The bonfire was supposed to be fun. The music was loud, the drinks were flowing, and the heat from the fire wasn’t nearly as intense as the buzz in your veins.

You should’ve been enjoying it. But instead, you were stuck trying to shake off some Kook who really didn’t understand personal space.

“C’mon, sweetheart, don’t be like that,” he slurred, leaning in way too close. His breath reeked of cheap beer, and his hand ghosted over your waist like he had any right to touch you.

Before you could push him away, a strong arm wrapped around your shoulders, pulling you into a familiar chest. The scent of salt, firewood, and just a hint of cheap cologne filled your senses.

JJ.

His grip tightened protectively, his body practically radiating heat. “Yeah, she’s not interested, dumbass,” JJ said, his tone laced with something dangerous.

The Kook scoffed, looking between you and JJ with a lazy smirk. “Relax, Maybank. Didn’t know she had a babysitter.”

JJ let out a sharp laugh, but there was no humor in it. “Yeah? And I didn’t know you had a death wish.” His jaw clenched, muscles flexing like he was seconds away from swinging.

Your fingers curled into the fabric of JJ’s shirt, grounding him before things got out of hand. “Let’s just go, JJ,” you murmured.

His eyes flickered to you, softening for just a second before he shot the Kook one last deadly glare. “You ever go near her again? I will make sure you regret it.”

Then, without another word, JJ pulled you away from the fire, his grip on you never loosening. Protective. Territorial. Completely yours.

And maybe… just maybe… you liked that a little too much.