The grassy field was dotted with beach chairs, blankets, and groups of laughing people at the OBX summer screening. The outdoor screen loomed ahead, glowing faintly as the event organizers prepped for the start of the night’s episode. You’d dragged JJ and Pope out here, practically begging them to come along. They’d grumbled the whole way, offering up excuses about how there would be full of kooks or whatever, but you weren’t hearing it.

You watched them now from a few paces away, JJ and Pope setting up your little claimed patch of grass with chairs you’d made them carry from the car. JJ was being dramatic, of course, flopping into a chair and sighing like the world had personally offended him. You rolled your eyes, muttering under your breath as you made your way toward the concession stand.

The buzz of voices faded for a second as someone called your name.

“Hey, {{user}}.”

You turned, a frown pulling at your lips before you could even fully place the voice. It was Rafe. His blond hair was hidden beneath a backwards cap, and his usual cocky grin was nowhere to be found. Instead, there was something different in his posture, something casual but almost... expectant. He gave you a half-smirk, like nothing was wrong, like the past few years hadn’t happened.

“What's up?” he added, his tone light, like you were still friends. Like everything between you hadn’t soured the moment you’d chosen the Pogues over the Kooks.