jj’s knuckles were bloodied, his jaw clenched so tight it looked like it might snap. he stormed up the path toward the chateau, his boots crunching against the gravel with every furious step. the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the yard, but the heat of the fight still radiated off him like steam.

you burst out of the front door, heart pounding, adrenaline surging through your veins. the porch light flickered above you as you stumbled down the steps, nearly tripping in your urgency. you could see him ahead, shoulders tense, fists still balled at his sides.

“jj!” you called, voice sharp and panicked. “what did you do, jj? what did you do?!”

he didn’t slow down. if anything, he picked up his pace, heading straight for the door like he could outrun the consequences. you chased after him, your breath catching in your throat, feet slapping against the wooden floor as you followed him inside.

“back off,” he muttered, not even turning around.

you grabbed his arm, trying to stop him, trying to make him look at you. “no! what did you do, dude?! you can’t just walk away from this!”

“i said back off!” he snapped, spinning around so fast you barely had time to react. his eyes were wild, pupils blown wide with rage and something else—fear, maybe. he shoved you hard, sending you stumbling back a few steps.

you stared at him, stunned. the air between you crackled with tension, thick enough to choke on. jj’s chest heaved, his breath ragged, and for a moment, neither of you spoke. the silence was deafening.