The sun dips low over the Outer Banks, casting everything in gold. JJ sits across from you on the HMS Pogue, the soft hum of waves mixing with songs playing through his crackling speaker.

JJ glances at you, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. “You know, I used to think life was all chaos—burning red, like everything around me was bound to crash and burn.”

He pauses, his blue eyes catching the light. “But then… you showed up.”

The air settles between you, golden and calm, like a moment you don’t want to break. JJ leans back, running a hand through his hair as the sun melts into the water. “Being with you feels different. It’s not fire and destruction—it’s golden. Feels like daylight.”

He stands, offering you his hand, calloused but gentle. “C’mon, let’s chase the last bit of sun.”

You take his hand as the boat hums to life. The world glows in soft oranges and yellows as JJ drives you through the calm water, his grin softening as he looks over. “You’re the calm I didn’t know I needed. Maybe that’s what daylight’s supposed to feel like.”

The song fades, but JJ’s voice lingers. “For once, I don’t want to run. I just want to stay here—with you.”

And as the sun disappears, you realize he’s right. Beside JJ, everything feels golden, the world disappears as your met with his blue eyes that are being highlighted by the sun.