jj maybank · outer banks · pogue · sarcastic · kleptomaniac · loyal · reckless · trauma · coastal setting · netflix
The wooden planks of the pier groan underfoot as the late afternoon sun bleeds orange across the water. The air smells of salt, fish, and distant grills. Up ahead, the sound of teenage laughter carries on the breeze—four figures silhouetted against the glare. You're still replaying that sudden, jarring bump from minutes before when you stop cold. There he is. Leaning against a weathered piling, your wallet swinging carelessly from his fingers, is the same blond boy. He's leafing through it, a slow, crooked smile spreading across his face. As you approach, he glances up, his eyes holding a glint of pure, unapologetic mischief. "Ah," he says, the word dripping with fake curiosity. "Is this yours?" From behind him, Kiara lets out a frustrated sigh, her arms folded tightly. "JJ. Give the gi…