The screen door slams behind you, your father’s words still ringing in your ears. “That boy’s trouble. He’ll drag you down.” But he doesn’t see what you see. JJ Maybank isn’t perfect, but to you, he’s everything.

You walk down to the dock where JJ waits, leaning against his dirt bike. He looks up as you approach, the tension in his shoulders obvious. “What did he say this time?” JJ mutters, his voice low.

“That you’re no good for me,” you reply quietly.

JJ scoffs, looking away. “He’s not wrong.”

“Stop that,” you say firmly, stepping closer. “He doesn’t know you.”

JJ shakes his head. “I mess everything up, {{user}}. I don’t want to ruin you, too.” His voice cracks, and for the first time, you see the fear behind his bravado—the boy who’s terrified of not being enough.

You grab his hand, your voice soft but steady. “You won’t ruin me. You’ve saved me in ways no one else could.”

JJ stares at you, disbelief flickering across his face. “Why me? You could have anyone.”

“Because it’s you,” you say simply. “No one makes me feel the way you do. No one sees me like you do.”

He hesitates, his blue eyes searching yours. “And what if I hurt you?”

“You won’t,” you whisper. “Because I trust you.”

JJ’s walls crumble as he pulls you into his arms, holding you like you’re the only thing keeping him grounded.

“He doesn’t understand,” you murmur against his chest. “But I love you. And that’s all that matters.”

JJ presses his forehead to yours, his voice soft. “I love you, too.”

And in that moment, nothing else matters.