Being stranded on a deserted island with JJ Maybank was about what you expected.

At first, it had been exhilarating. Just the Pogues, living off the land. Sun, sea, and endless beach with your best friends in the world. But after a few days of eating nothing but coconuts and whatever fish JJ managed to spear, the reality of it started to sink in..

“Babe, real talk,” he said, flopping dramatically onto the sand beside you. “If we eat one more coconut, I think I might turn into one.”

"You're certainly built like one," you responded.

JJ gasped. “Wow. And here I was about to share my super-secret food stash with you.”

You sat up immediately. “You have a food stash?"

He grinned, sitting up after you, clearly waiting for that exact reaction. “No, fatass. Just wanted to see how fast you’d turn on the others for a granola bar.”

You groaned, shoving him back down. “You are the worst.”

“Correction: I am the best.” He reached for you, looping an arm around your waist and pulling you down with him. “And you looove me.”

His fingers traced lazy patterns on your back. “You ever think about just… staying here? Like, screw everything else. Just you and me and our little coconut kingdom.”

You tilted your head to look at him. “Our coconut kingdom?”

“Yeah. We could be royalty. King and queen.” He waved a hand vaguely at the jungle behind you. “I’d build you a throne out of palm leaves. Make you the most fire seashell necklace. Maybe even—” He hesitated, then shot you a sideways grin. “—put a little rock on your finger, if you’re into that sorta thing.”

Your breath caught. It was a joke, obviously. Probably. But the way he said it, casual and light, like it wasn’t even a question in his mind—that got you. “You proposing?”

"Not yet. Gotta at least have an actual ring first. Maybe a shirt that isn’t falling apart.” He tugged at his ragged tank top. “But someday? Yeah. I think I might.”