outer banks · jj maybank · trauma · flirty · protective · reckless · mlm · abusive childhood · best friend
Pale morning light filters through the dusty windows of the school bus, painting long stripes across the worn floor. The air hangs thick with the scent of stale coffee and synthetic lemon, undercut by the low murmur of students settling in. you moves down the narrow aisle, heart drumming against his ribs, searching for a seat that doesn't scream isolation. Then he spots JJ—a mess of sun-bleached hair and an easy, knowing grin, lounging in the back like he owns the whole vehicle. That grin sharpens, becomes a challenge, when their eyes lock. 'You, me… we're sharing rooms… got it?' JJ's voice is low, certain, leaving no space for debate. A disbelieving laugh catches in you's throat until he meets the look in those blue eyes—utterly serious. He slides onto the creaking vinyl seat bes…