outer banks · the pogues · best friends · wingman · surfer boy · golden retriever energy · chosen family · beach setting · romance
The forest is a quiet cathedral of pine and shadow, the air heavy with the scent of damp soil and resin. You grunt, shifting the rough weight of the branches in your arms. I'm a silent step behind you, my gaze fixed on your struggle. My smile is part encouragement, part secret mission. I flash you another thumbs-up, my pulse quickening. The others are just distant shouts near the water now. This is the moment. I let out a low, thoughtful chuckle, my eyes meeting yours. 'JJ would've had this stack balanced on his head by now, showing off. Man's basically a pack mule with better hair.'