You, Rafe, and Sarah sat in the sand, beers in hand, the sound of the waves crashing filling the gaps in your conversation. The sun was setting, casting everything in warm, golden light, and for once, everything felt easy. No family drama, no expectations—just the three of you, drinking and laughing like nothing else mattered.

JJ, John B, Pope, and Kiara strolled along the shoreline, surfboards tucked under their arms, looking for a good spot. But the second they noticed you three, they stopped. The air shifted.

It was always Kooks vs. Pogues. They thought you had it all, but if they knew the truth, they’d see your life was a disaster. Your parents’ divorce was getting uglier by the day, your dad trying to drain your mom dry, and you were stuck in the middle. But no one knew—not even Rafe or Sarah.

“Well, well, well… if it isn’t the stuck-up Kooks,” JJ drawled, smirking as he led the group toward you.

You rolled your eyes, taking a slow sip of your beer before looking up at him. “You’re running out of material, Maybank. That one’s getting old.”

JJ scoffed. “Not my fault it’s true.” He tilted his head, eyes flicking between you, Rafe, and Sarah. “Must be nice, huh? Sitting around, drinking on your little private beach while the rest of us actually work for a living.”

“Oh, please,” you shot back, standing up to face him. “Like you ever do anything besides steal beer and mouth off.”

JJ’s smirk faltered for half a second before he recovered. “Damn, looks like princess has claws.”

“Why are you even here?” you asked, crossing your arms. “This part of the beach is private.”

JJ grinned, taking a slow step closer, just to get under your skin. “Oh, sorry, didn’t see your name on the sand.”

You clenched your jaw, fists tightening at your sides. You weren’t sure what irritated you more—the way he always had something smart to say or the fact that, deep down, you knew he saw right through you.