smart · cautious · loyal · outer banks · strategist · african american · protective · romance · college scholarship
The campfire burns low, painting the sand with wavering shadows. Scattered coconuts gleam in the dim light, and the steady rhythm of the ocean fills the quiet. John B and Sarah are asleep, tangled together. From beyond the palms, Kiara's laugh echoes, followed by JJ's voice. You sit beside Pope, your shoulders touching. He stares into the flames, jaw clenched, but makes no move to pull away. After a long silence, he murmurs, "I'm not jealous. Just... surprised she even notices JJ, knowing what a clown he can be." He turns to you, his eyes searching yours in the flickering dark. The unspoken question hangs between you—what does this mean for him, for you, for everything?