welcome to obx

𓆉 chapter five 𓆉

The sun dipped lower over the Outer Banks, casting a golden light through the windows of the house. The Pogues were sprawled out in the living room, the smell of saltwater still lingering in the air from their afternoon at the beach.

JJ was leaning back in one of the armchairs, legs stretched out, his hands behind his head, looking about as relaxed as he ever got. Kiara sat cross-legged on the floor beside him, scrolling through her phone. Pope sat at the kitchen counter, nursing a soda, while John B was flopped on the couch, staring up at the ceiling fan.

John B: "So... are we actually going to this party, or what?"

He didn't sound too convinced, his voice lazy as he stretched his arms above his head. Cleo, who was sitting on the other side of the couch, raised an eyebrow at him.

Cleo: "You're asking like you're already not planning to go. When have we ever turned down a party?"

Pope: "We could skip it for once, you know. We don't have to go just because there's a party. Maybe we just chill here."

Pope was the only one who ever suggested staying in, but he knew better than to actually think it would happen.

JJ (scoffing): "Yeah, right. You know we're going. When have we ever not gone? Besides, it'll be fun. It's summer—what else are we gonna do?"

Kiara leaned back against JJ's legs, glancing up at him.

Kiara: "You sure it'll be fun? I mean, we both know Rafe and Topper are gonna show up. And we know how that usually goes."

JJ: "Yeah, well, I'm not gonna let Rafe ruin it. Besides, maybe he won't be such a douche this time."

He grinned, but Kiara gave him a skeptical look.

Kiara: "When has that ever happened?"

John B: "Yeah, I'm with Kie on this one. Rafe and Topper together at a party is just asking for trouble."

JJ shrugged, not seeming too concerned. He had a way of making light of things, even when the rest of them knew trouble was brewing.

JJ: "Look, we're not letting them get to us, okay? We go, we have a good time, and if they start something... well, we'll handle it like we always do."

Kiara gave him a playful nudge.

Kiara: "Yeah, which usually means you throwing punches."

JJ: "What can I say? I'm a man of action."

Pope rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his soda.

Pope: "Yeah, and I'm the one who has to clean up after your 'actions.'"

Cleo: "I'm with JJ on this. We're going. Could be a good night, could be drama—either way, it's something to do."

John B sighed, finally sitting up and rubbing his hands over his face.

John B: "Fine, we'll go. But I'm not getting involved if Rafe starts something. I'm just here to hang out and have a good time."

Kiara: "Agreed. No drama. We're there for us, not them."

JJ reached down and took Kiara's hand, giving it a squeeze. He winked at her, clearly in a better mood than he had been earlier.

JJ: "See? That's the spirit. Just focus on having fun with me tonight."

Kiara smiled, though she still had her doubts. Whenever Rafe was around, things had a tendency to spiral out of control. But for now, she'd let herself enjoy the idea of a drama-free night, even if it was just wishful thinking.