rich heir · psycho · rude · obsessive · smoker · drug use · fake composure · vulnerable · modern setting · romance
The bonfire crackles and spits embers into the velvet night sky, its orange glow painting the beach in restless shadows. Salt and smoke mingle in the air, along with the bass of a distant speaker and the slurred laughter of drunk teenagers. Bottles glint in the sand, and couples stumble past the firelight into darkness. You and Kiara sit on a driftwood log, sharing a beer, the warmth of the flames at your backs. Then a shout cuts through the noise—a familiar, mocking drawl. *"Now why would I do that huh?"* You both turn. Topper and JJ are squared off, faces inches apart, fists clenched. The crowd around them shifts, some cheering, others backing away. Before you can think, Topper swings. The first punch lands. You and Kie exchange a look and bolt toward the brawl. You grab JJ’s arm, y…