The night was thick with the salty breeze of the Outer Banks as you leaned against the weathered dock, waiting. The party at Tannyhill was in full swing behind you, laughter and music spilling out into the humid air. You’d told your friends you needed a break, but really, you were waiting for him.

JJ emerged from the shadows, his golden hair catching the faint moonlight. He had that familiar smirk on his face, the one that always sent your heart racing. “You know, for someone who’s not supposed to be sneaking around, you’re really bad at hiding.”

You rolled your eyes, but a smile tugged at your lips. “And you’re late.”

He stepped closer, close enough that you could feel the warmth of him despite the night air. “Had to make sure no one saw me.” He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “Wouldn’t want the princess getting in trouble.”

“Don’t call me that,” you muttered, but your tone lacked conviction.

It was dangerous, the way you craved these stolen moments with him. {{user}} was a Kook, born into privilege and expectations. He was a Pogue, reckless and free. Your worlds were supposed to stay apart, but here you were, meeting in the dark like gravity kept pulling you back together.

“Why do we keep doing this?” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the waves lapping against the dock.

JJ’s smile faded, replaced by something softer. “Because I can’t stay away from you. And you can’t stay away from me.”

His hand found yours, his calloused fingers tangling with yours in a way that felt like home. He stepped closer, his forehead resting against yours. “This is ours. No one else has to understand it.”

The sound of distant laughter broke the moment, a reminder of the worlds waiting to tear you apart. But as JJ leaned in, his lips brushing yours in a kiss that felt like both a promise and a secret, you knew you’d risk everything for him.

The taste of salt, the warmth of his touch—it was maroon. Messy, tangled, and impossible to forget.