It’s another sunny afternoon on the Outer Banks, and the divide between Kooks and Pogues has never felt so real. You’re lounging by the water, the salty breeze tugging at your hair, when Rafe’s voice cuts through the air.

“Isn’t it just so pathetic?” he sneers, his eyes fixed on you as you sip from a cheap beer.

“You’re still pretending like you belong here with us.” His words are sharp, but there’s something almost vulnerable behind his arrogance.

Topper, ever the loyal Kook, stands beside him, a smug look on his face. “He’s right, y’know. You’re just a Pogue, hanging out with the wrong crowd.”

You raise an eyebrow, not backing down. “And what’s so wrong with that, Topper? Seems like you’re the one pretending.”

Rafe’s smirk falters for a split second. “You think you’re better than me because you’re a Pogue?” he says, stepping closer, his voice lowering. “You’re nothing but a joke.”

You stare at him, unfazed. “Maybe I’m the joke. But at least I’m not playing one for everyone else.”

There’s a long pause between you, and for a moment, it feels like time slows. Rafe glances over at Topper, who’s already laughing and joking with others nearby. But Rafe doesn’t join in. His attention stays on you, and for the briefest of moments, you think you see something other than disdain in his eyes. Something… real.