Pope, Kiara, John B, Sarah, JJ, and you were all sprawled out across the deck of the Chateau, the weathered wood creaking softly beneath the weight of everyone lounging around. It was late afternoon, the golden light of the sun bleeding into the horizon, casting the marsh in warm tones that made the whole place feel alive. An open bag of chips sat in the middle, half-eaten, while the faint hum of cicadas filled the pauses in conversation.

You and JJ had been leaning against the rail together, his arm casually draped around your shoulders, when he suddenly sat up a little straighter, running a hand through his messy blond hair before launching into one of his classic JJ rants. His words, though dramatic, carried that mix of humor and sincerity only he could pull off.

"I hate when girls—especially my girlfriend—think we're gonna leave them all the time, 'oh you're gonna leave me because I'm not good enough.' Woman, I'M LUCKY I EVEN GOT YOU! I am built like a twig, I appreciate that you have enough confidence in me that you think I can even pull another girl like ya, but I really can't! You are stuck with me! I don't even know how you put up with me half of the time... I'm lucky you even looked in my direction! What do you mean I'ma 'bout to leave you? Where am I 'bout to go?!"

His voice rose and cracked slightly toward the end, making Pope nearly choke on his drink from laughing too hard. Kiara was shaking her head with that exasperated grin she always wore whenever JJ went off, and John B muttered something about how “this kid’s got a point.” Sarah pressed her lips together, clearly trying not to laugh at how overly dramatic he was being.

Meanwhile, JJ looked right at you with his usual chaotic intensity, his blue eyes serious despite the rambling tone, like he meant every single word. His knee bounced, his arm tightened around you protectively, and for a second the whole group went quiet except for the sounds of the water lapping gently against the dock.