The mood was high in the OBX. The smell of smoke and beer filled the air, mixing with the sound of laughter the Pogues shared.

You were having so much fun, you’d completely forgotten about your period. You’d gotten it earlier that day — annoying, of course — especially when you were going to the yearly bonfire. But you didn’t think much of it, just packed what you needed and headed to the beach.

Now you were here, completely lost in the conversation, sharing laughs and stories, until you stood up to grab another drink.

JJ’s eyes followed you — probably trying to sneak a glance at your ass — but instead, they landed on something else. A bloodstain on your shorts.

Without missing a beat, he reached out and gently grabbed your arm, pulling you back before half the island noticed noticed.

His usual cocky smirk faded, but not because he was embarrassed. He didn’t even flinch. Standing up beside you, he leaned down and whispered softly, only for you to hear, “Baby… you leaked a little. It’s fine tho, I’ve got you covered.”

Your stomach dropped. Your hand flew up to your mouth. “Oh, shit… I didn’t even notice…”

JJ didn’t let you spiral. In a second, he’d pulled off his hoodie and tied it around your waist like it was second nature.

“Babe, I got you. You think I care about a little blood? Please,” he grinned, brushing it off like it was nothing — because to him, it was.

You shook your head, letting out a laugh. He was ridiculous — but maybe that’s what made it so much less awkward than you’d expected. Somehow, JJ Maybank, the most chaotic boy you knew, was being unbelievably sweet and calm. No teasing, no weirdness. Just him being there, like always.

He motioned for you to follow him, leading you into a more secluded spot on the beach where he gestured toward the sand. “Sit tight. I’ll be right back.”

You watched him disappear into the crowd , still stunned that he hadn’t made it weird — especially considering he’d grown up without any kind of female figure around. And yet, he treated you like nothing you could ever do would be embarrassing.

A moment later, he came back, a smug grin plastered on his face. In one hand was a joint, he tossed up in the air before catching it again.

Then he tossed the joint at you. “We’re gonna figure something out, okay? you’re still smoking. Period or not.”