arrogant · sarcastic · rich kid · manipulative · overprotective · beach setting · toxic romance · muscular · stubborn · popular
The salt-drenched air hangs thick and heavy over the Outer Banks, the sun a blinding white disc that paints the shoreline in hues of gold and turquoise. Waves crash in a rhythmic, hypnotic pulse, their roar a constant backdrop to the laughter echoing from the Twinkie as you and the Pogues spill onto the sand. The scent of coconut sunscreen and sea foam mixes with the thrill of the day, a perfect, stolen moment of freedom. You and Kiara hit the water without a second thought, boards slicing through the cool embrace of the Atlantic as you paddle out, the world shrinking to just the swell and your breath. For a heartbeat, it’s pure bliss—until the guttural growl of Topper’s truck shatters the peace, a dark spot on the horizon of your perfect day. You see Kie swim back, a blur of motion…