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vampiriito · 16 days ago

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Summer was my first love (JJ Maybank x shy! kook! reader)

A/N: Hi loves! this is my first fic and i just wanna let you know that I'm open to any criticism, but i want you to be able to nice at the same time. This is inspired by my favorite author on here the lovely @featherandferns, her fic daylight was so good and i read all the parts in less than 2 hours. With that being said the plot is completely different but i recommend checking out her works too because she's very talented! this might be a bit long, i wanted to write a slow-burn. Let me know if i managed to do that (┬┬﹏┬┬)

Summary: After getting locked into a closet with a kook girl, JJ Maybank comes to the realization that his animosity towards the spoilt people living on Figure Eight doesn't have to apply to every single one of them.

"Fuck! Seriously?" JJ Maybank's blue eyes meet yours through the frame of your glasses as he sneers at the door which was now shut. Leaving you both stuck together in this small cramped closet. If you weren't panicked cause of the claustrophobic tendencies of your stupid brain, you definitely were now.

You were alone with your 3rd grade crush, and he had no idea, you were a kook, (which he hated,) and one hell of a wallflower person. You've been watching him from a far since you were 9, and it got a little weirder once you could walk around freely and just... take pictures with your camera as your hobby flourished. You were now, glancing shyly between the door and his face, 'he's probably feeling weird being stuck in here with a complete stranger.' you thought to your self, making sure to stick to your corner of the closet.

"What’s your name?" He demanded, his arms crossing over his chest as he leaned against the wall, his eyes flicking over you, studying you. Of course, he would ask that right away, JJ could be direct and kind of an ass most days. And he felt like if he wasn't gonna ask, you weren't gonna speak up first.

Of course he didn't know your name, he wasn't bordering on creepy stalker most days like you were in your free time. Across these years you managed to gather a lot on JJ surprisingly, being quiet and so reserved got you very far, going almost invisible when you went out. It didn't help you were a shutterbug, always taking pictures and people watching, "Y/n.." you responded softly and weakly, adjusting your glasses.

He raised an eyebrow, studying your face for a moment. That name sounded familiar, he could swear he'd heard it before somewhere, the only question was where.

"You're a kook, huh? I should have known." He grumbles, running a hand through his messy dirty blonde hair. You looked so.... soft, and it somehow made him scoff. He hated your kind more often than not, and here he was, stuck in a closet with one.

You nodded, frowning gently. You were aware of his hate and animosity towards the people living on figure 8, but you weren't exactly the picture perfect image of a snarky preppy kook girl. Or so you liked to think anyway.. He looked even more beautiful up close, more defined than what you usually saw through your camera lenses when photographing him. 'Suddenly i feel like a creep being here..' you thought, playing with the hem of your baggy sweater.

His eyes flicked down to your hands as you fidgeted with your sweater, his lips curling up into a subtle smirk. 'How can someone be so shy?' he thought to himself, wondering why you were so nervous.

"You look like you've never talked to a human before." He comments, letting out a soft scoff, and you flinch gently, your eyes snapping up to meet his. He noticed this and his smirk grew a little wider, enjoying that he was able to fluster you.

That's the most JJ thing he could say to someone like you. "i.. well, i don't talk usually." you face palmed internally at the way your words came out. You had the chance to come off as something you weren't given he didn't know you, and you weren't doing a very good job at it. You could've faked being confident and charm him, yet here you were talking like you never had anything to eat in your life.

He lets out a soft scoff as he watches you stumble over your words. There was something he found so weird about you, you were so… different from everyone he encountered on a daily basis. You were shy, quiet, and awkward, not like the sarcastic and arrogant persona that most kooks had. But, he tried to shake the thoughts away, he didn't need to be thinking about you this way, of all people.

"I can tell.." he responds, his accent ringing through slightly as his smirk turned into a slight frown.

There was an awkward silence that fell over the two of you in the cramped closet, the music that played throughout the party muffled by the thick walls. JJ glanced around for a moment, almost bored before his gaze settled back on you. His blue eyes studying you intently, trying to figure you out. The frown on his face remained, 'Why are you so shy?' he thought to himself, biting his tongue before he continued.

"What are you even doing here anyway? You don't seem like the type to be at a party.."

'Got dragged against my will by my very loud and obnoxious best friend here...' you thought to your self, the thought amusing you but of course not letting that mirror on your expression, "I'm sorry?" 'what? dumbass..' you scolded your self mentally. The question was loud and clear.

He raised an eyebrow as he looked you up and down for a moment, wondering if you always spoke in a quiet and awkward way, or if it was just because you were in a small, dark, and very cramped closet with a stranger.

"You heard me. I doubt you'd normally come to a party like this." He repeated, his frown returning to a small smirk as he pushed off the wall to take a hesitant step towards you.

Again, such a JJ thing to say. Your stomach jumped as he took a small step towards you, suppressing the urge to shift awkwardly. All you needed now was to look more awkward than you already were, you acted and sounded like a pathetic dumbass, in front of your childhood crush nonetheless. "i just ended up here.."

He took a few more steps until he stood a few feet away from you. He was towering over you, his 6’1 height compared to your, what he could only guess, 5.2 or 5.3 height. He had to admit, in some weird way, it was amusing being able to fluster you so easily. That was until he noticed there was nowhere really for you to go. The walls of the small closet caged you in, he was blocking your way out of the closet, unless you tried to push him out of the way.

He was quiet for a moment, just studying you as a small smirk returned to his face.

"There's nowhere for you to go.." he teased, taking another step closer, closing the gap between the two of you even more. He noticed you shiver gently and took note of it.

"Are you usually this weird with strangers?" you found yourself asking, surprising even yourself after the words left your mouth. 'caging me in like this wouldn't create a good first impression... he's just lucky I've been in love with him since i was 9.' you thought.

This time it was his turn to be surprised. He was definitely not expecting you to say something so blunt, you were full of surprises. He chuckled softly, taking another small step forward, effectively caging you against the wall. His smirk grew into a wide smile, his eyes studying you intently as he spoke.

"Only when I get stuck in a small crowded closet with them." He was now only a few inches away from you, his eyes studying your face. He was so close, you could take in some of his scent, which somehow matched perfectly with his personality. A mix of weed and the smell of the ocean and sunscreen. You could also now see little details in his face, like his freckled cheeks, and his jawline that looked hard enough to cut glass.

Being able to smell him was a pleasant feeling as weird as that sounded, his scent matching with the way he was completely. The small freckles scattered over his soft skin made you want to be able to take mental photographs. He looked breathtaking up close, even in the dim light of the closet. Like he was some kind of modern day demigod or some bullshit. You hummed gently, turning your body towards the door to try the door weakly, your hand wrapping around the door handle and shaking it with little to no force to actually get it open.

He chuckled at the sad attempt you made of trying to open the door, "It ain't going to open, believe me, I've already tried that." He said, his voice almost a murmur as he leaned against one of the walls of the closet, watching you struggle with the door. His eyes slowly traveled down from your face, down to your hips and to your beat up vans. Strange, he thought. He'd expect someone of your social status to have more expensive looking threads and shoes. Not like a librarian on vacation.

You side glanced up at him, adjusting your glasses. You felt absolutely wrecked, nerves and claustrophobia tugging at your sensitive stomach, it didn't help this closet was dimly lit and smelled like mold. 'What a great setting to interact in for the first time..' you thought bitterly, leaning your back against the wall opposite him.

He kept his eyes on your hips, letting his gaze rake over your body. He felt a weird and small pang of sympathy for you. You looked so small against the wall, and you looked like you were ready to jump out of your skin any moment now. It was different than when he usually had the unfortunate chance of speaking with a kook kid.

"Are you scared of small spaces or somethin' ?" He asked, his voice softer than usual as he spoke.

You nodded mutely in response, your expression probably resembling that of a deer in front of a truck. Sometimes you forgot JJ's voice carried a southern drawl to it, given he never spoke to you. You would hear him when he'd pass you in the school halls while talking to his friends animatedly or when he'd say something snarky in class to the teacher, his voice never directed towards you.

When you nodded, he mentally groaned. That was his luck. He ended up being stuck in here with a kook that was also terrified of small spaces. He let out a sigh, he would have to try and find a way to calm you down, since he was now stuck in this closet with you until whenever someone decided to let them out.

"How in the hell did you even manage to get yourself into a situation like this..?" He questioned, running a hand through his messy blonde hair.

You were asking yourself that question too, but i guess being so easy to push around wasn't really helping your case here. Truth was you were just a collateral victim of a prank which was meant for JJ, getting pushed into the small closet by mistake or just to make it worse for him by locking him up with a complete stranger.

You shook your head shrugging, chewing on your bottom lip nervously. You knew you had to say something, actual words at one point but your mind came up blank. Or your mouth wasn't able to say them out loud.

He let out another soft scoff, knowing deep down this was no accident. Some of his pogue buddies probably set this up just to screw around with him. Although, you didn't seem to know that. You looked genuinely clueless.

"My friends probably did this on purpose..."

He muttered, leaning against the opposite wall to you. He wasn't happy about this situation, especially not being locked in here with a girl for what could be hours. Which he would usually be elated about. But seeing you barely talked or moved, seemingly scared of loud sounds and sudden movements like a small animal, he was aware you weren't gonna makeout any time soon.

He looked you over again, his eyes roaming over your small and fidgety figure. In some weird way, he kind of felt bad for you. You looked so nervous and uncomfortable being stuffed in this dumb closet, and you looked like you didn't belong at this party in the first place.

"What were you even doing here anyway?... this ain't exactly a place a shy girl like you would go on your own free will..." he echoed the question once again, the curiosity and desire to fill the silence stronger than the fact that you were strangers.

"That's because it wasn't my own free will.." you spoke up in minutes of being almost completely silent, your voice small and weak.

He was both surprised and not surprised at your answer. He was surprised that you answered so quickly, but he could have guessed this wasn't your idea.

"Let me guess... one of your loud and obnoxious friends dragged you out here to try and get you to 'have fun'?"

Bingo! You nodded silently again, your eyes darting around his face taking in every detail, hopefully being able to recall every single one of them to draw or paint later.

He grumbled something under his breath. He knew it. From his experience, kooks were always so loud and overbearing. It was what he hated most about them, and yet, you didn't seem like that kind of girl at all... you were quiet and soft spoken, something he hadn't seen in a kook girl since... well, never really. "Figures.. can you not say no to them or somethin’ ?"

You stared at him silently, blinking as you raked your brain for what to say, your eyes narrowed just a hint. You were aware he usually spoke a lot but not this much. Or you were too quiet. You were also way too nervous to speak or think properly, having your lifetime crush speaking to you, like actually.

He was watching you intently, taking note of the expressions that flashed on your face as you tried to come up with an answer. You were obviously nervous, he didn't need to be a mind reader to know that. And there was something else about you... something he couldn't place his finger on. It was weird.

"You look like you're gonna pass out or something..." He commented, watching you closely.

You shook your head 'no', reaching to try the door again. You suddenly didn't feel so lucky you got this rare chance to speak and admire JJ shamelessly given you were stuck in a closet together. You were anxious and feeling like he could see right through you, see all the weird tendencies you had and judge you for being so pathetically in love with him for so long.

He chuckled softly as you tried to open the door, again and again. It honestly reminded him of a small animal trapped in a cage, frantically looking for a way out. Something about the way you were acting amused him. "There ain't no point trying to open it again, trust me, it's stuck good..."

JJ could tell you were anxious, and it was easy to guess why. It was probably terrifying being stuck in a small, dark, cramped closet with him of all people. And judging by how quiet and shy you were, this was probably one of the hardest social interactions you ever had.

"Jesus... can you even speak a full sentence?" He piped up after another few seconds of silence, his smirk returning to his face as he watched you struggle against the door.

You looked to the side, a small frown making its way on your face at his question. 'Not when you're so close to me that i can smell the sea salt water in your hair.' you groaned internally, still silent. You kept your eyes locked with his in the almost dark closet, scolding yourself for not being able to handle social interactions like normal people.

JJ's smirk widened at your expression, you looked like a kicked puppy, it was almost cute. He stood up straight, lazily pushing himself off the wall and slowly making his way towards you. When he was a few steps away from you, he stopped, looking you up and down with a hint of mockery.

"You're a real quiet thing, ain't ya?"

With a few more confident steps, he was now standing just in front of you, leaning his shoulder against the wall. He looked down at you again, his smirk still present on his face. You could almost feel the heat radiating off his body, him being so close. His ocean like scent mixed with the weed smell, filling the closet and making it even harder to breathe than it already was in here.

"You afraid of me or somethin'? "

"No.." your voice rung out without missing a beat this time, a soft and gentle sound as you frowned to your self. You were probably one of the few people who wasn't afraid of JJ. Years of following him from a distance and watching him closely took away the fear factor. If anything he'd probably be afraid of you.

JJ let out a quiet scoff at your answer, an odd response. He had expected you to be as afraid of him given the way you were acting. You were clearly nervous being in a small, dark, and cramped space with a man, yet you weren't afraid of him or his presence.

"You're an odd one then.." He said, his eyes roaming over you again, taking in your small, timid figure.

He was a few inches away from you, towering over your small frame. Being this close to you, he could see more details in your face. How your eyes were framed with small dark eyelashes behind your glasses, how your skin was unnaturally smooth and soft looking, and how your lips looked almost velvety, almost as if they were made of silk. In addition to that, your scent filled his nose now, mixing with his own and the smell of the closet. You actually smelled very good... which definitely wasn't something weird to be thinking. JJ found himself lost in thought the more he looked at you. You looked so... tender and yet the way you were acting, so nervous and small, you looked like a spooked stray dog. It didn't add up in his head, you were probably the first kook girl he had ever met that acted this way, it was making him curious. Just as he opened his mouth to ask something, a loud banging noise echoed from the other side of the door, making you jump slightly, surprised by the sudden sound.

The whole silent staring contest you both had going on was interrupted by a loud sound from the other side of the closet door, almost startling you to death given you were so focused on how beautiful JJ's eyes looked while he studied you intently. You sighed, squeezing your eyes shut for a second, adjusting your glasses and grimacing to yourself.

The sudden sound made JJ roll his eyes, whoever was on the other side of the door was clearly trying to be annoying.

"Oh come on..."

he grumbled, annoyed already by the person who was trying to interrupt. Before he could say anything else, the banging continued once again, this time twice as loud as before, making him grumble another curse underneath his breath. He was beyond annoyed now, a small scowl forming on his face at the constant knocking. He turned around, staring at the small closet door, his hands on his hips as he waited for the knocking again. He was about to say something, but just then, the door was suddenly swung open, making him nearly jump out of his skin.

He let out a surprised noise as he stumbled forward, nearly collapsing to the ground, but he managed to catch himself just at the last moment by grabbing the nearest thing which happened to be the closet wall, next to your head. His heart felt like it was about to burst out of his chest, he was breathing heavily, the unexpected event nearly giving him a heart attack. After a few moments he slowly looked up, turning his head to see who had opened the door.

To say he looked surprised would be an understatement. Standing in front of him was none other than one of his pogue buddies, John B, who was smiling and laughing like this was the most fun he had in forever as he looked down at JJ. JJ quickly managed to regain his composure, standing up straight before speaking up:

"Are you tryin' to give me a damn heart attack, John B?"

You were just as startled as JJ was, for a second time in less than 2 minutes nonetheless. Your gaze shifted from looking up at JJ's side profile to the boy standing in the door way of the closet. John B, JJ's best friend since forever, someone you also saw on a daily basis while doing your... usual checking up on JJ. John B also probably didn't know who you were, and you wouldn't be surprised even in the slightest.

John B looked between you and JJ, a smirk slowly forming on his face as his eyes landed on the proximity between the two of them. John B leaned against the door frame, his arms folded over his chest as he spoke up, a hint of mockery in his tone. "Seems like you got yourself into a situation, huh JJ?"

JJ's eyes narrowed at his best friends tone, he immediately knew what he was implying. He shot him a small glare before speaking up, a hint of annoyance in his voice

"Can it, John B... it ain't what it looks like."

John B chuckled at his response, he clearly didn't believe JJ given the awkward and somewhat embarrassing situation the two of you were in. "It sure looks like it though. Locked up in a closet together, all alone. You two got up to anything in here?"

Your eyes darted between the 2 best friends, adjusting your glasses as your gaze landed on John B, his teasing words making your face heat up. The implication of getting up to anything with JJ was enough to probably give 9 year old you a aneurysm, "Excuse me?" you spoke up, trying to sound irritated at his words although you sounded so weak and shy you regretted speaking instantly.

John B chuckled again at your response, clearly enjoying making you both uncomfortable. The way you spoke was so quiet and awkward, it was almost laughable. JJ continued to glare at him, trying to non-verbally tell his friend to shut his damn mouth, but it obviously wasn't working.

"Oh... I see, there's a voice under there, huh? You sound like a damn mouse, girl.. can you speak louder than a whisper?"

He continued to smirk at you, now mocking the softness of your voice. JJ grimaced at what John B had just told you, a pang of guilt suddenly shooting through his chest. He didn't like the way John B was talking to you, in fact, he was getting a little mad that he was being so rude.

"She ain't gotta speak louder. Leave her alone." JJ spoke up, glaring at his friend once again, finding himself defending this stranger.

You looked down, scowling to yourself at his question, now definitely not speaking another word for the rest of the conversation, knowing you'd just slip away once they were distracted. Your finger pushed the frame of your glasses up and down, your eyes fixed on your beat up sneakers. This was certainly one hell of a first impression.

John B held his hands up in mock surrender, clearly enjoying the fact that he was getting both you and JJ annoyed. "Relax man, I was just messing with the poor mouse."

He joked, his eyes still on you, now watching your fiddling. JJ just scowled at him again, silently debating punching his friend square in the nose. The fact that he was making fun of you was bothering him more than it should. He was used to his friend making stupid jokes and being a dick, but he couldn't stand the thought of him mocking you, especially since you were acting nothing but polite and shy.

Mouse? you could see the resemblance i guess, with the small one word answers which sounded like small squeaks from the anxiety. Still, John B was being kind of a dick at the moment which caused your frown to deepen as you debated just making a run for it and disappearing.

John B chuckled quietly, not taking his eyes off you as you fiddled with your glasses. He knew he was being a dick, but he was just enjoying it too much. He suddenly had an idea in his mind, a way to further piss off JJ. With a sly smirk on his face, he spoke again, this time, directed solely at you, ignoring JJ completely. "So, mouse, what's your name?"

'Seriously? neither of them know my name?' you groaned internally, looking up to lock eyes with John B nervously. In moments like these you wished you had at least a bit of semblance of a back bone, and not just clam up like a dumbass, "Y/n.." you answered simply, your expression twitching slightly from having to repeat your name once again. You wanted to roll your eyes in annoyance so badly.

There was something about the way you said your name that made JJ's heart stutter in a way it never had before. It sounded almost magical coming out of your small lips, it was so... mellow, and yet so beautiful. John B's smile widened at your answer, obviously not expecting to get an actual answer and a name at that.

"Huh... nice name. Suits you." He said, his eyes roaming over you again, studying your face to figure out if he knew you or not. He came up blank, probably due to being tipsy.

JJ continued to stay silent, watching the interaction between his best friend and you. He was feeling a weird mix of anger and curiosity as he watched. You looked so much more fragile and unthreatening than he had thought. You were like a small cat, a cute but easily spooked cat. Or maybe a mouse, he wasn't sure which.

You felt awkward suddenly, the 3 of you going silent save from the music coming from downstairs after John B's comment about your name. You looked between them momentarily before stepping forward shyly to signal John B to move out the way so you could escape this weird and sufficiently awkward situation at once.

John B chuckled again as you stepped forward, his eyes following your every move. But just as you were about to slip out of the closet, he suddenly reached a hand out, blocking your way.

"Where do you think you're going, mouse?"

JJ furrowed his eyebrows at his friend's behaviour, he knew exactly what he was trying to do. He was trying to annoy both of you, as well as prevent you from getting away. JJ had had just about enough

"Okay, that's enough John B. Don't you think you've teased the poor girl enough?"

John B sighed dramatically, pouting at JJ's annoyed response. He took a small step back, opening up the doorway once again "You're no fun. I was just having a little fun. Don't take it so seriously, JJ."

As much you enjoyed being in JJ's presence you hated social interactions and you wanted to just find your best friend to tell her that this was a bad idea and you should just skate home. So you took a final glance at JJ, before stepping out of the small cramped closet when John B removed his arm which was blocking your way hesitantly. But stepping out wasn't any better cause you were met with the party, still in full throttle, the music making your head feel weird, weirder than being stuck in a moldy closet with your childhood crush. There were less people on the floor you were on, but it was still crowded enough by drunken couples and some rowdy friend groups to make you feel anxious. This was most definitely a bad idea.

JJ watched you step out of the closet, a small pang of guilt shooting through his chest from knowing you were uncomfortable but now having no way to help the situation. He shot a glare at John B for the 10th time in the last 5 minutes through the doorway, silently warning his friend once again.

"You're a damn dick man. Why did you feel the need to be so rude to her?"

John B just shrugged, looking back at JJ with a sly smile as he replied "Because I thought it would be funny. Besides, I didn't think she'd answer me. I thought she was mute or something."

JJ grimaced, of course John B would find making fun of the shyest person he had ever met, fun. He pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning quietly. He took a deep breath before speaking up again:

"You really can be an annoying bastard, you know that? Sometimes i wonder how you even manage to speak with girls.."

You weaved through the mass of people at the house party, bumping into couples getting busy and grimacing in apology, trying not to stumble over your feet in the cramped space on the staircase. You quickly descended down the stairs, looking for your friend Maisy, to scold her for bringing you here in the first place. Suddenly, a hand on your shoulder stopped you in your tracks. A hand that you recognized, and yet dreaded at the same time. JJ had followed you, and was now stood next to you at the bottom of the stairs.

He gently grabbed your hand, stopping you from walking away. His hand was calloused and rough from years of surfing, yet warm. He spoke up, trying to get your attention over the loud R&B music blaring from the speakers. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

You tensed up from the sudden contact and because well, you thought someone else was grabbing you to pull yet another dumb prank on you, not expecting JJ to follow you and try to talk to you. You shook your head 'no' because as much as you wanted to spend time with him, you knew you'd just clam up and make it weird because this was JJ and you were you.

He noticed how tense you suddenly became once his hand touched you, he couldn't help but silently worry in his head. He wanted to sigh at your immediate response of shaking your head no, but he decided to persist a little more despite not having any reason to:

"Please? I promise I won't make fun of you or anything. I just wanna talk."

"Well, i need to find my friend." you find yourself speaking, although you weren't sure if he heard you over the music or the myriad of sounds and things going on in this house. Really, it was surprising how the neighbors hadn't called the police yet.

JJ leaned closer to you, trying to hear your soft spoken words. He could just barely make out what you had said, but he heard it enough. He looked around for a moment, searching for your friend but not seeing them anywhere in the crowd. But it was a given, since he didn't even know who he was looking for. "Where is your friend? I'll help you look for them."

You shrugged, because you had the same question. Where the hell was Maisy anyway? she disappeared and expected you to what? have fun and party? as if you could do that. Your eyes were fixed on JJ's face, the one you knew and loved through the years, anxiously shifting on your feet at the feel of his big hand still wrapped around your wrist, stopping you from scurrying away.

JJ could sense your anxiousness, he could practically feel the anxious energy coming off your small frame. He subconsciously let his thumb slowly and gently caress your wrist, an attempt to somehow soothe you, even if only slightly. He didn’t like seeing you so anxious.

He suddenly realized that he was still holding your arm, gently keeping you by his side and preventing you from slipping away in the chaos of the house party. He had forgotten in the moment. He looked down at his hand on your arm, "Maybe they went outside.."

You could call her! yeah, you could do that... but what if big mouth Maisy actually showed up and saw JJ Maybank, the dude you had been crushing on since you were a 3rd grader, holding your wrist and actually speaking to you? She'll make this awkward and run her mouth, possibly getting you rejected at the same time. So, you thought it was best to just let him speak to you and then leave you to look for her alone. "What do you wanna talk about with me?" you asked, still quietly, hoping and praying he'd hear you and that you didn't come off as rude.

JJ was a little surprised at the fact that you still stayed by his side after he suggested looking for your friend. He honestly thought you would run off. He mentally shrugged, taking the opportunity to talk to you even more. He turned slightly to look down at you as you spoke, leaning forward to hear you better.

His heart skipped a beat as he heard your quiet voice. That same feeling of both guilt and curiosity ran through him again. How could one voice be so soft and quiet, yet so beautiful at the same time? The thought confused and intrigued him.

He took a moment to register that you had asked him a question, the shock of you actually talking to him making his brain fry for a second or two. He quickly brought himself back to reality, realising that he had to reply.

"I just wanted to apologize. About John B i mean, he's a massive dick, no doubt about that. I told him off.."

"It's okay.." you mumbled smiling slightly, adjusting your glasses with the hand that wasn't in JJ's grip. You actually managed to hold the conversation normally, albeit you were still squeaking out your words.

JJ's eyebrows raised at your smile, his eyes widening slightly. He wasn't expecting you to smile as an answer to his apology, it was the last reaction he had expected. And yet, it was a welcome one. It made him feel better, deep down he felt guilty for his friend's behavior.

He stared at you for another moment, the hand he was using to hold your wrist moving once again, his thumb still slowly caressing your skin. He hadn't even noticed he was doing it this time.

JJ quickly snapped out of the little trance and cleared his throat, speaking up again. He didn’t want to make things weird and freak you out. He could feel John B’s eyes on him, he knew the bastard was watching him from the top of the stairs and silently giggling about the whole thing. He pushed down his annoyance, his eyes moving away from your face and around the room, looking at the other people gathered around them. "You said this party was your friend’s idea, right?"

You nodded silently, glancing around the room for your stupid best friend. You were gonna kill Maisy for disappearing on you like this, especially at a party of this calibre. You tried to ignore how JJ was still holding onto your wrist, now rubbing his thumb over your skin to probably soothe you. It made you feel more nervous and anxious, the urge to bolt even more strong now. You didn't wanna mess it up and make it awkward or worse come off as a creep by staring at him or saying something stupid, although the last part was impossible given you barely spoke.

JJ bit the inside of his cheek as you silently nodded back to his question. He was starting to realize how hard you were to talk to, how shy you were. It made him feel bad. He found himself wishing that he could just hear your voice just a little louder. It was so gentle. It made him want to hear more of it, but he had no idea how to get you to speak more without making you uncomfortable.

He quickly stopped himself from thinking any further, realizing that he was starting to sound like a creep in his own head.

They stood there silently for a couple more seconds, as JJ desperately tried to think of something to say to break the silence without making things weird. He could still feel John B’s eyes on him, silently watching the whole situation and probably having the time of his life.

"So...how come I've never seen you around at school before? "

He tried, even though he knew the answer. He just needed to get you talking.

Ouch. You saw him at school all the time, even took routes around the school just to get to pass by him in the halls and hear him talk so loudly to his friends and laugh. So the question stung a little. You looked up at him, shrugging your shoulders, narrowing your eyes and blinking a couple of times, your brain desperately trying to just block out the sound of the music which was making your lungs feel like they were being shaken up.

JJ mentally cringed as he saw the slightly hurt look in your eyes, he regretted his choice of question immediately. Stupid. Of course you were at school, he saw you at school, he just never seen you with anyone.

He winced as he heard that music change to something even louder. The constant music was starting to grate his nerves.

"Can we go outside for a second? I can't even freaking hear myself think in here."

Your brows furrowed, considering his suggestion. It was a good idea, you could call Maisy, maybe have a cigarette too and let your ears get a break from this loud music blaring in them. So you nodded hesitantly, glancing around one last time in case you magically spotted your best friend.

JJ let out a breath of relief when you nodded your head in agreement. He was glad he didn’t have to try and shout over the music anymore. He turned, pulling gently on your wrist to lead you toward the front door. He weaved through people, avoiding getting into conversations. He was determined to get you alone outside so he could talk to you.

Finally, they made it outside. JJ released your wrist as they reached the front door. He took a deep breath, enjoying the sudden lack of music and the relative quiet (well, aside from the still loud music coming from inside). JJ took a step away from you as he turned to face you.

"Thank god, I thought my ears were gonna bleed with that damn music in there."

'Yeah..' you agreed mentally once again, nodding with a small smile and adjusting your glasses as you stood on the porch, finally able to breathe fresh air, a stark contrast from the muted and sweaty smelling air inside. You needed to start saying words out loud, instead of just answering in your mind.

JJ leaned against the porch railing, stuffing his hands into his pockets. The air was much cooler outside, compared to the stuffy heat that was present inside.

He took a few seconds to study you as you stood across from him. The light from the porch made you look even more softer, if that was even possible. You looked so small in that moment, it made him wonder how you had managed to make it to high school.

He shook himself out of his thoughts, clearing his throat before speaking up again. He couldn’t believe that he was actually talking to you, and the fact that he hadn’t messed it up yet was a surprise to him. He didn’t want to think about how bad he would screw it up in the future.

"So uh...wanna explain why you were hiding in a closet? "

There. A question to get the conversation going. He mentally cursed himself in his head, realizing how stupid the question sounded.

"I got pushed in at the same time as you." You found the courage to speak yay! and not so shaky and quiet either. Maybe it was the fact that he thought you were just hiding in the moldy closet, like an actual mouse, which made you wanna defend yourself. That's what was missing from this situation, for him to think you were an actual dumbass who was hiding in a closet because she was afraid of party sounds.

JJ found himself chuckling, raising an eyebrow at your answer. He didn’t expect that particular answer, he was expecting you to say that you just decided to hide in the closest instead of socializing. But pushed in? He could actually believe that. "Damn. Got pushed into a closet with me? That’s gotta be some pretty shitty luck."

'I'd like to think it was kinda lucky of me to get pushed in with you, of all people...' you laughed internally. You glanced at him, tearing your eyes from the street in front of the house, narrowing your eyes at his words, but deciding to just stay silent. It was better than saying something to counter it or even worse.. to try and be funny and fail.

JJ’s eyebrows nearly raised at the sound of your small, quiet laugh. He hadn’t expected you to laugh at his joke, he was actually surprised that you had responded at all. That laugh was definitely enough to make him keep going to get that sweet, soft sound to come back.

“You know, you have a really pretty laugh..“ The sentence was out of his mouth before he could even realize it. He internally winced, hoping he hadn’t just made things weird by complimenting you. Not that he didn't compliment girls usually. If anything, that's how he managed to score in the first place. But in your case he wasn't trying to flatter you to get in your pants. He simply found you interesting.

You could feel yourself blush at his compliment, not realizing you actually laughed out-loud instead of just thinking about it in your head. You scolded yourself internally for reacting to such a casual sentence, he was just being nice after all, not asking you to marry him. "Thanks." you managed to mutter out quietly, hoping it sounded at least a tad bit grateful, and not rude and clipped.

JJ’s heart skipped a beat when he saw that adorable blush on your face. He had never seen you so expressive yet quiet at the same time since he'd met you less than an hour ago. He silently smirked to himself, now he knew how to make you blush. He mentally noted that fact down for later. The fact that you had mumbled out a simple “thanks” in response, just made everything even better for him. He would take anything you responded with, just so he could get you to keep talking and hear that angelic voice.

He shifted against the railing, his hand moving to his back pocket to pull out a pack of cigarettes. He quickly took one out, putting it between his lips. He glanced down at you as he pulled out a lighter to light the cigarette.

He held the pack out to you, silently offering you a cigarette as well. Which as he did, he realized that it wasn't really the epitome of smooth or romantic. But he already had his hand out stretched. JJ was becoming annoyed at himself for overthinking his every move, feeling like he was losing his footing on a ground he'd navigated countless times.

A small amused grimace made its way on your face despite trying to stop it, silently debating if you should take a cigarette. You pulled out your own lighter, stepping a little closer, not too much to look weird, lighting his cigarette before taking one for yourself. 'Wow.. so confident, lighting his cigarette for him.' you quipped sardonically in your head as you lit the cigarette for your self and took a long drag from it.

JJ’s eyes widened a little in surprise when you stepped closer to him, so close that you could reach out and touch him, if you wanted to. He watched you flick your lighter on, a small wave of excitement rushing through him as you held the light to his cigarette. He leaned his head forward slightly, putting the other end of the cigarette to his mouth and taking a drag. He exhaled the smoke as he watched you light your own cigarette.

He almost laughed when he saw the small grimace that came across your face.

He took another drag of the cigarette, his eyes studying the features of your face. You looked so beautiful like this, in the soft light of the porch with a cigarette between your lips. It was enough for him to realize that he wanted to see you like this more - not just tonight but anytime he could.

He turned away slightly as he exhaled the smoke, trying to calm his thoughts once again. He didn’t know you and yet here he was, already getting addicted to being close to you and hearing you talk.

The cigarette was a welcome relief given the fact that you were on edge since you came to the stupid party, leaning on the railing and taking long drags to fill your lungs with the smoke, the nicotine swirling around in your brain. Here you were, smoking a cigarette casually with the guy you were pinning after for years. 3rd grade you would probably faint and break her glasses in 2 if she knew.

JJ silently watched how you exhaled the smoke that was going into your lungs. It was hypnotizing watching you do this, something about it just made him want to keep watching. It was just so oddly satisfying to watch you smoke. He knew it probably wasn’t, but he didn’t care in that moment. It was oddly pleasing in a way he couldn’t explain.

He took another drag, letting the cigarette sit between his lips as he spoke. "You smoke often?"

"Yeah.. helps with the whole social anxiety thing.." you nodded your words followed by a small dry chuckle as you side glanced at him, exhaling the smoke to the side to avoid blowing it directly in his face.

JJ couldn’t help but notice the little side glance at him. That action, for some reason, made his stomach flip and flutter like it had a mind of its own, the way your eyes fixed on him momentarily making him nervous for some reason. A small smirk formed on his face as he blew out his own puff of smoke.

"Social anxiety, huh?"

He took another drag of the cigarette, his eyes looking straight at you as he did. He chuckled slightly, he never thought you would be the type to suffer from social anxiety, mostly because of his prejudice towards your social status. You had always seemed so quiet and reserved, but he never assumed it was because of that. But, as he looked at you now, taking a puff of your cigarette and shyly glancing at him every so often, he was starting to realize that maybe social anxiety made sense. The thought made him realize that he really didn’t know you at all, and that he desperately wanted to change that.

He leaned against the railing once again, taking another drag from the cigarette as he decided on what to say next.

Before he had the chance to do so, none other than your best friend Maisy, burst through the front door, her eyes fixed on you and probably not noticing JJ at first, "Y/n/n! where have you been, girl? You just missed the whole ordeal with Maybank getting locked in a closet with some random girl. It was so crazy.. I looked for you so i could tell you all about it!" she gasped excitedly as she clasped her hands on your shoulders, her loud voice and sudden appearance startling you and JJ. She could not, for the life of her read the room. Ever.

JJ’s eyes immediately went from you to Maisy, he was going to attempt to make more conversation until your best friend burst through the door.

He stiffened at hearing his last name, instantly tensing at what Maisy had said, now staring at the strawberry blonde mess of hair when she stepped in front of him to grab your shoulders.

You cleared your throat awkwardly, glancing over Maisy's shoulder to signal JJ's presence, glaring at her subtly. You didn't want her to say something stupid and reveal your feelings by mistake and embarrass you in front of him. Maisy’s eyes suddenly widened as she realized that she had walked out in the middle of a conversation you having with someone. She followed your gaze and looked over her shoulder, noticing JJ for the first time.

She gasped as her eyes widened even more, her look of surprise quickly turning into a smirk as she glanced back and forth from JJ to you.

You shook your head as if to say, 'don't, i'll kill you.

Maisy, the best friend she was, completely forgot about the look you had given her and the silent threat you were trying to convey in seconds upon receiving it. She had suddenly realized that you were standing beside JJ by yourself, and she was about to take full advantage of the situation. She smirked at you and wiggled her eyebrows dramatically, silently teasing you in her own way.

"Maisy. Please." you widened your eyes, silently scolding her and desperately suppressing the urge to groan out loud. Maisy was well aware of your MASSIVE years long crush on JJ, and you knew she was happy about this, in her own way, of course.

Maisy’s smirk grew as she saw how you widened your eyes and silently begged her not to say anything. She knew how big of a crush you had on JJ and how long you had wanted a moment like this. She was going to make the most of this.

She feigned innocence, silently raising an eyebrow at you as if to say "what".

JJ glanced back and forth between the two of you, picking up on the tension that he couldn’t fully understand. He glanced at you, noticing the look in your eyes as you looked at your friend. He could almost feel the pleading in your eyes, silently begging her not to say anything.

He looked at your friend, catching the smirk that was on her face. He silently tried to figure out what was going on. What was going through the mind of your bratty friend in that moment?

Mimsy glanced at JJ, noticing the curious look he had on his face. She couldn’t help but tease her friend, this was a once lifetime chance and she wasn’t going to pass up on the opportunity to tease her just a little.

She continued her innocent look as she turned back to you. She smirked as she leaned her head in your direction, acting as if she was going to whisper something into your ear. But instead, she spoke loudly, making sure JJ could hear her too. She loved tormenting you just a bit too much.

"You're alone with JJ Maybank of all people. How does it feel?"

Maisy said, a sly grin on her face as she watched your reaction. She was enjoying messing with you and making a fool of you in front of the guy that you liked a little too much for her liking. She didn't care, she loved embarrassing you. It was a friend’s right to tease their other friend in front of a potential love interest, right?

"Embarrassing, given you're here now." you glared at her, probably the most expressive JJ had seen you since you started speaking in the closet. A small sigh escaped your lips and you barely contained the urge to face-palm dramatically.

Maisy let out a loud gasp, acting as if she was offended by your words. She put her hand over her heart, a dramatic look crossing her face as she spoke. She was really enjoying this just so she could get a reaction out of you, which in turn would get a reaction out of JJ.

“Oh, wow. You’re being a bit rude, aren’t you? I can’t believe you’d say that in front of JJ. So insulting.”

JJ let out a stifled laugh as your friend dramatically pretended to be offended. He couldn’t help but find her antics amusing as he watched the whole scene unfold in front of his eyes. But he really couldn’t help but notice the glare you gave to your friend. It was the most expressive facial expression he had seen you wear so far, and he had to admit that he rather liked it. There was something about you standing up for yourself that he found attractive, even if it was just in a small way.

"And also I'm gonna kill you for ditching me like that.. " you added quietly, slapping Maisy's shoulder teasingly even though you were still glaring at her.

Misy let out another gasp as you slapped her shoulder. She feigned a look of pain on her face as she dramatically winced and rubbed the spot where you had slapped her in a playful way. She let out a loud melodramatic "ow". Clearly she was just messing with you at this point.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ditch you. I just had to do something REALLLLYYY important." she countered, her words dripping with suggestive undertones rather than genuine apology.

"Like?" you raised one brow, feigning annoyance.

Maisy shrugged her shoulders slightly, trying her best to look innocent. It was all an act, and she was enjoying it so much. She loved getting a rise out of you just so she could see the way you reacted and how you acted in front of JJ. In another world, she would’ve been a professional drama actor with the way she was able to act so well.

"Just something..., you know. The usual. Important, fun, necessary stuff."

"You need to drive me home. I hate this stupid party." you put out your cigarette, sighing and groaning out loud this time as you adjusted your glasses, leaning away from the railing.

Your best friend laughed at your irritation. She knew that you hated parties and that you dreaded them, that’s why she’d convinced you to come to this one in the first place. It was just her way of being a good friend.

"Alright, alright. Stop being such a prude. I’ll take you home, you baby. Just let me say 'bye' to a few people first. You’re such a buzzkill, you know that?"

"Ugh Maisy.. you're just gonna take forever." you groaned once again at the thought of having to follow her around while she bid her never-ending goodbyes.

"I'll just skate home. Where's your car? i left my board in there." at that point, given how quiet JJ was you forgot momentarily that he was there, speaking freely and more expressively.

Misy raised her eyebrows dramatically as you mentioned skating home. If there was one thing she hated more than parties, it was your habit of skating everywhere. It was like you were allergic to cars. She let out a fake gasp and dramatically put her hand on her chest like she had been wounded.

“Skate home this late!? Alone!? You’re joking right?”

"Unlock the car. I can see it from here." you deadpanned, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible, nodding towards her car parked a bit messily on the lawn of the house.

Maisy scoffed and turned towards where her car was parked. She pulled out her keys out of her pocket and unlocked the car.

“Ugh. Fine. But if you get kidnapped or murdered, I’m not taking the blame. You’re such a pain, you know that right?”

"Bye... I'll see you tomorrow when you're hung over." you waved a hand in her face dramatically, the gesture sarcastic.

Maisy rolled her eyes at your sarcastic wave. She couldn’t help but smirk at how much of a pain you were being. She put a hand on her hip, raising an eyebrow at you in a sarcastic way.

“Ugh, thanks for that. I look forward to your sarcastic and overly annoying comments in the morning. See you, baby.”

With that she turned on her heel and walked back into the house, heading back into the party with a smirk still on her face. She was beyond satisfied with herself. She had pushed your buttons enough for you to be a bit more expressive in front of JJ and get a reaction from both you and him. It was one of her favorite pastimes to see you flustered and a bit irritated just at her presence.

The moment she disappeared inside, the only person left outside on the porch was you and JJ.

After Maisy had gone back inside, the porch suddenly felt much quieter than before. The only sounds heard were the crickets in the background and the muffled noise from the party inside. JJ glanced over at you, his eyes studying your face once again. He couldn’t help but notice the change in your demeanor the moment your annoying friend left.

As soon as your best friend left you were aware that you were alone with JJ again. You glanced at him adjusting your glasses nervously, "sorry about that.."

JJ couldn’t help but chuckle slightly as you nervously adjusted your glasses the moment you realised you were alone with him. He raised an eyebrow as he leaned against the railing of the porch once again, his gaze fixed on you.

"No need to apologize. Your friend is… something else.”

Back to clamming up like a dumbass you go. You nodded silently, a small apologetic smile tugging at your lips. You were going to skate home, but you weren't sure how to.. end the conversation with JJ? should you just leave? wave at him? no... that's too casual, he doesn't even know you. Saying bye felt pathetic.

JJ chuckled again as you fell back into your shy, nervous demeanor. He could tell that you were overthinking the entire situation in the moment, trying to find the right way to leave. He thought that you looked so awkward and nervous. It was almost cute how unsure of yourself you were.

He pushed himself off the railing and took a step towards you.

"You’re still gonna skate home?"

You hummed faintly and nodded, looking out to Maisy's car. You didn't hate the idea of skating home, given you had your earphones with you and you could just take a shortcut to your house from here.

He couldn't help but smirk slightly as you hummed weakly and nodded. He took a couple more steps towards you, closing the gap between the two of you completely. He stood right in front of you, looking down at you with a raised eyebrow. "Not afraid of being kidnapped or murdered like your friend said?"

"I skate at night pretty often." you stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, your voice back to its quiet and soft tone again.

JJ smirked even more as you stated your regular night time skating routine as if it was natural. He let out an amused chuckle, his eyebrows raising at the idea of you skating home alone in the dark so often.

"You skate at night often? You must have a death wish, doll."

You furrowed your brows at his nickname, whipping your head to look up at him with an expression resembling confusion. It was mostly to hide how flustered it made you, a small frown forming on your face, which wasn't supposed to be rude in any way, you were just... thrown off.

He smirked as you whipped your head up to look at him, your face showing a look of confusion mixed with… dare he say it, was that a hint of blush on your cheeks? He let out a small chuckle as he noticed your small, almost pouty frown. "What's with that look for, doll? You got a problem with the new nickname?"

You pursed your lips, as if mulling over the nickname in your head and dissecting it. He had no reason to call you that, but you knew JJ even though he didn't know you. You knew he was carefree and casual with everyone, so it wasn't hard for him to say certain things or make jokes. A part of you had always been envious of that, ever since you started liking him. Maybe that's why you liked him. He was the opposite of you, and in some ways you wished you could be like him, or like the girls you knew he usually went for.

He observed your facial expressions closely as you seemed to be deep in thought. He could practically hear the gears turning in your head as you thought about the nickname he had given you. He didn’t know why he called you "doll", it just came out naturally in the moment. He had a habit of nicknaming people, especially pretty ones, without even thinking about it. But for some reason, he was more interested in your reaction to it this time. It was the first nickname he had given you, and he wondered how you would react to it.

He chuckled softly to himself as he watched you purse your lips slightly, your facial expression almost looking like you were analyzing and dissecting the nickname he had given you. He couldn’t help but feel amused at the way you were acting. You were so quiet and soft-spoken, so different from anything he was used to. It was almost endearing in a way. He found your shyness refreshing and cute.

You decided you had enough of just standing there awkwardly and you looked up at him, nodding in greeting and walking towards the steps off the porch, your feet moving slowly, as if you were hesitating, afraid not to create a hole through the wood or something. You didn't wanna leave obviously, but you were awkward and weird and flustered easily and he was... well, JJ. You decided that you liked pining after him from afar from your camera lenses and behind corners rather than embarrassing yourself by talking to him face to face.

JJ watched as you nodded in greeting and began to walk down the steps of the porch. He let out a small chuckle as he noticed the slow and hesitant way you moved, as if you were afraid to break something on the way. He found your nervous mannerisms to be endearing, and he couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in your head at that moment.

As you started walking away, he couldn’t help but step forward and speak up before you got too far.

"Hey, wait."

He took a few steps towards you, closing the distance between the two of you again as he spoke up, his voice low and gentle. "You’re just gonna leave like that, doll?"

"Well.. yeah?" you grimaced hesitantly, curious as to why he seemed so adamant on speaking with you even though you were silent most of the time.

He raised an eyebrow at your hesitancy and grimace. He couldn’t help but feel a mix of annoyance and interest at the fact that you were just going to leave without a second thought. He had wanted to talk to you more, and he wasn’t about to give up just yet.

"You can’t just leave after you’ve barely said anything at this party. You’re too quiet, it’s a little weird."

Ouch again. He probably didn't mean to make another stingy comment, but you still felt the sting a little. You didn't let it show though, raising your brows and adjusting your glasses, looking at him as if expecting him to continue, despite the obvious figurative period at the end of his sentence.

He noticed the subtle flash of hurt in your eyes at his comment, but he didn’t apologize for it. He had a reputation to maintain after all. He raised an eyebrow in return at your raised brows and expression, expecting you to say something. When you didn’t, his eyes narrowed slightly as if he was annoyed that you weren’t responding. "Is that all you’re gonna do, just stare at me?"

You looked to the side as if considering his question, nodding slowly and silently. You knew he probably didn't like it, you weren't the kind of person that would hang around JJ Maybank after all. But you couldn't help it, your brain just didn't wanna speak sometimes, it was like it was selectively mute, which was very asshole-ish of it.

He let out a low sigh at your nod and silent response. He found it both annoying and endearing at the same time how reticent you were. He wasn’t used to someone being this quiet and reserved around him. Usually girls would cling to him or talk endlessly, never shutting up.

He took a small step closer to you, his eyes narrowed slightly as he looked down at you. He leaned forward slightly, his voice low and gruff as he spoke. "You can at least say something, doll."

"Something." you spoke without realizing, the word soft and quiet even though it was more sarcastic than anything.

A surprised laugh escaped his lips at your unexpected sarcastic response. He didn’t expect you to actually say something, let alone something sarcastic.

"Clever."

He said dryly as a smirk formed on his face, his eyebrows raising slightly. He was enjoying this more than he cared to admit, he wasn’t used to people being sarcastic back to him, not someone as quiet as you anyway.

He leaned in slightly closer, his smirk slowly morphing into a small, amused smile. He liked how blunt and sarcastic you could be, and the fact that you were being sarcastic with him was almost funny. "You sure know how to make conversation, doll."

You raised your brows and nodded looking to the side once again as if to say 'i know right?', a small scoff leaving your lips.

He chuckled softly at your raised brows and subtle scoff. It was like you were trying to match his confidence and snarky attitude but by being quiet at the same time, and he couldn’t help but find it amusing. He took another small step forward, getting even closer to you. "You sure are a sassy one, doll. Most people would be a stuttering mess in front of me right now."

'I am stuttering... mentally.' you thought, fixing him with your gaze. You were sure you were plenty nervous in front him anyway, stuttering would just make you explode probably. You were sure that would actually happen if it came down to it.

He could see the hint of nervousness in your eyes as you fixed him with a steady gaze. He knew that you were probably feeling very nervous and intimidated by his presence, but you were doing a good job at not letting it show. It was refreshing to him that you weren’t falling all over yourself in front of him like most girls did.

"You’re awfully quiet though. How come you’re not all over me like most girls are?" He asked, his voice laced with sarcasm and subtle curiosity.

'Oh, how i would love to-..' you stopped that thought before it actually finished in your mind, shaking it out of your brain quickly. Your version of being all over him was stalking him around and taking pretty artsy and stalkerish pictures of him from afar. Of course that was embarrassing to think about, especially when he was standing right in front of you, talking and giving you casual nicknames like 'doll and mouse.'

He noticed the brief second when you seemed to zone out for a moment before snapping yourself out of it. He couldn’t help but be intrigued by the look that had crossed your face, if only for a split second. He raised an eyebrow at your sudden change in demeanor and wondered what had just gone through your head.

"You sure love zoning out, doll. You alright in that head of yours?"

You nodded swiftly, looking back up at him. Still, you couldn't seem to get a word out, which was becoming annoying for you. You can talk to him, he's not gonna bite.

He could sense your frustration at your inability to speak, even though he could also tell that you were trying to remain calm and collected in front of him. He found your struggle both endearing and irritating at the same time.

He chuckled softly before speaking again, his voice soft and casual. "You know you can talk to me, right? Like, actually say something out loud."

"I'm a girl of few words." you spoke up, pursing your lips gently as you looked up at him, nodding in a self-assured way.

He chuckled again at your response, his eyes fixed on your pursed lips. There was something strangely intriguing about the way you looked at him, even with your glasses in the way. "I can tell, doll. You’re practically mute." like an actual doll, that was even more funnier to think about in JJ's mind.

He found himself moving closer to you again, a smirk playing on his lips. He was enjoying the fact that you were struggling to speak, and secretly found it cute how shy and awkward you were around him.

"You’re a little mouse, aren’t ya? Too shy to talk?"

You hated that word when it was used to describe your quietness by others, but when it came out of his mouth and it rolled off his lips you found it almost... sweet. The way he seemed to weigh his words and keep his rowdy and loud behavior in check made you feel.. special? but also pitied, like he was scared of scaring you away. You raised your brows, adjusting your glasses and smiling slightly at him, nodding again after a few seconds.

He could see the hint of annoyance in your eyes when he called you a mouse, but it was gone as soon as he saw you smile slightly.

"Awww, look at that, she finally smiled. I didn’t think it was possible with you being so quiet."

He mocked your silence once more, just to tease you a bit more. He found your reactions and facial expressions entertaining, even if you were silent most of the time.

Somehow you found the courage to reach up and smack his shoulder playfully, glaring at him half heartedly. The action surprised even yourself, retracting your hand fast in fear that you might've made him uncomfortable.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise when you reached up and smacked his shoulder, the action catching him off guard. It was the first time you had physically touched him, and he couldn’t help but feel a small spark of electricity at the contact. He also noticed the way you retracted your hand quickly, as if you were afraid of what he might do.

He laughed softly at the look on your face, his smirk widening.

"Did you just SMACK me, mouse?"

"Sorry.." you stuttered out, stepping back a little nervously. It was supposed to be a casual teasing smack but as per usual, you made things awkward and weird. Just like you always did.

He chuckled again at your stuttered apology, the sound low and gruff. He found your nervous mannerisms and stuttering quite endearing. It was an odd thing, being intrigued by someone who hardly talked and was very awkward. He took a step closer to you, closing the distance between you again. "Don’t apologize, doll. I’m not mad." He said lowly, his smirk fading into a soft smile.

You nodded quickly, turning away suddenly and walking towards Maisy's car to retrieve your board and skate home. God, you had spoken to him more than you ever did in these 8 years of pining after him. And it was so nerve wrecking, having someone have some much control over you without even knowing.

As you walked away, JJ couldn't help but feel a bit of disappointment that you were leaving already. He watched you walk towards Maisy's car, and a part of him wanted to call out to you to stay, but he didn't.

He couldn't quite understand why, but there was something about you that he found strangely captivating. Despite the fact that you were very shy and awkward around him, he felt strangely drawn to you. He didn’t want the conversation to end just yet.

He thought about calling out to you to wait, but something stopped him. He wasn't sure what it was, but he couldn't bring himself to speak up. Instead, he just watched as you walked away, his eyes fixed on your retreating form.

Maybe it was the way you had looked at him with those shy, behind-the-glasses eyes, or the soft, almost sarcastic responses you had given him despite your quiet nature. Something just made him want to keep talking to you, even if all you did was just nod and stay silent most of the time. Maybe that's what JJ needed, someone quiet enough to help him ground his loudness. But that thought was shaken away when he realized you were a stranger and the 2 of you might not even interact ever again.

JJ was still standing there at base of the porch steps, watching as you opened the back seat of Maisy's car. He raised an eyebrow at the state of the car, thinking to himself about how messy it was. As you retrieved your board from under the pile of clothes and Gatorade bottles, he watched your every movement intently.

When you suddenly turned around and waved at him, JJ couldn’t help but feel a fluttering in his chest. He couldn’t quite understand why, but he found the gesture strangely adorable.

He raised his hand in response, waving back at you.

"Night, mouse. Don't get lost on the way home."

He called out, his smirk returning to his face. He couldn't help but tease you a little before you left, it was too hard not to poke at your shy demeanor.

You couldn't help but smile at his use of the nickname again, placing your board on the sidewalk and glancing at him one last time before finally forcing yourself to skate away down the sidewalk, the sound of the party becoming distant as you skated down the street.

JJ watched as you placed your board on the sidewalk and started skating away. He couldn’t help but notice the small smile that had appeared on your face when he had called you 'mouse' again. He felt a small twinge of satisfaction being the cause of the smile, even if it was a small one.

—♡‧

A/n: Okay so... what do we think about the first interaction? I decided mid-way that I'm making this multiple parts..☆*: .｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆ if this does well I'll post part 2.. JJ is such a yapper, and the reader is.. not. I'll take this down if people don't read it but i have an entire story about these 2 :( I'm just curious if this was too long

Divider credits: @cafekitsune

| Next*:･ﾟ✧

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nickeverdeen · 2 months ago

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Hi! Can I ask for male OBX characters walking in on their S/O changing?

Male Outer Banks characters walking in on their lover changing

JJ Maybank

JJ walks in with his usual chaotic energy, stops dead in his tracks, and just stares for a second before realizing what’s happening

He’ll quickly cover his eyes with his hands but peeks through his fingers, joking, “I’m being respectful! Totally didn’t see anything.”

JJ does a dramatic spin to face the other way, arms wide, like he’s trying to give you privacy but still wants to be funny

He’ll leave the room but stick his head back in to say, “Let me know when I can come back!” before finally closing the door

Later, he apologizes in his own way, which usually means awkwardly trying to make it up to you with snacks or jokes

“If you need help picking an outfit, I’m available,”

While he plays it cool, he’s 100% thinking about how good you looked the whole time he’s teasing you

Blames you for no reason

“How was I supposed to know you’d be in the middle of changing? You could’ve shouted or something!”

He’ll casually wrap an arm around you later, as if the earlier incident never happened, but it’s just an excuse to be closer

If you tease him back, he’ll actually get a bit shy and avoid eye contact for a few minutes

“You’ll never guess what happened,” he tells John B later, laughing about the whole situation

After the incident, JJ makes a big show of knocking loudly

Once he’s done joking, JJ makes sure you’re not upset

John B Routledge

John B quickly slams the door halfway closed, peeking around it awkwardly to apologize

He instinctively throws his hands over his face, muttering, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see anything!”

“I should’ve knocked—this is totally on me,”

He might stand there for a second too long, trying to process the situation before his brain kicks in to leave

Gets a bit playfully defensive

“Hey, you can’t blame me for this one! You should’ve locked the door!”

John B is respectful and leaves almost immediately, but you can hear him chuckling outside the door

“We’re cool, right? You’re not mad at me or anything?”

He starts loudly announcing, “Coming in!” every time he enters a room after that

Even if he acts cool, his mind replays the moment all day, making him blush when he thinks about it

He’ll sit on the porch later, wondering if he made you uncomfortable and how to make it right

He starts knocking on every door, even when it’s unnecessary, like when you’re in the kitchen

John B makes sure you know he didn’t mean to invade your privacy and promises to be more careful

Pope Hayward

Pope’s face goes red instantly, and he stammers out, “Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” before slamming the door shut

He spends the next five minutes pacing outside the door, shouting apologies through it

Even after he leaves, his face stays red, and he avoids eye contact for the rest of the day

Pope knocks on your door every single time after that, even if you’re in the middle of talking to him

“Why didn’t I knock? I always knock! What’s wrong with me?”

He’s extra careful not to look at you for a while, worried you’re upset with him

Pope spends hours analyzing whether you’re mad, embarrassed, or fine with it

If you tease him about it, he’ll stammer and go bright red all over again

“I swear I wasn’t trying to, like, spy or anything. It was just bad timing!”

Pope becomes hyper-aware of your privacy, going out of his way to give you space

He genuinely feels terrible about the situation and checks in later to make sure you’re okay

Unlike JJ, Pope doesn’t tell anyone about the incident, not even the other Pogues

Rafe Cameron

Rafe stops mid-step, his eyes widening as he realizes what’s happening, but he doesn’t look away fast enough

“Uh… I—wow—uh, sorry!” he stammers, quickly turning around but clearly flustered.

Even while apologizing, there’s a little smirk on his face because, well, he’s Rafe

He steps out of the room but keeps the door slightly ajar, peeking back in

Rafe tries to act casual, leaning against the doorframe afterward like it’s no big deal, though his ears are pink

He’ll later casually ask, “You mad at me for that, or are we good?” just to make sure you’re okay.

“Sorry… but maybe lock the door next time?”

Rafe takes his time leaving, pretending to adjust something in the room as an excuse to stay for a few extra seconds

He’ll be distracted for the rest of the day, replaying the moment in his mind with a small grin

If it’s just him and Topper, he might casually brag about it

#request #preferences #jj maybank #jj mayback x reader #john b routledge #john b x reader #pope hayward x reader #pope heyward #rafe cameron #rafe cameron x reader #outer banks

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pappydaddy · 9 months ago

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broken (j.m.)

a/n: finally got a request done! it has been done for almost a year (oops) but i finally was able to format it and get it ready to post!

tv show/movie: outer banks | pairing: jj maybank x fem!kook!reader

requested through chat

synopsis: jj meets a girl in the bathroom at a party and takes her back the chateau after seeing himself within her.

warnings: angst (not for relationship) | toxic relationships mentioned | hurt/comfort (a little) | short

navigation | masterlist | taglist sign-up

____

Y/N feels like she’s just floating through life, not really fitting in anywhere. She didn’t fit in with the rest of the Kooks, but that didn’t stop them from kissing up to her and her family. What made it worse was that she fell for it so many times. She would think her friends actually liked her, and then they would prove otherwise. Like right now.

Standing there, leaning against a wall, she scanned the crowd filling the extravagant house. She didn’t want to come to this party but her “friends” had begged and begged her - even going as far as picking out an outfit for her and promising to do her makeup. She was kicking herself now because it took them about thirty minutes max to ditch her. Huffing, she took a swig of her warm beer, cringing at the taste.

“Oh, my god.” She grumbled, shifting uncomfortably. She could feel an uncomfortable weight settling on her chest as her skin became hot, heat crawling along under her skin but it wasn’t from the fact that the house was packed like a nightclub - no, it was from her becoming irritable and overstimulated. The bra she was wearing was digging into her skin and her boobs were spilling out of it because it was too small. She had told her friends it was too small but they maintained that it wasn’t that small.

But it wasn’t just her attire or the horrible stickiness that hung in the foggy (and gross) air swirling around the enclosed but very fancy living room that was contributing to her irritable mood. It was also the arching of her heart as she was once again pushed to the side. Discarded carelessly, only sought out and used when someone needed something from her. The ache stung her chest, the burning sensation crawling up her throat and encompassing her eyes like ivy consuming an old building.

Her eyes slowly started to well with water as her vision involuntarily zeroed in on one spot on the sticky, luxurious tile floor. The weight of every horrible voice and every single instance that proved to her that she was nothing to anyone settled onto her chest, constricting her lungs as she tried desperately to drag in breaths. The wall of tears continued to build, blurring her vision as the weight increased with each passing second. More memories of her friends and family using her and then ignoring her.

She knew she had a purpose in life. She knew this but it didn’t mean it hurt any less when your sole purpose is to be used by others. To be used, ignored, and forgotten. Blinking rapidly, tears slipped down her face. The warm water pulled her from her daze, making her push herself off the wall. She stumbled as the heels she wore scuffed loudly against the tile floor, her feet skidding as she rushed and stumbled her way towards the bathroom with tears encroaching on her visual field. Luckily her mother forced her to learn how to walk in any sized heel in hopes that she would become a model (until her mother didn’t need the external validation anymore and the idea was quickly forgotten much like she was until she wanted her to become a principal dancer in a ballet company), if she hadn’t, Y/N was sure she would have landed face first into a wall making the night ten times worse and flashing people in the process.

Barging her way through the luckily unlocked bathroom door, she let her body fall back upon it, shoving it closed. The sounds of the party were muffled behind the french door, the privacy glass with floral designs on it cold against the skin of her shoulders and the tops of her thighs. “Can people not have normal bathroom doors?” Y/N took her frustrations out on the existence of the inanimate object. An inanimate object that probably received better treatment than her.

Pushing off the fancy door, she looked at it. Blinking at it, she saw the blurred colours and silhouettes of people milling around outside the door. An inanimate object. A nagging darkness swirled within Y/N’s heart as she stared at this door. Her mind tried to ignore the voice of the darkness taunting her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to believe what it was saying, she fully knew the hisses it spoke were the truth - the people she surrounded herself with only viewed her as an object. She was simply there to benefit them and to give them external awards.

Stumbling backwards, further into the surprisingly spacious half-bath (if you could still call it a half-bath when it had a sauna), her head slowly turned to look at herself in the mirror. Despite the way she felt, she was rather put together. She pictured that her hair was a mess, looking like she was just drug fifty yards through dense forest. She imagined that her mascara and eyeliner were smudged under her eyes, making her look like a raccoon. Lastly, she had assumed her dress was a skew and riding up on the bottom but slipping down on the top. But no, she looked perfectly fine. She just felt like she was a mess. She felt uncomfortable. She felt like an outcast. She felt like she was visibly different from everyone else out there. She felt like she was broken.

“Oh, my god.” Her face contorted as she stared at herself in the mirror before tears started to roll down her face, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably. This wasn’t news to her, she knew her only purpose in life was to serve others. Her goals were never her own, they were always made to benefit others around her. She never knew how to be intrinsic.

Burying her face in her hands, her elbows crashed into the marble countertops that practically took up the whole length of the wall in front of her. Who even needed this much counter space? A grown ass person could use it as a bed. In fact, Y/N contemplated crawling up on the cold marble and just laying there for the rest of the party. People could use one of the other ten bathrooms this mansion had. Unfortunately, there was a flaw in her plan. It was made evident when someone burst into the bathroom, startling her so much that the tears stopped flowing and she jumped back, falling on her ass.

“Oh shit,” The guy cursed, throwing the red solo cup he held to the side as he rushed towards her. Her swollen and red eyes opened, seeing him crouched in front of her. “My bad, didn’t know anyone was in here-” He paused, jamming his thumb in the direction of the door he left ajar. “The door was unlocked so I assumed-” He trailed off, blue eyes scanning her. She sniffled, averting her eyes away from the guy, looking at the mahogany cupboards that sat below the marble countertop.

“It’s okay, I should have locked the door. I thought I did.” She waved him off, tucking her legs beneath her, bracing her hands against the tiled floor to start pushing herself up.

“Here, let me help you up. I’m the reason you fell, it’s the least I could do,” The guy offered, grabbing her wrists and pulling on them until he could lay her palms in his rough ones, his fingers curling around her smaller, neater hands. She still avoided looking at him, but she found her eyes flicking to him for a brief moment when his warm touch brought her an aura of calmness. An aura of acceptance. Something this guy should not be giving her. She had heard the stories about him - hell, she’s even seen him in his douchebag action. “I’m JJ, by the way,” He told her once she was standing firmly in her stilettos, his hands still clasping hers to his as she felt his eyes remain on her face.

Of course she knew who he was. He was JJ Maybank. Womaniser extraordinaire, kleptomaniac, heartless player of the island, and no-good-pogue-trailer-trash. That last one she doubted since it was what her parents and her friends called anyone who didn’t have three cars over the price of one hundred thousand dollars each. According to them, the majority of the island was trailer trash, including people who were upper middle class. Despite never interacting with him, she was well aware of him. With his shaggy blonde hair, the dazzling sideways smile that normally hung off his lips, the gleaming blue eyes that always had her falling into a trance when she looked at him. It was impossible for her not to know JJ Maybank - he was every Kook’s wet dream.

She sniffled, her shoulders shaking as her mind looped back to why she was in the bathroom in the first place. Pressing her lips together, she sniffled frantically, trying to will herself not to start sobbing in front of JJ Maybank. While she was confident that he wanted nothing to do with her, she still would much prefer having her fantasy of him running across the beach towards her and whisking her away from Figure 8. She couldn’t have those if the image of him was marred by her blubbering in front of him like a complete mess.

“Hey, hey,” JJ started to freak out, nearly jumping out of his skin as he realised she was starting to cry. His blue eyes wide with panic as his hands let go of hers only to clasp onto her bare biceps, his back hunching to try to look her in the eyes. She whimpered, closing her eyes tightly as she craned her neck to the side in an effort to try and hide the obvious. “Did I hurt you when I scared you?” He asked, concerned.

She simply shook her head, sniffling as she sucked in a long breath before letting it out, trying to calm her shaking body as she tried to hold in the tears that wanted to freely flow down her cheeks. He was probably piss ass drunk with no chance of remembering any of this so she figured she would be the only one to remember this situation. “No, I didn’t hurt myself,” She sniffled, still not looking at him. Her breathing shook as her body trembled - fighting with every ounce of power she had to stop the tears from rolling down her face. “My life is just a mess and you’re probably going to laugh in my face because how can I tell you my life sucks when you’re a pogue who didn’t have power for most of last summer, but it does suck because everyone in my life sucks-” She opened her eyes, shifting them to stare at the centre of his chest, seeing the Carhartt hoodie he wore. It looked good on him. Almost as good as the tank tops he wore every summer. “And they all treat me like shit! Like tonight! I didn’t even want to come tonight, but they begged me to come and once we got here they ditched me!” For a moment, she forgot she was in the presence of someone she had never really talked to before - feeling comfortable in the air that blanketed them. In the air of the room they stood alone in.

“That’s a dick move, bro.” JJ agreed, hands not leaving her biceps as he stood up straighter. He was accepting that she wasn’t going to look him in the eye, but he could see the puffiness of her eyelids, the streaked makeup, and the wobbling of her bottom lip. He felt sick with himself that he felt his heart becoming lighter as he saw her cry and divulge her darkest thoughts to him.

“That’s the way with everyone in my life, they only talk to me when there is a use for me,” She sniffled. Despite the lightness to his heart, he was still weighed down, his heart aching to see someone so torn up. He knew this feeling she kept within her all too well. Like they are invisible to everyone until they are needed. Like they are stranded on an island, made to seem like they are miles out at sea, but they are only feet away from civilization. They felt forgotten. They felt abandoned. They felt alone. Utterly and totally alone in this world. “Who's supposed to be there for me?” She posed the question that weighed on JJ’s mind almost every night. Sober or inebriated. The question stewed in his head.

“We could be there for each other.” He shrugged. He saw how broken she was. Broken like him. A twin flame, both marred by the bruises of life with no one to help shield them from the punches of life.

She finally lifted her head, eyes meeting his. Red filled the whites of her glossy and tearfilled eyes. Her mouth was slack in shock, eyes wide. “What?” She whispered in an exhale, eyes searching his for any sign of drunkenness or insanity. His crystal blue eyes were just that - crystal clear and one hundred percent cognizant.

He took a second before replying, his eyes locked on hers. It confirmed everything for him. He could see his reflection in her eyes. “You’re broken-” He stated, making her face screw up in insult. He could see a snarky remark teetering on the tip of her tongue. “You’re broken like me. I like that. Makes me feel less alone,” He added, watching as her body language became less defensive, her face relaxing into realisation and peace. “If we’re there for each other, maybe then we will finally have people in our lives that just want our company.”

She blinked at him, taken back by the vulnerable request. She knew JJ’s life wasn’t the best. She knew he faced many turmoils and tribulations, but she never thought he would relate to her feelings of loneliness and brokenness. “Okay,” She nodded, her voice steady but soft. “I’ll be there for you.” She extended her hand out towards him, her pinky finger hooked.

He never once dropped his eyes from hers, reaching his own hooked pinky out to her. “I’ll be there for you.” He spoke as his pinky connected with hers, a feeling so intense but calming washing over the pair of them in their solitude.

Suddenly, a body crashed into the bathroom, startling to pair. “Aye, I gotta piss!” A drunken frat guy slurred, the drink in his solo cup sloshing as he fought to stand up properly, leaning heavily on the door frame next to him. JJ and Y/N both forgot that they were at a party. The music that had been muffled by the door had been forgotten about, the drunken crowd of partygoers not even a thought in their minds. It had been just the two of them.

“Come on, let’s go.” JJ released her pinky, making her miss the connection. She didn’t miss it too long for he grabbed her hand gently, turning and walking her towards the door.

“Where,” She asked, slightly panicked. In her panic, she found her other hand that didn’t have her fingers intertwined with his reaching out to grasp his forearm, stumbling in her heels as she shuffled closer to his wide, muscular back. “I don’t want to go back to the party, my makeup is a mess!”

“Don’t worry, I know a place,” He reassured her, his voice soothing her. She was blindly trusting him and, oddly, she didn’t feel a sickening twist in her stomach. “A place I can go to escape most of the world. The Chateau."

#pappydaddy #jj maybank #pappydaddy writes #jj outer banks #jj maybank x reader #jj maybank imagine #jj maybank fluff #jj maybank angst #jj maybank prompt #jj maybank preference #jj obx #obx netflix #obx3 #obx fic #outer banks #outer banks x reader #obx

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rotteneldritchhorror · 6 months ago

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Soft dom Sofia who babies Rafe and spoils him a lil too much vs hard dom Barry who makes him actually work for it all

.... *quiet mumble-singing* got the beeesssttt of both worldss...

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beautyinsteadofashes · 3 months ago

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when you describe a finale as "powerful" you just know someone's gonna die

#obx #outer banks #outer banks spoilers #obx s4 #outer banks s4 spoilers #Outer banks season 4 #My bet is on a Cameron sibling #probably rafey boy #I'd prefer John B though and then a rafe redemption season 5 with Sarah leading the Pogues #Don't fridge Sarah Cameron please

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sabrinaacarpenters · 2 years ago

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yeah jiara’s finally together but this season was kinda ass 😭

#outer banks #outer banks spoilers #big john had way too much screentime! half of his screentime should’ve been give to popecleo and jiara #also that sofia girl had zero purpose. idk who that actress but im sure they just wanted to give her a part and couldnt think of anythng btr #also blackbeards treasure? someone’s been playing too much uncharted first el dorado and now a pirate captains treasure 😭#also im not a 100% w jiara either. i feel like they started this back and forth way too early in the season #i’d have preferred to be together a lot but be kinda oblivious #instead of dancing around it for 8 episodes #idk man. some fics are just better im kinda let down #and why did they act like they were still just friends in ep 10

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cozy-writer · 4 months ago

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Ain't no cheater

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x Reader (Y/N)

Wordcount: 400+

Summary: "I'm a lot of things, but a cheater ain't one of 'em."

Masterlist

You knew Rafe wasn’t a cheater, but then why did you get so suspicious whenever his ex was around. You were at the beach, someone had brought drinks and music and you were happily dancing away, until you saw the hug he and Sofia shared. It looked friendly, but her hand on his bicep lingered longer than you liked and he didn’t make a move to remove it. She laughed extra loud knowing it would get your attention. Rafe’s eyes were all over her. He didn’t even see you standing there.

Her eyes fluttered over yours and that’s when you knew she would do everything in her power to get Rafe back. The way Rafe acted, it made your skin crawl. He went in for a second hug and Sofia held on tight. He pulled free from her and saw you standing in the crowd. He said something to Sofia and tried to leave the conversation. She stopped him, but he said something else and twisted out of her grip.

You felt awkward as he made his way towards you. What were you supposed to say? He was your boyfriend but he didn’t act like it. “Hey babe,” He said as he got close. “You and Sofia seem friendly.” He looked back at where Sofia stood. “Yeah, it was good seeing her again.” You raised your eyebrows. “I’m sure it was.” You turned to walk away when Rafe placed a hand on your arm.

“Hey, what’s going on?” He asked as he turned you around. “Nothing.” You murmured. “Well, clearly it��s something?” You breathed a heavy sigh. “Are you cheating on me with Sofia?” “Wow,” His eyebrows furrowed together. “Why would you think that?” “The way you’re acting around her.” You scoffed.

“Y/N, I’m a lot of things, I admit that, but a cheater ain’t one of ‘em.” He spoke clearly. His hands had found their way to your cheeks and he made sure you looked him in the eye when he said that. “I would never cheat on you. And Sofia and I just saw each other after a long time. It was good to see her, but there is nothing there anymore.” You shook your head. “Maybe not for you, but she has other plans.” “She can think what she wants, but I’m all about you, baby.” He kissed you softly. “You’re the only one on my mind.”

#rafe cameron #imagine #preference #outer banks #obx #one shot #drabble #short #mywriting #john b #sarah cameron #kiara carerra #jj maybank #pope heyward #cleo

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soldierandawar · 4 months ago

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I have not seen one episode of Outer Banks, yet my TikTok is full of Rafe edits, cast interviews, and Jiara(?) edits.

My first and only question is, how is Drew Starkey that big?

#you would think this would inspire me to watch it #but im actually quite happy knowing the little bit I do know and prefer to keep it that way #outer banks #also i mean the cast is just so fine. their interviews are so fun.#and half of them are from around my way and I think that's neat!#but no i will let this one live on tiktok

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vampiriito · 9 days ago

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Summer was my first solace.. (JJ Maybank x shy! kook! reader) Chapter 4

A/N: Hi loves! Here's the fourth chapter of summer was my first love! Again, if you have anything to share don't forget to comment or send asks, i love interacting with you ^.^ have fun reading (this was more JJ's POV focused for some reason, so enjoy JJ freaking out over the fact that he's starting to crush over our sweet reader.)

Summary: You and JJ both share the love for the marsh, and one summer day you cross paths after a few weeks of sharing secret looks and sweet smiles from across the street.

The marsh was your sanctuary, a haven where time seemed to slow and the cacophony of the world faded into a gentle symphony of nature's whispers. It was always full of spots so breathtakingly beautiful they stole your breath away—mundane and earthy in their allure. The emerald moss cloaked the ancient trees, while iridescent insects flitted over the bark, like living jewels adorning the forest. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns that danced upon the ground. The way the rays pierced the foliage, making the tranquil ponds glisten like scattered fragments of sky, compelled you to keep the camera pressed to your eye, desperate to capture every fleeting moment. You found yourself constantly photographing and admiring, each click a testament to the beauty that surrounded you.

You cherished how your small interactions with JJ had become more frequent, even if words were seldom exchanged. It was as though timid glances and shy smiles were a secret language spoken only by the two of you. Those brief connections were enough—they became the highlights of your quiet, unassuming days. Each shared moment sent a gentle thrill through you, adding a layer of warmth to your solitary explorations.

The ground beneath your boots squelched with each step, the thick mud pulling at your feet as if the very earth sought to keep you there. A heavy mist clung to the air, wrapping around you like a cool, damp veil and mingling with the rich scent of decaying plant life and brackish water. Tall reeds swayed gently in the breeze, their whispering rustle the only sound aside from the occasional splash as unseen creatures darted through the waters. Every movement required effort, your legs sinking into the spongy ground as you weaved between clusters of wild grasses and shallow pools. The marsh was alive, teeming with the quiet hum of insects and the distant croak of frogs—a hidden world thriving beneath the veil of mist. Each step was uncertain, the mud thick and unforgiving, clinging to you as if reluctant to let you pass.

Yet, despite the marsh's resistance, you felt an inexplicable connection to this place. It mirrored the depths of your own soul—lush yet secluded, vibrant yet understated. Here, in the embrace of nature's raw beauty, you found solace. Your camera became an extension of yourself, capturing not just images, but emotions—fragments of time that spoke to your heart.

As you paused to catch your breath, a beam of sunlight broke through the mist, illuminating a cluster of wildflowers that peeked through the dense foliage, causing you to raise your camera to your eyes for the countless time in the last 10 minutes. Their petals glistened with dew, fragile yet resilient.

JJ, ever the restless teen he was, often found himself wandering the winding paths of the marshlands. It was a sanctuary of sorts—a place where the world's noise faded into the background, replaced by the gentle whisper of rustling reeds and the melodic calls of distant birds. The marsh wasn't just off the beaten path; it was a hidden realm untouched by the throngs of tourists that flocked elsewhere. Here, the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and wildflowers, and the golden sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting intricate patterns on the muddy ground. Something about this place resonated with him deeply, drawing him back time and again.

On this particular day, as JJ trekked along the familiar, muddy trail, his boots sinking slightly with each step, he was lost in his thoughts. The chorus of crickets and the gentle lapping of water against the banks provided a soothing backdrop. Suddenly, a soft but distinct sound caught his attention—the gentle click of a camera shutter. It was a sound he recognized instantly, one that stood out amidst the natural harmonies of the marsh. A spark of curiosity ignited within him.

A sly smirk tugged at his lips as his eyes scanned the landscape, searching for the source. There you were, crouched among the tall reeds, completely engrossed in your art. The delicate breeze played with a stray strand of your hair, and the focused determination on your face was palpable. The way the light caressed your features made you seem almost ethereal, a seamless part of the serene environment you were so intent on capturing.

JJ watched you for a moment, a mix of amusement and something softer warming his chest. You were so absorbed that you hadn't noticed his presence. The sight of you in your element was both familiar and captivating—a silent testament to why he found himself drawn to these marshes more often than he'd admit.

The way you focused intently on your photography, the way your gentle smile curved on your lips as you looked through the viewfinder, the way the sunlight danced in your hair, it all felt strangely captivating to him.

He waited a beat, debating with himself whether he should approach you or just leave you to your hobby. But his curiosity and strange pull towards you won out.

"Hey, little mouse."

He called out, the familiar nickname slipping off his tongue with ease. He sauntered over to where you were taking pictures, his boots squishing through the mud. He stopped a few feet away from you, shoving his hands into his pocket, and looking down at you with a casual smirk.

At the sound of the familiar nickname and voice, you peered away from your viewfinder, blinking a couple of times and adjusting your glasses. You didn't expect to see JJ there, even more so all alone, his friends nowhere in sight.

"Hi.." you mumbled in greeting, standing up from your crouched position, smiling sweetly at him.

JJ chuckled at your shy little greeting, his smirk transforming into a lazy, lopsided grin that sent a flutter through your chest.

"Fancy running into you here," he drawled, his voice carrying a teasing undertone.

He took a few casual steps closer, the space between you narrowing as his gaze roamed over you with a warm, appraising look. You stood amidst the tall reeds, clad in your favorite photography attire—a comfy jacket layered over a simple shirt, jeans slightly damp at the hems from the marsh, and well-worn boots caked with mud. Your trusty camera hung around your neck, its weight familiar against your chest.

JJ couldn't help but notice every little detail about you. The way your hair was slightly wind-tousled, stray strands escaping to frame your face in an effortlessly charming manner. A few wisps clung to the corner of your mouth, and he had the sudden urge to brush them aside. There was a smudge of mud on the lens of your glasses, a testament to your dedication and the dorkiness he seemed so captivated by.

The soft light filtering through the canopy cast a gentle glow over you, highlighting the delicate flush on your cheeks. Your eyes reflected the shimmering waters nearby, mirroring the hues of the marshland. To him, you looked like a part of the landscape you loved to capture—natural, unpretentious, and undeniably beautiful.

He smirked when he saw the smidge of mud, gesturing with his chin at it.

"You got mud on your glasses there, little mouse."

He teased, the smirk on his lips widening. He had a strange urge to just reach out and wipe the mud off himself but he shoved his hands deeper into his pockets to stop himself.

"I know.." you frowned, your eyes un-focusing a little to study the smudge of mud on the lenses of the glasses. You haven't been able to wipe it off, given you forgot your cleaning wipes at home. Classic you.

JJ chuckled, watching you frown at the smudge. He found the little frown on your face oddly adorable.

"What, you don't have anything to clean it off?"

He said this with genuine curiosity, taking another step closer so that he was standing just a foot or so away from you. He tilted his head to the side, his gaze studying your face closely.

You shook your head, your frown still in place.

JJ found the frown still on your pretty features amusing, and he chuckled again. Seeing you in such a situation somehow made him feel... a little protective. Which took him by surprise because he never felt protective over anyone.

He took a step closer yet again, his smirk replaced by more of a soft smile than a smirk. "Here, let me..." He said, gently reaching up and slowly removing your glasses from your face.

He held your glasses delicately in his hands, his fingers gingerly grasping the frames as if they were the most fragile of artifacts. Without the familiar barrier of the lenses, his eyes met yours directly, unfiltered and penetrating. He studied you closely, taking in every subtle detail—the way your lashes framed your eyes, the faint freckles dusting your cheeks, the vulnerability that seemed more pronounced without your glasses shielding you. The world around you appeared softer, edges blurring gently, casting everything in a muted glow. Without them, you seemed almost ethereal, a delicate presence in an otherwise sharp world.

A sudden, inexplicable urge welled up within him—a desire to protect you, to wrap you in his arms and shield you from anything that might cause you harm. It surged through him like a quiet storm, unexpected and intense. He quickly brushed the thought away, mentally shaking his head. That's silly, he chided himself. Why would I feel the need to protect her? Yet, the feeling lingered, a warm ember nestled in the corner of his heart, resisting extinguishment.

Glancing down at the glasses cradled in his hands, he became acutely aware of the faint blush creeping up his neck, the warmth rising to tint his cheeks a soft pink. The realization made his heartbeat quicken ever so slightly. He hoped the dim lighting might conceal his flushed complexion, that you wouldn't notice the subtle betrayal of his composed façade. The delicate frames felt almost weightless between his fingers, yet they carried the significance of this intimate moment. Gathering himself, he looked back up, offering a small, almost shy smile. His eyes searched yours, a mixture of uncertainty and something deeper flickering within them.

You pressed your lips together nervously, looking down at your own glasses in his big hands, feeling a bit exposed without your glasses on. The way he was holding them like they were fragile and priceless made your heart stutter and the pink dusting your cheeks intensify for some reason.

JJ couldn't help but notice the way you looked down at the glasses in his hands, a tinge of nervousness on your face. It stirred something within him, a strange softness that he didn't know he possessed.

He cleared his throat, a bit awkwardly. "Uh, hold on a sec," He reached into the back pocket of his shorts, pulling out completely the bandana which was tucked half way in.

He looked back at you and found himself staring into your wide, nervous eyes. For a brief moment, the world around them seemed to blur, and the only thing he could focus on was your pretty eyes, gazing at him with a mixture of anticipation and vulnerability.

He swallowed, his heart suddenly beating faster as he gently lifted his hand and used the bandana to carefully wipe off the smudge on your glasses.

The tenderness he used to wipe your glasses made you shift in your spot nervously, trying not to look like a lovestruck idiot. You were already doing that while waving at him across parking lots and across streets when you saw him. Why were you so goddamn inept at socializing?

JJ could feel the tightness in his chest, his hands trembling as he wiped the lenses with an almost frantic precision. His heart pounded in his ears, a heavy rhythm that felt far too intense for something as simple as cleaning glasses. But there was nothing simple about this moment. The way your body shifted nervously, the subtle flush creeping up your neck and staining your cheeks—it all felt too intimate, too close. And in the chaos of it, JJ could feel a tide of emotions he wasn’t prepared to face. He had spent so long building a wall around himself, convincing himself that he didn’t care about anyone. Not really. Especially not a kook.

But there he was, standing too close, unable to escape the pull of your presence. The weight of the moment pressed on him, suffocating him with feelings he had long kept buried. He was JJ—wild, untouchable, and fiercely independent. Yet here he was, handing your glasses back with a lingering hesitation, careful not to meet your eyes. He was terrified of what he might see if he did.

"Thank you.." you thanked him weakly, the world becoming much more sharper and clear with the help of your glasses back on. The smudge was gone now and although they weren't completely clean they had to do for now.

You found yourself just staring at him, your hands lingering on your camera, fidgeting with it once in a while, your expression bashful and admiring.

JJ was completely captivated by the way you stared at him, your eyes soft and unguarded as your fingers absently toyed with the camera. In that moment, his heart beat a little faster—this wasn’t the smoldering, lustful gaze he was accustomed to, but rather one filled with pure, innocent wonder. It disarmed him, unraveling defenses he’d built up over years of being seen as nothing more than a bad boy. The contrast left him reeling, emotions swirling in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

He cleared his throat, the sound breaking the fragile silence that had wrapped around the two of you. Sliding his hands back into his pockets, JJ fought to mask the vulnerability simmering beneath his cool exterior, desperate to reclaim some semblance of nonchalance even as every part of him felt exposed by your sincere admiration.

"What were you taking pictures of, anyway?"

He asked, his voice a little bit huskier than he would have liked. He glanced around, noticing how the sun was beginning to set, casting a beautiful golden hue over the entire marsh.

"Moss and... bugs." you spoke, your words so quiet that they almost looked they were only being mouthed, "i dunno if you remember... but i told you i usually use the pictures as inspiration for my paintings.."

JJ remembered that, though he would never admit it. He noticed that his mind wrapped around things you mentioned and later mulled over them when he was lost in thought. The small—and frankly not often enough, conversations were the highlights of JJ's days and he didn't know how to process the notion just yet.

He looked over your shoulder at a spot you'd been taking pictures of just before he walked in, noticing all the tiny, iridescent little insects scattered on the mossy ground. "Mosses and bugs."

He murmured to himself. There was a hint of a smirk on his lips, but it was a soft, almost fond one this time. He opened his mouth to crack a joke about how bizarre it was to find inspiration in something as ordinary as moss and bugs, but the words vanished the instant he met your gaze. You were still there, your eyes soft and unassuming, that same shy expression lingering as if you were hiding a secret only the sunset knew. The warm, fading light bathed you in a gentle glow, making you appear almost angelic, and for a heartbeat, his usual cool composure shattered into silence.

Clearing his throat once more, he averted his eyes, struggling to mask the tender vulnerability stirring within him. With a hesitant smile and a feigned casualness that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he ventured, "Right. So... you do that often?"

"Uh yeah... i like the marsh and the beach... they're usually full of small critters and such.." you nodded with a hint of excitement in the small grin tugging at your lips, although it was still reserved and quiet.

JJ found himself nodding along, amused by your soft, reserved excitement. Seeing you get so animated about the things you loved was somehow beautiful to him, and it made him curious to learn more. He studied your face as you spoke, his gaze following the way your lips moved.

"Sounds peaceful," He mumbled, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets as another silence fell between the two of you.

He knew he should probably go. The evening was slipping away, and here he was—standing in the twilight and chatting with a kook as if you were one of his closest friends. And JJ liked to think he was your friend. Even though his pride and prejudice against kooks stood on the way sometimes.

Yet, something about this moment made him want to stay. The gentle cadence of your voice, the quiet comfort of your presence—it was unlike anything he had felt in a long time. It reminded him of the distant memory of his mother, the way she'd smile down at him and speak in a soft, reverent voice as if she was scared JJ would break. He didn’t want the moment to end.

He turned his gaze back to you, and for a heartbeat, your eyes met his. The final rays of sunlight danced across your face, wrapping you in a soft, golden glow that made you seem almost otherworldly. In that fragile, beautiful light, he found himself utterly breathless, caught in the wonder of it all.

Your eyes darted away from his nervously, noticing the golden hue washing over the marsh and the small pond to your side. You hesitantly raised the camera to your eyes, adjusting your glasses before snapping a couple of pictures of the sunset before lowering the camera to gaze back at JJ. In times like these when he looked so beautiful and glowy, you'd snap a picture from afar, but you couldn't do that now. So, you just stuck to staring up at him like a dumb idiot.

JJ noticed the way you raised your camera, focusing on the beautiful scenery around you. He watched you quietly, his gaze studying the way the light danced on your face as you got lost in the moment.

He was about to speak when he saw you lower the camera, your gaze returning to his. He froze under your intense stare, the silence growing between the two of you. For a brief moment, he forgot where he was and who he was with. You just looked at him with those wide, innocent eyes of yours, and he was frozen in place...

He swallowed, trying to think of something to say, something to break the silence. His mind was a jumbled mess, and he could feel the heat creeping up his neck. Damnit, why was he getting so flustered? He was JJ Maybank, the loose canon, the complete opposite of you. He didn't get flustered. He didn't get lost in the beauty of a pretty girl with innocent eyes. He did not get caught in the moment like some stupid lovestruck idiot...

"Sorry... I'm staring like an idiot again.." you mumbled, frowning gently. You felt compelled to speak, to apologize for being a dumbass and just going quiet on him.

JJ was snapped out of his daze by your soft, quiet voice. He quickly shook his head, a small smirk appearing on his lips. "No, it's... it's fine. I, uh..."

He ran a hand through his messy locks, looking away from you. He didn't know why he was suddenly so nervous. He felt flustered and off-kilter, like you had thrown him completely off his game, and he didn't know what to do about it.

He looked back at you, his gaze tracing the lines of your face. The last remnants of the sunset were fading, bathing you in a soft, golden glow. You looked even more pretty like this, and his heart did a strange little flip in his chest, coming to the realization that his stomach was full of butterflies.

"You know, uh... it's getting late." He said, his voice a bit hoarser than usual. He hated the way he sounded so flustered, so off his game for such a little thing as looking at you...

"Oh yeah... sorry, I'm holding you off aren't i?" you quipped up nervously, adjusting your glasses and fidgeting with your camera.

JJ chuckled softly at your nervous apologies, shaking his head. "Nah, you're not holding me up. I just... I should probably get going."

He shoved his hands into his pockets again. He wasn't sure why he was so reluctant to leave. There was a part of him that wanted to keep talking to you, keep standing here with you under the twilight sky. But he squashed the feeling, reminding himself that you were a kook. Kooks and pogues could never get along...

You found yourself frowning at his words, small and imperceptible but still a frown. You probably made it weird and awkward, again. And now he was trying to leave politely, as someone would.

You nodded, humming, "yeah.. uh, don't mean to hold you off from... stuff."

JJ noticed the tiny, almost imperceptible frown that formed on your lips, and it confused him. Why were you frowning? Were you... disappointed? That he wanted to leave? The idea made his heart skip a beat for some reason.

He shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. "Ah, it's not like I got anything special to do. Just gonna hang out with the guys, nothing exciting."

He found himself talking, almost rambling on, as if he didn't want to leave.

Of course he did, he wasn't a loser like you whose only friend was now out of town and you were stuck just walking through the marsh like a troll.

You opened your mouth to say something but closed it again, nodding like a dork once again, fidgeting with your camera still.

JJ was beginning to feel desperate for something, anything to keep this conversation going. He didn't want to leave yet, but he didn't know what to say. Why was he being such a dumbass? He was usually so confident, so cool and collected. Why were his palms suddenly sweaty and his heartbeat suddenly out of control?

He looked at your camera, which you were fidgeting with still, and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"Can... uh... can I see your camera?"

"Oh yeah… uh, here," you murmured, stepping a little closer as you nervously extended your camera toward him. There was a tentative relief in your voice—a quiet gratitude that he had finally said something to break the heavy, awkward silence between you. You kept the camera hanging from your neck, a small act of defiance against normalcy, even though you knew that most people would have taken it off to smooth over the moment.

JJ accepted the camera, his fingers gently wrapping around it. He was suddenly very aware of how close you were standing to him, and he felt a strange flutter in his stomach.

He studied the camera in his hands, noticing the way you hadn't taken it fully off from around your neck. He suddenly smiled, an idea forming in his mind.

He raised the camera and suddenly pointed it at you. "Smile for me," He said, the grin on his face growing wider. He loved this, seeing your eyes widen as he suddenly raised the camera and aimed it at you. Your nervous, flustered expression on your face just made him want to tease you even more.

You were taken aback, your camera had never been pointed at you. You hated having your picture taken, and you usually hated the way you looked in photos, your eyes looking weird and your expression tense and awkward.

You furrowed your brows, frowning gently, "i usually, don't like my picture taken.."

JJ smirked at your comment, noticing the way your frown deepened slightly. He knew he was getting under your skin, and it was fun.

"Oh, come on, don't be so shy. Don't you wanna see how pretty you look through the lens of your own camera?"

He chuckled, his finger hovering near the shutter-release button, ready to snap a picture of you at any moment...

He watched the way you fidgeted nervously in front of the camera, your eyes widening slightly as you realized he was serious. He could see the way your hand clenched the strap of the camera around your neck, and he couldn't help but find it amusing how flustered you were getting from something as simple as him taking your picture.

He took a step closer, the camera now just a few inches away from your face. "Smiiiiile, pretty girl..."

You found yourself smiling weakly, your fingers reaching up to adjust your glasses in case he actually decided to take the picture. If not, you would just be sitting there smiling like an idiot. Which would be worse than the awkward, chopped conversation you had up until now.

JJ chuckled at your weak attempt at a smile, his eyes fixed on your nervous expression. You looked adorably cute, like a little bunny, and it was making his heart race like crazy. He loved how flustered you were getting from just a picture, and he was tempted to tease you even more. "Nah, that won't do. Smile bigger, come on.."

He moved the camera even closer, his finger still hovering over the button.

"Don't-.. you're not supposed to get this close when taking a picture." you scolded gently, the words not even sounding like a scold.

JJ smirked at your scolding, rolling his eyes. He took a step even closer to you, the camera now only an inch away from your face. He could see every detail of your pretty features at this distance, the way your eyelashes fluttered as you blinked, the way your cheeks were dusted pink, the way your lips parted nervously...

"Who cares about rules, yeah? Besides, now I can get a really good shot of your pretty eyes.."

JJ's gaze lingered on your face for a moment, his eyes tracing the contours of your cheeks and the shape of your lips. He was suddenly overwhelmed by a powerful urge to reach out and touch you, to feel the softness of your skin beneath his fingers, to cup your face in his hands. He shook the thought away, clearing his throat.

"Just smile for me, nice and wide. Think of something funny, something that makes you happy..."

Your thoughts drifted back to that one sunlit afternoon on the beach, when his laughter floated over the waves and filled the air with an effortless joy. You remembered the way you’d leaned in, peering through your viewfinder to capture that radiant smile—the subtle upturn of his lips, the spark in his eyes—as if each detail was a secret waiting to be discovered. In that quiet moment, your own smile, though still shy and tentative, had bloomed into something more honest and heartfelt. You couldn’t help but laugh softly at the memory, realizing with a blush that you must have looked like a lovestruck idiot, utterly captivated by the magic of his simple, unguarded happiness.

JJ, who had been preparing to tease you some more, stopped suddenly, his breath catching in his throat. Your smile was suddenly wider, more genuine. It was beautiful, radiant, and it lit up your entire face.

For a moment, he was speechless. Seeing you smile like that, it was like a punch to the gut. His heart was hammering in his chest, and he could feel his palms getting sweaty. "There we go," he mumbled, his voice surprisingly hoarse.

He continued to aim the camera at you, his finger hovering over the shutter-release button. But he didn't take a picture, not yet. He was too caught up in the sight in front of him, the way your beautiful smile widened as you continued to think of something funny.

He swallowed, unable to tear his gaze away from your face. You were so goddamn pretty, it almost hurt to look at you...

JJ finally pulled himself together, reminding himself that he was supposed to be teasing you, not getting lost in the sight of your pretty smile.

"Okay.. say cheese, mouse." Before you could even react, he pressed the button, snapping a picture of your smiling face.

He lowered the camera, looking down at the screen to check the picture he had just taken. He expected it to be a silly, awkward picture of you as you made a funny face. But what he saw instead was something completely different.

You looked beautiful, radiant, your smile lighting up your face. But there was something else, something in your expression that he couldn't quite place. He just stared at the picture, his heart thudding faster and faster in his chest.

"I look so silly.." you mumbled, stepping a little closer to inspect the picture, your voice tinged with something like insecurity and disappointment.

JJ glanced up from the screen as you stepped closer, his breath catching in his chest for a moment as you stood right next to him. Your shoulder was almost touching his, and he could smell the faint scent of your perfume, something light and flowery that made his head spin, even with the different smells coming from around you both.

He looked back down at the camera, at the picture of you smiling so beautifully. Silly? How could you think that? You looked breathtaking. "What do you mean? You look gorgeous.."

The words slipped out before he could stop them. He felt his cheeks flush as he realized what he had just said, but he didn't take it back. It was true, you looked beautiful, and he suddenly had the urge to tell you just how absolutely stunning you were.

"Well... it's taken too close and... i look stupid.." you rambled a bit completely glossing over the fact that he called you 'gorgeous', grabbing the camera gently from his hands, studying the picture.

He watched as you grabbed the camera back, his fingers grazing yours accidentally.

He could see the insecurity in your expression as you studied the picture of yourself, and it made his heart ache. You didn't see it, didn't see how beautiful you were. He wanted to reach out and wipe away that frown on your face, to pull you closer and tell you just how beautiful you looked.

"You don't look stupid," he said, his voice a bit hoarser than usual.

You swallowed, looking up at him. You felt a sudden strike of confidence, aiming the camera at him nervously. You had a reason to take a picture of him now, given he also teased you. You adjusted the lens and stepped back a bit, your finger hovering over the shutter-release button, waiting for him to have a reaction.

JJ blinked as you suddenly aimed the camera at him, a surprised expression on his face. He hadn't expected you to turn the tables on him, but he couldn't help the thrill that raced through his body.

He had a brief moment of panic as he realized how unprepared he was. But instead of being his usual cocky self, he found himself feeling strangely giddy and nervous. He flashed you a quick, charming smile, trying to act nonchalant. "Go on then, take the picture." he drawled softly, his southern accent a little more accentuated since he was feeling nervous.

You smiled widely behind the camera, captivated by the way his smile lit up the fading light. In that golden hour, as the sun dipped over the marsh, his grin seemed to ignite the whole world—radiant, infectious, and utterly sincere. He looked breathtaking, as if he were glowing from within; even the soft breeze played with his hair, adding a touch of effortless charm.

You had taken countless pictures of JJ before, secret snapshots kept hidden away, but this moment felt different—special—because he’d actually asked you to capture it. With a gentle press on the shutter, you immortalized his smile, preserving his expression before it could fade away. Lowering the camera, you studied the image, your heart swelling with a tender warmth as you cherished this rare, genuine moment.

JJ's heart skipped a beat as he heard the shutter of the camera go off, the sound seeming to reverberate through his entire body. He suddenly felt incredibly self-conscious, wondering if he had looked okay in the picture. Had he smiled too much? Not enough? Had his hair looked weird? He couldn't tear his eyes away from your face as you studied the picture, his stomach doing somersaults in anticipation.

"Well, how did I look?" He asked, his voice cracking slightly.

"Beautiful..." you murmured reverently without realizing, "-i mean you look photogenic.." you mumbled, tilting the camera screen towards him to see the picture. The small flash from your camera had illuminated his face just a bit, combining with the hue from the sunset, giving the picture such an intimate soft look that you hoped he wouldn't tell you to delete it.

JJ felt a shiver run down his spine as you called him beautiful. It was a word that he had never associated with himself before, but coming from you, it sounded like the highest compliment in the world.

He looked down at the screen, his heart pounding as he saw the picture of himself. He had to admit, he looked pretty good. The light from the sunset gave his hair a soft, golden glow, and his smile was... sincere.

"Damn, I do look good," he joked, the corner of his mouth twitching.

He looked back up at you, his eyes fixed on your face. You looked so soft and pretty, holding the camera in your hands like it was a fragile bird, just how a Disney princess would. He suddenly had the urge to reach out and touch you, to run his fingers through your hair and pull you closer to him. But he resisted, knowing that he couldn't do that. It was too risky, too dangerous. Pogue and kook relationships didn't work out, he knew that.

Instead, he cleared his throat, forcing himself to look away from you and back at the picture in the screen.

"I can delete it if you want me to..." you spoke up hesitantly, looking at the side of his face adjusting your glasses.

JJ's heart sank at your words. Delete it? No, the last thing he wanted was for you to delete that picture. It was the first picture of himself that he actually found good, and it was taken by you.

He swallowed, trying to keep his voice casual.

"Oh, uh... nah, you can keep it. I mean, I look so good, it'd be a shame to delete it, right?" He forced a cocky smile onto his face, but it felt like a lie.

You smiled up genuinely at him, nodding "i just don't want you to think it's creepy that I'm keeping it."

JJ felt his heart flutter at your smile. You looked so adorable, a little bundle of sweetness and innocence. How could you possibly be creepy?

He cleared his throat again, trying to sound nonchalant "Nah, it's not creepy. I mean, it's just a picture, right? And I do look pretty damn good in it, can't blame you for wanting to keep it."

"Okay.." you looked back down at the picture, your eyes scanning over his smiling face in the screen of your camera. He looked so pretty it almost hurt.

JJ watched as you looked down at the photo, your eyes tracing the contours of his face. He could see the way your expression softened as you took in the sight of him, and it made his heart race even faster. He wanted to say something, to tease you and make a snarky comment, but he couldn't find the words. Instead, he just stood there, his eyes fixed on your face, watching the way the light bounced off your hair and glasses. He was starting to think he got it bad for a stranger..

"I'm telling you, Maisy... look!" you exclaimed, your eyes sparkling with excitement as you pointed to the screen of your laptop. Your voice held a rare enthusiasm that immediately captured Maisy's attention.

She leaned in closer, her strawberry-blonde hair cascading over her shoulder as she peered at the images displayed. The glow from the screen illuminated both your faces in the dim light of your room, casting a soft, warm hue.

"It's like those pictures that couples take of each other," you continued, a shy smile tugging at the corners of your lips. Your cheeks flushed ever so slightly, a gentle pink that hinted at the emotions swirling within you.

On the screen were two photographs—one of you, captured by JJ that day at the marsh, and the other of him, taken by you moments later. In JJ's photograph, you stood amid the tall reeds, the golden rays of the setting sun enveloping you in a radiant glow, camera fairly close to your face. Your eyes reflected the shimmering waters, and a serene smile graced your features, natural and unguarded. In your photograph of JJ, he was bathed in the same golden light, his carefree grin infectious, eyes bright with a hint of mischief. The soft breeze had tousled his hair just so, making him appear both rugged and ethereal.

Maisy's eyes widened as she took in the images. "Wow," she whispered, a knowing smile spreading across her face. "These are... incredible. There's so much chemistry here."

You felt warmth flood your cheeks again. "Do you really think so?" you asked softly, biting your lower lip. Your fingers nervously traced the edge of your laptop, the significance of the photos settling deeper into your heart.

"Absolutely," Maisy replied, nudging you playfully. "I mean, look at the way he's looking at you in this one." She pointed to JJ's photo of you. "And the way you captured him... it's like you both see each other differently than anyone else does."

You gazed back at the images, your mind replaying the moments from that day. The marsh had been your special place, but sharing it with JJ had made it feel even more magical. The unspoken connection, the comfortable silences, the shared appreciation for the beauty around you—it all seemed to culminate in these photographs.

"Maybe," you murmured, a hopeful glint in your eyes. "It just felt... different. In a good way."

Maisy grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Sounds like someone has a crush."

You laughed softly, shaking your head. "It's not that simple. He's... well, he's JJ. And I'm just me."

"Exactly," she said confidently. "And maybe it's time he sees just how amazing 'just you' really is."

You sighed, a mix of happiness and uncertainty swirling within you. You shifted closer to your best friend on the floor of your room, smiling brightly, "i can't believe he actually came up to me in the marsh on his own agenda.."

Maisy shook her head in disbelief, a small smile on her lips. "I know, right? He actually talked to you. And he let you take a picture of him." She looked at the photo of JJ's smiling face on your laptop screen, her eyes narrowing in thought.

"You think he has a crush on you or something?"

You smiled appreciatively at her question, the possibilities dancing in your mind. Turning back to the laptop, you allowed yourself to linger on JJ's image for a moment longer, your heart fluttering softly.

"Why would he? I looked like a swamp troll when he saw me... maybe he didn't even recognize me at first.. that's why he came up to me." you furrowed your brows, studying JJ's face with a look of longing.

Maisy rolled her eyes at your comment. "Are you serious? You looked adorable and he knows it. Trust me, guys have a sixth sense for when a girl looks good."

She poked your shoulder teasingly, a smirk on her face.

"And he definitely knew it was you. Why else would he come up to you out of the blue like that and let you take his picture?"

"Yeah he did call out to me using that nickname... the mouse one. And besides who else would be in the marsh crouched down between reeds to take pics of bugs..?" you chuckled, shaking your head.

Maisy laughed, nodding her head.

"Exactly! Only you would be doing something like that. And he knows that. Trust me, there's no way he didn't recognize you."

She leaned closer, a mischievous gleam in her eye.

"And the nickname? That's a dead giveaway. He clearly has a thing for you, babe."

"You think so? You know at the party... when the whole thing with 7 minutes of heaven happened? He offered to help me with speaking to people... and he was like: 'you could talk to me.'" you turned to face her fully, "Since that day; he kept waving back and smiling whenever he saw me around town... winking sometimes too."

"Are you kidding? That's, like, the biggest sign ever." Maisy said, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"He offered to help you talk to people? And he waves at you and smiles? And FLIRTS?! Come on, girl, he clearly likes you." She grabbed your shoulder, giving you a little shake.

"You need to make a move before it's too late."

"How am i supposed to?" you laughed, adjusting your glasses after she shook you gently, "i told you, i barely even speak whenever we interact."

Maisy rolled her eyes, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "You don't need to do any fancy pickup lines. Just try actually talking to him sometime. I know you're shy, but I think he likes that about you. He wouldn't be waving and smiling if he didn't."

She thought for a moment, a sly smile spreading across her face.

"You know what? I have an idea..."

Maisy grabbed your shoulders in excitement. "I've got it. You need to find an excuse to talk to him again. Like, ask him for something, anything. Just get him alone so you can have a decent conversation."

She paused, her eyes narrowing in thought.

"But it can't just be a normal conversation. You need to catch him off guard. Surprise him. That way, you'll be in the driver's seat and he'll be the one flustered."

Easier said than done. You despised surprises—they made your heart race and your palms sweat, catching you off guard every time. Yet, despite your aversion, you'd confidently told Maisy you’d figure it out and win over JJ in no time. As if that was possible. The mere thought made you scoff internally; JJ was like the wind—free, unpredictable, and impossible to capture.

The afternoon sun bathed the town in a warm, golden glow as you strolled along the familiar streets. Shopkeepers were beginning to prop open their doors to let in the summer breeze, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted from the bakery on the corner, mingling with the sweet aroma of blooming jasmine and the ocean breeze. You made your way toward the quaint bookstore nestled between the café and the antique shop—a favorite haunt of yours since childhood.

The sidewalk was dotted with clusters of wildflowers pushing through cracks in the pavement, their tenacity a quiet inspiration. You felt a pang of melancholy realizing that summer was slipping through your fingers like grains of sand. The stack of books in your tote bag was a tangible reminder that the season of freedom was nearing its end.

As you approached the bookstore, its faded sign creaked softly in the breeze: The Novel Nook. The peeling paint and ivy-covered bricks gave it an ageless charm, a sanctuary for dreamers and seekers of stories. Pushing open the heavy wooden door, a tiny bell jingled above, announcing your arrival. The familiar scent of aged paper and leather-bound volumes enveloped you, calming your restless thoughts.

You wandered between the tall shelves, running your fingertips over the spines of countless books. Each title whispered promises of distant lands, epic adventures, and lives so different from your own. The hushed atmosphere was occasionally broken by the soft rustle of pages and the distant sound of whispered conversations. This place was your refuge, a world away from the uncertainties that awaited with the start of your senior year.

The thought of returning to school filled you with a mix of apprehension and resignation. Hallways buzzing with chatter, the pressure of exams, the unspoken social hierarchies—it all felt overwhelming. And then there was JJ. The corners of your mouth twitched upward involuntarily at the thought of him. His easy laughter, the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, how a single dimple appeared on his left cheek—it was ridiculous how effortlessly he occupied your thoughts.

"Thinking of anyone I know?" A familiar voice pulled you from your reverie.

You glanced up to see Maisy leaning against the end of the aisle, a playful smirk on her face. Her strawberry-blonde hair was piled into a messy bun, wisps escaping to frame her freckled face. She sipped an iced coffee, condensation dripping down the sides of the cup.

"Just lost in thoughts," you replied with a modest shrug, a slight blush creeping into your cheeks.

Maisy sauntered over, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Let me guess—tall, blond, and infuriatingly charming?" She nudged you lightly with her elbow.

You rolled your eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Am I that transparent?"

"Only to me," she laughed. "So, have you made any progress on that little mission of yours?"

You sighed, glancing down at the book in your hands—The Great Gatsby. "Not exactly. It's not like I can just walk up to him and say, 'Hey, JJ, fancy a date?'"

"Why not?" Maisy challenged. "What's the worst that could happen?"

You shot her a skeptical look. "Public humiliation? Crushing rejection? Need I go on?"

She waved a dismissive hand. "Please. JJ's not like that. Besides, I've seen the way he looks at you."

Your heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

Maisy grinned knowingly. "Like you're a sexy Rubik's cube that he can't wait to solve. Trust me, there's more to that boy than meets the eye."

You pondered her words with a small amused chuckle, a flutter of hope stirring within you. Could it be possible that JJ saw you as more than just a passing acquaintance? The notion both excited and terrified you.

"Maybe," you conceded softly.

Maisy linked her arm through yours. "Tell you what, there's a beach bonfire this weekend. Perfect setting for a little serendipity, don't you think?"

You hesitated. "I don't know, Maisy…"

She squeezed your arm gently. "Come on, what's summer without a bit of adventure?"

Looking around the cozy confines of the bookstore, you took a deep breath. Perhaps Maisy was right. Maybe it was time to step out of the pages of your books and start writing your own story.

"Alright," you agreed with a tentative smile. "But no meddling."

"Scout's honor," she said, holding up three fingers in mock sincerity.

As you both headed toward the register, the weight on your shoulders felt a little lighter. The prospect of the bonfire filled you with a mix of nerves and anticipation. Outside, the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the town and painting the sky with hues of pink and orange.

Exiting the bookstore, you glanced back at The Novel Nook, its windows aglow with warm light. You bid your good-bye with Maisy, given the red-head was in one of her moods and 'desperately needing to run by the beach', and started walking down the side-walk leisurely.

JJ was leaning against the wall of a corner store across the book store, his arms crossed over his chest as he talked to his friend John B. He was smoking a cigarette, his head tilted back against the bricks as he blew out a plume of smoke into the air, waiting for his other friends to exit the store so they can dip.

He was in a good mood. The day had been nice, the weather warm and the town fairly peaceful. He was enjoying chatting with his buddy, when something across the street caught his eye.

He lifted his head off the brick wall, a small frown on his face as he squinted at the figure walking down the sidewalk.

"Is that...?" he muttered to himself. He watched as the figure came closer, their face becoming more clear with each step. His heart skipped a beat when he realized it indeed was you.

He took another puff of his cigarette, his eyes not leaving you. He felt the familiar jolt of excitement in his stomach as he watched you approach, his mind going blank for a second.

John B, noticing his friend's distraction, followed his gaze to see what he was looking at. He smirked, elbowing JJ in the side.

"Hey, why don't you go say hi?" he teased, a mischievous grin on his face.

JJ's head whipped around to look at John B, an agitated expression on his face. He tried to brush off his friend's comment, pretending like he didn't care.

"Who, her? She's a kook. She's probably here to shop for some fancy dresses or something."

Just then, your gaze caught sight of a familiar figure across the street. JJ was leaning against the weathered brick wall of a narrow alley, one foot casually propped behind him, his hands tucked into the pockets of his worn jeans. The golden rays of the late afternoon sun cast a soft halo around him, highlighting the tousled strands of his sun-bleached hair. His eyes were hidden beneath the shadow of his lashes as he watched and laughed with his friend intently, a picture of effortless cool that made your heart skip a beat.

Ever since that conversation at the party, these chance encounters had become a cherished part of your day. Gathering your courage, you offered a shy wave, your fingers barely lifting from the hold on your wallet. A gentle smile curved your lips, a silent greeting that you hoped conveyed more confidence than you felt.

JJ's gaze shifted from John B, his piercing blue eyes locking onto yours across the expanse of the street. For a moment, everything else seemed to fade—the chatter of passersby, the distant roar of the surf—all muted in the background. A slow, genuine grin spread across his face, dimples appearing as he lifted a hand in return. The simple acknowledgment sent a warm flutter through your chest, like the wings of a small bird taking flight.

Traffic passed between you—a blur of colors and movement—but neither of you looked away. The world continued its hurried pace, yet here, in this shared moment, time felt suspended. You noticed the subtle way his posture shifted, as if he was considering crossing the street. The possibility sparked a mix of excitement and nervousness within you.

Mustering a bit more bravery, you called out, your voice carrying over the ambient noise. "Hi, JJ!"

He cupped a hand around his ear playfully. "Can't hear you!" he shouted back, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Chuckling softly, you took a step closer to the curb. "I said, 'Hi, JJ!'" you repeated, louder this time.

He laughed, the sound genuine and infectious, his best friend watching the scene unfold curiously. "That's better!" he replied. "What brings you out on this fine day, mouse?"

"Just picking up some books," you replied, holding up the bag as evidence. "Summer reading list waits for no one."

He nodded appreciatively. "Always the studious one. Any good titles?"

Before you could answer, the pedestrian light changed, and without thinking, you began crossing the street toward him. Each step was a blend of eagerness and hesitation, the distance between you shrinking with every heartbeat. As you reached the other side, JJ pushed off the wall, standing a little taller. You shot John B a hesitant nod of acknowledgement, the brunette smirking slyly.

JJ was once again struck by how adorable you looked. Your soft voice, the way you looked at him with those big eyes behind your glasses, it sent a thrill down his spine. He mentally cursed himself for feeling this way.

He cleared his throat, his mind racing to find something to say, deciding that he'd be more content on talking to you without his best friend watching the 2 of you.

"I'll be back in a minute," he mumbled to John B, signaling for you to follow him down the sidewalk, a bit further away from the prying ears of his best friend.

"Books, huh? What kind of books are you into? Fancy romance novels or something?"

He mentally slapped himself for asking that question. Romance novels? Seriously? What a stupid question.

"Doesn't really matter... i read every genre, if the book is nice." you smiled almost reassuringly, shrugging nervously.

Despite his teasing, JJ actually found your answer interesting. It's not what he would have expected from a kook, but then again, he was starting to realize he had a lot of misconceptions about you.

"Every genre, huh? Damn, that's a lot of books. You must read like, 3 books a week or something."

"Well... yeah especially since i don't really enjoy social stuff.." yeah dumbass, he found you lurking around alone 2 separate times, once on the beach and the other in the marsh, you thought sardonically.

JJ found himself secretly pleased at your confession. Yeah, he knew you didn't enjoy social stuff, but hearing you say it out loud made him feel... special in a way.

He raised an eyebrow at your comment, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Well damn, you're really an antisocial little mouse, huh?"

He stepped a little closer to you, his eyes roving over your face. He wanted to see if he could get a reaction out of you, to see if he could get you out of your shell a little.

"So you'd rather sit at home and read a book than party or hangout with your friends?" he teased, his voice just a bit lower than usual.

"Friend. I only have one friend.." you corrected almost shyly, shuffling on your feet.

JJ found himself chuckling at your shy correction. One friend? Only one? How was that possible? You were so damn cute, how did nobody want to be friends with you?

"And who's your only friend, mouse?" he asked, his smirk growing wider.

"You saw me get dragged around by her... Maisy? She's got the strawberry blonde hair? kinda bubbly and confident?" you mumbled thoughtfully, trying to describe your best friend in a way that made sense. "...and well... i assume you're also my friend in a way." you added more quietly, hesitant that he might think it's weird and correct you.

JJ's heart skipped a beat as you mentioned him being your friend. Damn, he was not expecting that. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but inside he was practically jumping for joy. It was silly, but for some reason, the idea of you liking him as a friend made him really happy.

"Yeah, I remember Mimsy. She's pretty cool. And uh... you consider me a friend, huh?" he asked, his voice a little softer than he intended.

He took another step closer to you, reducing the gap between you to almost nothing. His eyes flicked over your face, studying your expression intently. He was secretly hoping to see some sign that you felt the same fluttering in your chest that he was feeling right now.

"That's, uh... that's interesting. I didn't think you'd want to be friends with someone like me."

"Why not? you... uh, you said you wanted to help me to speak with people more freely... if you remember.." you felt like your awkwardness was rubbing off on him, like a disease. You tried to gauge out his expression, for any hint of being weirded out by your declaration.

JJ's heart skipped a beat once again as you brought up that conversation where he'd offered to help you to speak to people more. He remembered it vividly, the way he'd felt an unfamiliar draw towards you after the party game.

At your question of why he'd be surprised that you wanted to be friends with him, he let out a small chuckle, shaking his head.

"Mouse, I don't think you realize just how different we are from each other. It's not normal for a pogue and a kook to actually want to be friends."

You furrowed your brows in confusion. Status was never your concern, especially having been in love with JJ for years now. But maybe he minded? and he was selective about that stuff. "oh.. well i don't-... care about that. I'm sorry if i came off weird.." you mumbled, stumbling over your words a little now.

JJ was quick to step closer to you, his arms moving to gently grab your shoulders as you stumbled over your words. He didn't want you to think that you had somehow messed up by saying you wanted to be friends with him.

"Hey, hey, hold on. You didn't come off weird at all. I'm just... I'm just surprised that you want to be friends with me, that's all. No matter the status difference between us."

"Well... the whole thing with people living on figure 8 is that they almost never see past the kook thing.. i like every part of the island. I prefer the cut anyway.." you swallowed hard, adjusting your glasses and clutching the wallet you were holding in your hand nervously.

JJ couldn't help but be amazed by you. Here you were, this shy, antisocial, bookworm kook who preferred the cut to her own home, who saw past all the nonsense between different social classes. You were so much different than all the other rich, snotty, entitled kooks he knew.

He realized he had still been holding on to your shoulders, his hands moving down to grab your wrists instead. He gently squeezed them, his eyes locked on yours.

"You... you're really something else, mouse."

JJ continued to hold your wrists, his fingers subconsciously tracing small circles against your skin. For once, he didn't feel like he had to keep up his usual laidback, arrogant act around you, and it felt nice.

"I gotta say, it's refreshing to hear a kook say they like the cut. And it's even more refreshing to hear a kook talk about people and not just status or things."

He gave a slight shrug, his smirk growing sly once again.

"You know, I'm beginning to wonder if you're really a kook at all."

"Maybe I'm not even real.." you joked quietly, your heart racing and your palms sweating a little as he held onto your wrists, a small smile making its way on your lips.

JJ chuckled as you jokingly mentioned not being real. His fingers continued to run gently across your wrists, enjoying the feel of your skin under his touch.

"Nah, you're definitely real. I can feel you right here."

He gave your wrists a small squeeze, his eyes looking at you in a way that made his stomach flutter.

Your expression became a little more bashful as he squeezed your wrists, feeling like you were losing the sense to speak again, especially while you looked up into his eyes. They looked so pretty, like ocean water and jewels, the look in them was genuine, like he actually enjoyed speaking with you.

JJ didn't miss the way your eyes softened and your expression grew bashful as he gently held your wrists and squeezed them. He felt his heart skip a beat and his pulse quicken. Looking down into your eyes and seeing the way you looked up at him... he'd never seen a more beautiful sight.

He took a tiny step closer, his body almost pressed up against yours now. His voice was a little softer than before as he spoke again. There was no teasing in his tone anymore.

"Y'know, mouse, I gotta admit something."

His voice was low, almost a whispered murmur. His gaze was glued to yours, still gently holding onto your wrists.

"When I offered to help you with talking to people, I didn't really think you'd actually take me up on the offer. But... I'm glad you did."

"Well another friend won't hurt... that's one more than... well one." you chuckled, grimacing awkwardly. Your brows raised a bit as if you remembered something. Maisy's idea! Surprise him-

You fidgeted slightly, your wrists slipping from his grasp as you dug through your tote bag, pulling out a couple of small polaroid looking like pictures. The ones you took in the marsh, the one of him and the one he took of you.

JJ's heart leapt when he saw the pictures you held out to him. They were the pictures from the marsh, proof that you had actually taken them. He took the pictures from you, his fingers brushing against yours, causing a small shiver to run down his spine.

He looked down at the pictures, then looked back up at you. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"You... you went and got these developed, huh?"

"I thought you uh, wanted... the one of you. Since you said it looked good" you extended the picture of him slightly, holding the one he took of you in the other hand. He probably wasn't too interested in that one anyway.

JJ's eyes flicked from the picture of himself to the one of you. He wasn't expecting you to have gotten one of you developed as well. He was a little surprised (and maybe a tiny bit excited) to see it.

"Actually..." He hesitantly pointed at the picture of you, his heart thudding loudly in his chest. He was curious to see your reaction.

"I wouldn't mind having both."

Oh my god. You probably looked like a dumbass again. You felt your self blush furiously at his words, your brows raising. Why would he want that? A picture of you? "Uh yeah.. sure here.." you fumbled with the picture of you, almost dropping it to the ground as you handed it to him.

But you also wanted to have the one of him, so he'd have the one of you and you the other. You pointed shyly to the picture of him mumbling nervously, "can i have this one then?"

JJ couldn't help but chuckle as you fumbled with the picture of yourself, your cheeks going adorably pink. Seeing you flustered like this... He couldn't help but smile as you handed the picture of yourself to him, and then shyly pointed to the picture of him, asking to have it.

"Yeah, it's all yours, mouse."

He didn't even hesitate as he handed you the picture of himself, secretly loving the way you looked as you blushed and got all flustered.

JJ watched as you carefully tucked the picture of him into your wallet, a small smile on his face. The fact that you had gotten the picture developed, let alone wanted to keep it, sent his mind reeling.

He wasn't used to people wanting anything to do with him, let alone someone actively wanting a picture of him. It made his heart flutter in an unfamiliar, but not unpleasant way.

He cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice steady. "So... uh, how come you decided to get these developed, anyway?"

"Well i developed so many more and uh yeah..." lies; liar liar, pants on fire, you scolded yourself mentally. You were gonna develop the one of him alone, but somehow you ended developing the one of you too. So him asking you to keep yours felt so... i dunno, romantic to you? Like couples doing stuff for each other.

JJ raised an eyebrow at your response, his eyes narrowing slightly. It was kinda weird that you had developed so many pictures all of a sudden. But he didn't pry too much further. He mentally shrugged it off, secretly enjoying how adorable you looked as you blushed and fidgeted nervously.

He silently stared down at the picture of you in his hand, his fingers gently tracing the edges. The soft, shy look on your face made him feel weirdly giddy. Like there was a swarm of butterflies all fluttering in his stomach.

JJ continued to stare at the picture as if in a daze, his thoughts racing. The more he looked at the picture, the more his heart thumped in his chest. He didn't understand why he was feeling so flustered. This was just a picture, right? So why did it feel so damn important to him? Like the picture was suddenly the most precious thing in the world?

He could feel a slight heat rising in his cheeks. He took a small breath, trying to calm himself down. He glanced down at you, studying your expression.

"You don't have to keep it if you want to... i won't... mind." you found yourself speaking, anxious that he was rethinking the whole thing now that he was staring at the picture of you more intently. Beside he had no reason to keep it right? you had barely known each other. Well he barely did, cause you knew him pretty well given how long you had been in love with him.

JJ's eyes snapped up from the picture at your words, his heart skipping a beat. Did you really think he didn't want the picture? He quickly clutched the picture tightly in his hand, his heart fluttering as he spoke.

"No... no I want it. I definitely want it."

He gave a shake of his head, his thoughts awhirl. Did you know how cute you looked in the picture? How it sent a strange, fluttery feeling through his body every time he looked at it? How much he found himself wanting to study it?

JJ's heart continued to race as he held the picture in his hand tighter. He found himself glancing from you, to the picture, to you again, his head practically spinning. Why the hell was he feeling so flustered and nervous now? He always had some sort of control over his emotions, but not anymore. Not with you around..

He was torn between wanting to look at the picture and wanting to look at you. Both made his heart race and butterflies swarm in his stomach, but he just couldn't force himself to look away from you.

"That's good then..." you smiled up at him, adjusting your glasses and glancing down at the picture of you in his hand. You had glanced over his shoulder, noticing his best friend still waiting for him intently. "i think your friend is waiting for you." you pointed shyly at John B over his shoulder.

JJ's eyes flicked up to look in the direction you were pointing towards. Sure enough, John B was still standing there by the corner store, a slight curious but impatient expression on his face.

JJ muttered a small curse under his breath. He'd been so distracted talking with you, he'd forgotten that he'd told John B to wait for him.

He glanced back at you, his heart sinking even more now. How the hell was he supposed to leave you?

JJ let out a small sigh, his shoulders slumping a little as he realized he had to reluctantly leave you to go back to John B. His heart was practically doing cartwheels in his chest as he spoke.

"Yeah, I guess I should get going. Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you, I know you were probably walkin' home.."

He mentally scolded himself for the disappointing tone of his voice. He really didn't want to leave you, but he didn't want to upset and ditch his best friends either. Damnit, it was so confusing.

"Oh no it's okay... besides you said you wanted to help me speak to people more easily, and it kinda helped a little... -talking to you i mean.." you reassured him almost too quickly hands shooting up on a assuring gesture, cursing yourself inwardly at how desperate you sounded.

JJ's heart thumped hard as you reassured him that you didn't mind talking with him, the small, almost giddy feeling welling up inside him more and more.

He didn't want to admit it, but he was actually really happy that his presence somehow helped you. And he secretly couldn't wait to have another excuse to talk with you again as well. But he didn't want to seem desperate either - or admit that he actually wanted to spend more time with you.

He quickly nodded his head at your words, stuffing the picture carefully into his pocket. He tried to keep his voice steady as he spoke again.

"Yeah, anytime. I... uh, I enjoy talking with you too, Mouse."

His eyes flicked over to John B behind him, then back to you. Damn it, why did he feel so reluctant and torn about leaving you?

Another small curse went through his head as a thought suddenly occurred to him. What if he didn't see you again? Even though he'd said he'd help you with your shyness and talking to people... there was no guarantee he'd see you again. The thought was somehow painful, even though he could just walk away from you right now.

He hesitantly took a small step towards you, a bit of nervousness in his voice now.

"So, uh... can I see you again sometime? Just so I can help you... y'know, more with talking to people?"

"Yeah of course." you agreed almost too quickly once again, your eyebrows shooting up in nervousness and excitement. "of course we can hang out.."

JJ felt his heart flutter once again as you eagerly agreed to hang out with him more in the future. He mentally cursed his excitement and anxiety, trying to keep a cool, collected expression.

He nodded his head at you, a small smile on his face. It was a struggle to keep the smile off his face actually – he suddenly felt like grinning like an idiot. But he had to keep his cool, he couldn’t show how excited he really was.

"Awesome, mouse. I’m looking forward to it."

You gave him a small grin, not being able to keep it off your face as looked up at him, reaching up to pat his forearm awkwardly and quietly. How casual, just an awkward pat? how's that for making a move? Maisy would be disappointed if she saw you right now. She'd be expecting at least an awkward side hug or something.

JJ felt a sudden rush of warmth at your timid pat on his forearm. It was a small gesture, maybe even a little awkward, but it somehow made his heart skip a beat. He couldn't help but admire the shy smile on your face, his eyes lingering on your lips for a brief moment.

He silently scolded himself as his thoughts strayed to what it might be like to kiss you, to cup your face and finally taste the lip gloss adorning your pink lips. He'd like to think it was cherry, maybe peach? He tried to brush the thought away, telling himself that this was just an innocent, casual interaction - not some romantic moment.

Damnit, he was feeling conflicted and frustrated now.

He quickly shook his head, trying to clear away the conflicted thoughts and confusing emotions swirling in his mind. He couldn't let himself dwell on these thoughts, he had to keep it casual.

He forced a small smile and raised a hand in farewell.

"Uh... I should probably get going before John B flips out. I'll, uh, see you later, yeah?"

You raised your hand, waving at him shyly as he started to walk away, flashing him a genuine smile. Although you were disappointed the moment had to end, you got to keep a picture of him. And he kept one of you. The thought actually sounded insane. It was absolutely out of this world and the little girl in you who fell in love with JJ Maybank that day in 3rd grade was swooning, having a field day and freaking out; all at the same time while you sat there awkwardly waving to him.

JJ was secretly tempted to look back at you as he walked away, to get one more glimpse of your shy, genuine smile. But he resisted the urge, making himself keep walking. He had to keep up his 'cool, collected, don't-care-about-anything, badass' persona.

But as he approached where John B was waiting, he couldn't help but pull out the picture you gave him from his pocket.

He took a quick glance at it, studying the picture closely, taking in your shy expression and the smile on your face.

God, JJ was crushing hard..

—♡‧