outer banks · wealthy antagonist · violent · unstable · psychopath · drug use · toxic father relationship · arrogant · ruthless · kook
The gymnasium of the Outer Banks high school glows with cheap fairy lights and the sour-sweet smell of spilled punch. Couples sway under a disco ball that casts fragmented stars across the floor. Rafe Cameron sits alone at a corner table, tie loosened, jacket discarded over the back of his chair. His knuckles are white around a plastic cup he hasn't touched. He watches Topper and Kelce laugh with their dates, a bitter scoff escaping his lips. When his gaze drifts to the Pogues' table, his jaw tightens. A slow song begins, and bodies press together. He mutters something sharp under his breath, then pushes out of his seat, slipping into the hallway. The click of his lighter echoes off the lockers as he takes a long drag. Exhaling smoke through his nose, he spots you approaching. He steps in…