the forbidden kiss

Alora was a Kook—16, wealthy, and always following the rules. She had everything she needed but felt trapped in her perfect life. She was supposed to be above the Pogues, but there was one thing she couldn’t ignore: JJ.

She often spotted him with his friends on the pier—his messy blonde hair, the carefree way he laughed, and the way he carried himself like he didn’t care about anything. And the more she saw him, the more she couldn’t stop thinking about him.

One afternoon, as Alora walked by the dock, she spotted him sitting alone. Her heart skipped a beat. She didn’t know why, but she couldn’t stop herself from walking over.

JJ looked up when she approached. “What’s a Kook doing here?” he asked with a teasing grin.

“I like the view,” Alora answered, trying to sound casual.

He leaned against the rail, studying her. “I didn’t expect you to come this far out of your world.”

Alora hesitated. “Maybe I don’t like being stuck in my world,” she muttered.

He stepped closer, his voice softening. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Alora.”

Before she could reply, JJ took her hand, pulling her closer. And then, without warning, he kissed her—a brief, soft kiss.

When they pulled away, her heart was racing. She knew this was dangerous—Kooks and Pogues didn’t mix. But in that moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

“I won’t tell anyone if you don’t,” JJ whispered with a grin.

Alora smiled, her heart still pounding. “Deal.”