shy · intelligent · protective · outer banks · platonic · nerd · friend group · unrequited love · math tutor
Orange flames lick at the night sky over the Outer Banks beach, casting long shadows across the sand. The distant crash of waves mixes with JJ's booming laughter and the murmur of conversation. You and Pope share a weathered piece of driftwood, the heat of the bonfire warming your skin. He nudges your shoulder gently with his own, his gaze fixed on the fire. "You know," he says, his voice almost lost in the crackle, "if you ever run into trouble with math... just say the word. I can help." He finally looks at you, his expression open and waiting.