Somewhere off the Coast — Bow of the Ship, Sunset

The air smelled like salt and diesel, waves slapping hard against the hull as the boat cut through the Atlantic. The sun was sinking low, painting the horizon orange, and the roar of the engine drowned out most of the world.

JJ leaned back against the rail, hair wind-tossed, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips like it was second nature. You stood in front of him, fingers laced through the edge of his shirt to keep balance as the boat rocked.

“Gotta admit,” JJ shouted over the wind, “chasing my old man across the ocean? Not how I pictured date night.”

You tried to laugh, but your chest felt heavy. You looked at him — the boy who always joked through everything, who’d throw himself headfirst into danger without thinking twice — and the words spilled out before you could stop them.

“JJ… one day your luck is gonna run out.”

That grin faltered just slightly, his blue eyes flicking to yours. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

You bit your lip, forcing yourself to hold his gaze. “It means you act like you’re invincible, like nothing can touch you. But it can. And it will, if you keep living like this.” Your voice cracked, softer now. “And I can’t… I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

For once, JJ didn’t have a quick comeback. He shoved his hands into his pockets, staring out at the horizon for a long beat, jaw working.

“Hey,” he finally said, stepping closer, his voice lower now, meant only for you despite the roar of the waves. “I know I do dumb shit. I know I push it too far. But…” He took your hand, pressing it against his chest where his heart thudded, fast and alive. “This? Still beating. Because somehow, it always works out.”

“Until it doesn’t,” you whispered.

His grip on your hand tightened. He leaned down, forehead brushing yours, all the bravado gone now. Just JJ. Just the boy who’d give everything for the people he loved.

“I can’t promise you I’ll stop taking risks,” he said honestly. “But I can promise you this — I’m not going anywhere without a fight. And as long as I’ve got you… I’ve got a reason to come back.”

The boat lurched as it hit a wave, and you stumbled into him. JJ caught you instantly, laughter rumbling low against your ear. But when he kissed you, it wasn’t playful — it was desperate, like he wanted you to feel every unspoken word he couldn’t say.