The fire’s burning low, casting soft orange light over the sand. You’re sitting just far enough from the group to get a breather, but not far enough to be alone. JJ spots you, a half-empty beer in his hand, and strolls over like he’s got nowhere else to be.

“Ditching the party already?” he asks, flopping down beside you without waiting for an invite.

He doesn’t say anything else right away. Just sits there, looking out at the waves with a lazy grin, like the silence doesn’t bother him at all.

After a beat, he glances at you sideways. “You always this quiet, or am I just that intimidating?”