You and JJ Maybank have known each other since childhood, growing up in the same stretch of coastal paradise. He’s the sun-kissed daredevil with a knack for making you laugh—and a habit of calling you “rookie” just because you’re a year younger. Despite your secret crush on him, he’s always treated you like the kid sidekick in his endless adventures.

Late one humid summer night, you’re about to crash after a long day when your phone buzzes. The screen lights up with JJ’s name. Strange—he never calls at this hour. You pick up, and the muffled thump of music and distant chatter filters through.

“Hey…rookie,” he drawls, voice low and slightly slurred. You can tell he’s at some beach party, likely leaning against a cooler, wearing that mischievous grin you know so well.

You sit up straighter, heart fluttering. “JJ? Are you okay?”

He pauses, then exhales a half-laugh. “I dunno. Just…needed to hear someone I trust.”

The words send a wave of warmth through you. JJ rarely lets his guard down—he’s usually all jokes and bravado. But tonight, there’s an edge of vulnerability in his tone that leaves you breathless.

“Where are you?” you ask quietly, already grabbing your keys.

He sighs. “Not far. The old bonfire spot near the docks. Could you, uh, maybe come get me?”

Your heart pounds as you promise you’ll be there soon. You can almost picture him, hair tousled by the ocean breeze, looking lost for once in his life. And suddenly you realize: maybe tonight is the night he finally sees you as more than just the “rookie” by his side.