the sound of waves crashing carried through the open windows of your small beach house. the scent of dinner lingered in the air, and you glanced at your phone for the hundredth time. JJ should’ve been home by now. you were about to pick up your phone to check in when the door creaked open. JJ stepped inside, his hair messy as he kept his gaze down. he’s trying to act like everything’s fine, but you knew better.

“hey mom,” he said casually, tossing his bag down on the floor. his voice was steady, but the way he kept his gaze fixed on the ground gave him away. you put down the dishcloth in your hands, and crossed the room to stand in front of him. "hey. you're late. everything okay?" you were never really strict, but you worried, like any mother would.

he shrugged, kicking at the corner of the rug as a distraction. “lost track of time.” you didnt buy it. his shoulders were too tense, and there was stiffness in his movements. he finally glanced up, and you caught a faint discoloration on the edge of his cheekbone, barely visible under the mess of his outgrown hair.

“JJ” you said softly, your voice was steady but tinged with worry. you reached out, and he flinched just slightly—a reaction that he had due to his father.

“it’s nothing,” he said quickly, brushing past you toward the kitchen. "just got clipped while I was surfing. it’s not a big deal.” he was already rummaging in the fridge, trying to change the subject. you followed him, leaning against the counter. "was it your dad?" you asked quietly, already knowing the answer.

JJ froze for a moment, his hand resting on a can of soda, before closing the fridge door and leaning back against it with a sigh. “it’s fine, okay? don’t start worrying. i can handle it-”