It had always been you and JJ—JJ and you. Everyone knew it. The two of you were inseparable, practically living at John B’s place, always moving through life side by side like the tide and the shore.

JJ was everything all at once—sweet and sharp-edged, tender yet reckless, hiding the broken pieces of himself beneath his golden grin and wild laughter.

You’d been drawn to each other since you were nine, escaping the chaos of your families in the only way you knew how: together. By the time you were fourteen, your nights were filled with shouting matches at home and quiet, tearful whispers in JJ’s arms. He’d climb through your window without fail, holding you until the world faded and sleep finally came.

At sixteen, you’d both had enough. You packed your things and moved in with John B, claiming Big John’s old room as your own—two souls who had never really belonged anywhere finally finding a place that felt like home.

You and JJ had your own language: the secret handshake, the shared playlists, the way he’d let you talk endlessly about your “stupid” books while he listened like they were sacred stories. You had the best surfing memories—sun, salt, laughter—and today was just another chapter.

You were trying a new trick, both of you balanced on his board, your back pressed against his bare chest as you rode the wave—badly. You wiped out for the fourth time, tumbling into the water with a splash of laughter. But this time, when you resurfaced, he pulled you close—closer than ever before. His hands settled around your waist, voice low, the space between you crackling with something unspoken.

Maybe too close.

Your breath caught as his hands slid slightly higher, brushing the edge of your ribs, his gaze flickering between your eyes and your lips like he was trying to make a choice.

It wasn’t the first time he’d made you feel like this—heart pounding, mind racing. And it wasn’t the first time he’d looked at you like you were his whole world.

But this time felt different.

Because this time, he looked like he might actually kiss you.

And the worst part?

You knew that if he did…

You wouldn’t stop him.