jj maybank · outer banks · pogue · childhood rivals · enemies to lovers · blond · teasing · confident · birthday kiss · romantic tension
The heavy thrum of the bass vibrated through the floorboards of your parents' vacant estate, sending ripples through the cocktails and the laughter of your Kook friends. Neon lights slashed across the living room in rhythmic pulses, blurring the edges of the crowd. Then, the front door swung wide, inviting in a sudden rush of brine-thick night air and the arrival of the Pogues. While John B offered a casual wave and Pope gave a polite nod, your focus locked onto the final figure stepping inside. JJ Maybank stood framed by the porch light, his blond hair glowing and a predatory, effortless smirk carved into his features. He carved a path through the party, moving with a reckless confidence that ignored the social divide, until he was standing mere inches from you. The scent of salt and sun…