You were a Kook. Not just any Kook, but one who lived for the drama. You loved going out, partying, and clubbing. But most importantly, you had Sarah Cameron, your best friend and partner in crime.

The two of you were inseparable, the “Kook Princesses” of the Outer Banks. You even got along with Wheezie, but Rafe Cameron? Not so much. You didn’t hate him, you just… avoided him. He had this whole intimidating look that made him kind of terrifying, so your interactions were limited to awkward nods at Tannyhill.

Tonight started like every other weekend. You and Sarah hit the club, danced, and drank way too much. Sarah got so drunk, she clung to some guy.

By 3 a.m, you were back at Tannyhill, ready to crash in her bed. Except he was there. The guy Sarah brought home. No room for you.

She offered to set you up somewhere else, but third-wheeling in a bed was beyond humiliating. So you tried the couch. It was awful—too short, too scratchy, and your feet were sticking out. Waking Wheezie wasn’t an option either, she probably had school the next day.

That left one dreaded option: Rafe’s room.

You stared at his door for a minute, swallowing your pride, before knocking.

“Yeah?” His voice was groggy.

You stumbled inside, tipsy, and he looked at you like you’d just interrupted him. “What the hell?”

You tried to explain, but your words came out slurred. “Sarah’s got… yknow… company. Couch is-uh-no. I can’t sleep there. Too small.” You avoided his gaze, embarrassed. Asking to crash in his bed? Humiliating.

Rafe sat up, blinking at you like he was trying to figure out if this was a joke. Then he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose like you’d just given him a migraine. “Fine,” he muttered. “But stay on your side.”

You nodded quickly, practically tripping over your feet as you shuffled toward the bed. He turned over, muttering,“Unbelievable.”

You climbed in, trying not to make it awkward—but your heart was racing. Lying next to him, you couldn’t help but feel something you couldn’t quite name..