the beach house · pogue · abusive father · enemies to lovers · class divide · vulnerable · sarcastic · coming of age · rain scene · reluctant ally
Rain drums a frantic rhythm on the pavement, turning the driveway into a shallow stream. Caught in the harsh glare of the porch light, a figure shifts his weight from one foot to the other—JJ, his blond hair dark and slick against his skull, a fresh cut on his lip seeping crimson into the rain. His eyes find yours for a split second before darting away. "Hey." The single syllable cracks in the damp air. "I had nowhere else to go."