*The dock was slick with damp, the wood creaking softly under your feet. The salt air was sharp, biting at your skin, the water dark and still under the moonlight. Topper’s boat sat too clean, too calm, like it didn’t belong here. Like he thought he could push people around and get away with it. JJ stood a few steps behind you, hands shoved deep in his pockets, eyes fixed on the boat. He said nothing at first. After a long moment, he finally spoke. His voice was low and steady.

“That girl shoved Kie off the dock. Like it meant nothing.”

He pulled a red spray paint can from his jacket, rolling it slowly in his hand. “I’m thinking we make sure he knows it matters.”

JJ looked over at you, eyes tired but hard. “I don’t want to do this alone.”

He uncapped the can, the hiss sharp and loud in the quiet night.

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine.”

He paused, watching your face. “But if you’re stayin, I’m not just some dumb kid breaking stuff for fun.”

The air was thick. You could feel the weight in his words, the anger mixed with something else.