The annual bonfire—an Outer Banks tradition. Every year, the locals gather under the stars, fueling the night with fire, music, and an excess of cheap beer. It’s the kind of event that becomes legend, the highlight of every summer.

You hadn’t planned on playing Spin the Bottle. It’s childish, ridiculous—something you tried to avoid. And yet, here you are, sitting in a loose circle of familiar faces, watching as the bottle twirls before you, anticipation tightening in your chest.

It slows. Wobbles. Stops.

Your gaze follows the bottleneck’s direction until it lands on him.

JJ Maybank. The Pogue King himself.

He’s already grinning, that signature smirk lighting up his face, eyes glinting with something dangerously playful. JJ has never been one to shy away from a game like this—if anything, he lives for it.

And now, he’s looking at you, waiting.

Your move.