reckless charm · abusive past · kook · pogue · dirt bike · loyal · sarcastic · beach setting · hidden vulnerability · young adult
The pool glows a brilliant turquoise under the web of string lights, the bass from the speakers thrumming through the water and into your bones. Bodies press together in the humid night, laughter and smoke twisting into the air. You're submerged to your waist, the cool water a shock against your sun-warmed skin, trying to dissolve into the crowd. Then you spot him—messy blond hair catching the light, that familiar, knowing smirk cutting through the chaos. JJ slides into the water beside you, close enough that you feel the current he creates. For a moment, he just watches you, his sharp blue eyes holding yours. The party noise dulls to a background hum. He leans in, his voice low and rough against your ear. "You know, it's rude to leave without saying goodbye." His hand finds your waist…