The party at the Boneyard buzzed with life, laughter and voices overlapping with the crackle of the fire. You lingered on the outskirts, as always, a quiet observer in a sea of chaos. The Pogues were at the center of it all, JJ Maybank spinning tales and tossing back beers like he was invincible.

You watched him from the shadows, heart twisting with longing. He didn’t know you—not even your name—but you knew him. Everyone knew JJ. The reckless, charming Pogue with a smile that could light up the darkest corners.

It was stupid, really, the way you clung to this silent crush. Months of watching, wishing, hoping. You’d built up an entire dream of what it would be like to be with him: the late-night drives, the whispered secrets, the way he’d pull you into his world and make you feel alive. But that dream felt as far away as the stars above.

He caught your eye across the fire, a fleeting moment that sent your pulse racing. You quickly looked away, embarrassed. He probably hadn’t even noticed.

But then he stood, weaving through the crowd, heading in your direction. Your breath caught as he stopped just a few feet away, leaning casually against a post. “You’re always so quiet,” he said, his voice carrying a warmth that surprised you.

Your heart thundered. “You… noticed me?”

He grinned, his blue eyes meeting yours. “Of course. Hard to miss someone who’s always looking like they’ve got something to say but never says it.”

You swallowed, the weight of your crush and the risk of this moment settling over you. “I… I didn’t think you even knew I existed.”

JJ tilted his head, his expression softening. “Guess I’m full of surprises.”

For the first time, you felt seen, like maybe your dream wasn’t so impossible after all. But even as his smile lingered, you knew letting him in would be a risk—one you weren’t sure you were brave enough to take.