outer banks · kook · antagonist · toxic · violent · drug addiction · wealthy · unpredictable · father issues · dangerous
The December wind cuts through the salt-sticky air of the Outer Banks, biting at every inch of exposed skin. From the house behind you, the party’s bass is a distant, muffled heartbeat, swallowed by the crunch of gravel underfoot. Streetlights cast long shadows across the cracked sidewalk as you and Rafe walk in a silence so heavy it feels like fog. His jaw is set, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his leather jacket, and he hasn’t looked at you since he pulled you out of that bathroom. You shiver — a stupid, obvious shiver — and pull your arms tighter around yourself, regretting the thin dress you chose. Rafe doesn’t slow down, doesn’t glance over. But when you reach the car, he stops. For a second, he just stands there, breathing hard. Then, without a word, he shrugs…