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The sound of teenagers chattering and laughing mingled with the soft glow of the moon hanging low in the horizon

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The sound of teenagers chattering and laughing mingled with the soft glow of the moon hanging low in the horizon. As the minutes slipped by, Avery shivered, regretting her choice of a tank top. A cardigan would have been a small comfort against the island's cool night air.

Fortunately, the effects of whatever weed JJ Maybank used in his joints did their magic, dulling the chill and making the laughter around her feel warm and inviting.

The two separated as soon as the joint turned to ash, an unspoken understanding passing between them ; this night, filled with reckless abandon, would remain just that - a fleeting moment. Troop rivalries and trust issues loomed like dark clouds, casting shadows over any chance of a deeper connection.

With a freshly filled red cup in her hands, Avery found her way back to Sarah and Topper, who were engrossed in conversation with someone she didn't recognize. Avery settled in but felt like an outsider in their bubble, the typical Kook chatter about money privilege drifting out her like a distant echo. As the beer and weed buzzed through her system, the frivolities of their conversation faded into the background.

After what felt like hours - time losing all meaning - Topper and Sarah decided to call it a night. As Topper was her ride, Avery reluctantly followed them, hating the feeling of being a third wheel. Yet, she had little choice ; the only way home was to endure it.

Her gaze flickered back to JJ, the blonde boy who had captured her attention at the beginning of the night, and his friend John B, with his carefree swagger, held two red cups in his hand. She sensed mischief brewing as he called out, "Hey, hey, Sarah, Avery!" Ignoring Topper's irritated glare, he took a step closer. "Can I interest you two in a tasty Milwaukee beverage?" JJ's voice trailed off as he slurred.

"No, thanks." Sarah replied, her smile strained as Avery eyed the drinks suspiciously.

"Is it not fancy enough for you?" JJ pushed, and Avery rolled her eyes. Of course JJ Maybank was going to try to cause trouble - he couldn't possibly hold himself back for one night. It followed him like a shadow.

She and Sarah didn't subscribe to the Kook versus Pogue rivalry - they existed in the tension but didn't thrive on it. Topper, however, wore his disdain like armor.

"No. We were just leaving." Sarah said calmly, trying to defuse the situation before it escalated.

Topper smiled sarcastically, "Hey, you know what? I'll take it." he said, reaching for one of JJ's cups.

"How about you don't? You're driving." Avery shot back, but her voice was drowned out as Topper and JJ began speaking over her.

"I'll- Thank you, man. I appreciate it."

JJ sarcastically chuckled, "That's nice, but I didn't ask you." John B's worried eyes glanced between his friend and the girls, "Now, if you said pretty please, maybe - but you didn't."

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