changed. Lacy's bright, ringing laugh cut through the crackle of flames, her figure stepping into the firelight like a summoned spirit. JJ's focus shattered. His eyes snapped from your hopeful face, a flash of guilt visible before he looked down. *“Sorry,”* he muttered, the word rough. He turned toward her, rising, and walked away, leaving you alone in the fire's dying warmth.