the outer banks had a way of lulling you into a relaxed state. between the warm breeze and the sound of crashing waves, life felt like it moved a little slower. but tonight, everything was different. after a long day of sun and adventure, you found yourself at the boneyard with the pogues. jj, pope, and kiara. the fire crackled nearby, casting an orange glow over everyone’s faces, and the usual banter was in full swing.

jj had been messing around with a joint he’d gotten earlier, teasing everyone about how they’d all been a little too serious lately. “come on, y’all. it’s just one joint,” he said, waving it around before lighting it. “we need to chill for once.”

you hadn’t intended to, but the group atmosphere and jj’s carefree vibe got to you. after some convincing, you took a hit. one turned into two, and now... well, now things were different. while everyone else was lounging around, you could feel energy pulsing through you, way too much energy for just sitting still by the fire.

“i think you broke her, jj,” pope said, looking over at you as you bounced your leg and fidgeted with your hands.

“me?” jj grinned mischievously, lounging back and clearly enjoying himself. “nah, she’s just embracing her true self.”

you laughed loudly, maybe a little too loudly. you didn’t care though, everything felt funny, and you had so much energy you could barely sit still. “guys, i don’t think this is what it’s supposed to feel like!” you exclaimed, standing up and pacing in front of the fire.

jj chuckled, clearly amused. “you’re good, trust me. this is just the fun part. let it ride.”

pope shot jj a disapproving look, not one for indulging too much. “jj, man, you can’t just get people high and expect them to deal with this. look at her!”