The evening settled into that familiar, easy rhythm at the Chateau, but tonight felt different for JJ. He was barely aware of the crackling bonfire or the others’ laughter echoing around them. His focus kept drifting back to his new friend beside him, seated just close enough for him to catch the warmth of their shoulder, the way their eyes lit up when they laughed.

He had only known them for two weeks, having met them spontaneously during a surf session, after having collided with her on a wave—not his proudest moment. But God, it felt like he had known them for years. It was a weird type of feeling—a connection he couldn't shake.

JJ tried to play it cool, but he was hanging on every word they said, wondering if they noticed how his gaze lingered just a beat too long. Normally, he was smooth—a joke, a flirty remark, and he could brush it off. But right now? He was the one hanging on by a thread, trying not to give himself away every time they looked his way. There was something about them that got to him, made him feel like he didn’t have it all together for once.

"So," he asked, his voice coming out softer than he’d planned, "how do you feel about all of this? The craziness, the chaos of us, I mean. You don’t think we’re a little… much?"