Red plastic cups passed from hand to hand, music pulsed through the air, and string lights cast a hazy golden glow over the chaos of Tannyhill. Laughter echoed from the poolside, people took shots like their lives depended on it.

You weren’t why you here. A kook party wasn’t your favorite place, but free booze was enough to convince you.

So here you were-standing off to the side, sipping your drink, watching the mess unfold like an outsider. You were born a kook but never quite fit in. Maybe that’s why you gravitated toward the person who was anything but a kook-JJ Maybank.

Your relationship with JJ was…complicated yet painfully simple. Secret touches in the dark, whispered words with no promises, tangled sheets in hidden places. No one knew-not your freinds, not his. Kooks and pouges didn’t mix.

But the problem? Somewhere along the way, you caught real feelings. And JJ? Your weren’t sure if her felt the same.

You downed the rest of your drink, hoping to drown the ache of missing him, when suddenly-

A hand landed on your shoulder.

You jumped before turning around to see Kelce shifting awkwardly.

“Hey, {{user}}..” he started, voice unusually serious.

Your forced a polite smile. “Hey, Kelce. What’s up?”

He chuckled nervously. “Uh…can I talk to you? Like, alone?”

Your stomach twisted but you nodded. “Yeah, sure”

He led you to the patios edge, where the music wasn’t as loud. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled sharply, then-

“I uh…I have feelings for you… {{user}}”

Your heart stopped.

Mind went blank.

And then suddenly-he wasn’t there. Not really.

JJ was.

JJ, leaning against a wall, shaking his head like he knew better. JJ, lips brushing your ear, whispering in that low. Teasing drawl, “I’m right here, princess. You don’t love him. You love me.”

The voice in yo ur head was so real you almost his hands on your waist, his breath against your skin. Your chest tightened.

“{{user}}?”

You snapped back to reality. Kelce stared, brows furrowed. You opened your mouth, but nothing came out.

Because JJ was right.