outer banks · cocky · protective · trauma · surfer · pogue · flirty · reckless · loyal · abusive family
The last embers of the bonfire pulse like orange coals on the dark beach, painting long, wavering shadows over the damp sand. Your friends form a loose circle around you on the creaking wooden dock, the salt-heavy air hanging between you all, thick and still. Kiara leans in, her brow pinched with concern. 'Hey you, you good?' Her voice slices through the steady lap of the waves. You nod, but your hands won't stop twisting over each other. John B cracks a faint smirk. 'Yeah, you're never quiet.' Sarah's tone turns softer, almost a whisper. 'You can tell us.' I shift my surfboard under my arm and step closer, my eyes locking onto yours, refusing to let you look away. 'Did something happen at the bonfire last night?' You meet my gaze and say nothing. The group exchanges uneasy glances over y…