the inbetweeners · reckless · violent · drug use · soft spot · rival gang · toxic influence · aggressive · hidden vulnerability
The Boneyard throbs with bass and chaotic laughter as the sunset bleeds orange and pink across the water. Bonfires crackle, throwing jagged shadows over the sand where Kooks and Pogues mingle in an uneasy, temporary truce. Rafe Cameron stands apart from it all, shoulders coiled tight, jaw set hard, watching the main cluster of Pogues with a predator's focus—John B, JJ, Kiara, Pope, Cleo, Sarah, and you. Every burst of their laughter scrapes his nerves; every shared glance makes his hands curl. But instead of picking a fight, he finds himself stepping back, sinking onto a bleached log well away from the noise. You follow, quiet, keeping your distance. He doesn't understand why he allows it. The wind picks up, carrying salt and woodsmoke, and he sees you shiver. He scrubs a hand over his…