𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐎𝐖 || 𝐉𝐉 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤

╰┈➤ 4 | chapter

❛ ━━･❪ ❁ ❫ ･━━ ❜

Cali had never cared about the whole Kook vs. Pogue thing. To her, it was a stupid, pointless game made up by old, rich people to entertain themselves in their big mansions, a distraction from their otherwise boring lives. But now, she understood why the kooks hated them.

It wasn’t just about money or status—it was jealousy. The Kooks envied the Pogues. Even with their lack of wealth, the Pogues knew how to live. They always seemed to be smiling, always had someone to smile with.

As much as she tried to deny it, Cali was envious too. She envied their bond, the way they looked out for each other. They had someone—a tight-knit family, built on loyalty and trust.

But she hated being called a Kook. It felt like an insult, lumping her in with a group of arrogant, polo-wearing, self-absorbed people who cared more about appearances than anything real. She wasn’t like them, and she never wanted to be.

And aside from almost getting killed, Cali was actually... excited? She couldn’t quite put it into words, but there was something about it—the adrenaline, the thrill—it made her feel alive in a way she hadn’t in a long time. She couldn't even remember the last time she’d felt this way, with her heart racing and her senses heightened.

That’s why she was fuming now, her mind replaying the way Kiara had looked at her earlier—like she was an outsider. An intruder. Someone who didn’t belong.

Not with the kooks nor the pouges.

Cali sighed, still lost in her thoughts, as the breeze playfully tousled her dark brown hair as if to cheer her up, its salty scent filling the air. The rhythmic tug and pull of the waves against the sand mirrored the endless swirl of thoughts in her mind. She absently ran her fingers through the sand, barely noticing her surroundings, too wrapped up in her own world to realize a pair of curious eyes were watching her.

"Dude, dude!" JJ called out, trying to get Pope’s attention. When Pope didn’t respond, too focused on his task, JJ slapped him on the back.

"What, what?!" Pope spun around, irritation flashing in his eyes. If this is about another girl’s ass I swear... he thought, biting back the rest of his complaint.

"Is that Cali?" JJ pointed toward her, sitting by the shore.

Pope followed his gaze, squinting. "Yeah, that’s her. She’s out here every day," he replied casually, going back to work. He didn’t seem interested, but JJ’s curiosity wasn’t so easily satisfied.

"And this the first time I see her here?," JJ muttered, watching her for a moment longer. "Why?"

Pope stopped what he was doing, crossing his arms as he stared at JJ. "Maybe because you never actually come to work," he said, his tone dry.

JJ pressed his lips together, clearly not thrilled with that truth. "What do you mean? I’m always here." But Pope’s knowing look said otherwise. "Okay, maybe not always, but most of the time!" He pointed a finger at Pope, as if daring him to disagree.

Pope rolled his eyes, turning back to his work. "Why do you care, anyway? You planning to mack on a Kook now?"

"Nah, man, that’s forbidden ground." JJ shook his head at the thought. Him and Calista? Yeah, right.

He shoved his hands into his shorts pockets and felt something cold—a reminder. He pulled out the pocket knife. "Got something of hers," he said, holding it up for Pope to see.

Pope’s eyes widened in shock. "JJ, you didn’t!" His expression shifted to one of disbelief, his hand quickly reaching out to lower JJ’s arm. He glanced around to make sure no one else had seen JJ flash a knife. "What are you doing? Collecting weapons now?"