This story is all about Jiara! I'll be focusing mostly on JJ and Kiara's story, diving deeper into their connection and where things might go for them.
Just to clarify, these characters aren't mine, they belong to Outer Banks! But I'll be bringing i...
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The morning sun hung low as Kiara adjusted the collar of her white button-down shirt, tugging on the skirt she'd ironed the night before, even though it felt unnatural. The uniform was neat, classic, and a little uncomfortable — everything the Kook Academy expected its students to be. Today was her first day, and as Kiara took a deep breath before stepping inside, the sharp edges of the summer loomed behind her. She hadn't spoken to the Pogues in weeks.
"Hey, Kie!" Sarah's voice jolted her back to the present, the familiar blonde waving excitedly. She hugged Kiara, pulling her into the bustling hallway. "Are you nervous?"
"Uh, kind of," Kiara replied, trying to smile.
"You'll be fine," Sarah assured her. "Everyone's going to love you."
They walked down the hallway together, and Kiara was introduced to a few of Sarah's friends — girls with shiny, straight hair and boys with khaki shorts and crisp polos. The air felt thick with the self-assurance of kids who'd never had to question their place in the world.
"This is Kie," Sarah said to a group lounging by the lockers. "She's new here, but we met at camp. She's awesome."
The girls in the group eyed Kiara, but with more interest than friendliness.
"Oh, right, the one from the camp," a girl with glossy black hair and sharp nails sneered. "Didn't you used to hang out with, like, the Pogues?"
Kiara tensed, a familiar pang of loyalty and irritation mingling. "Yeah... I did."
Another girl snickered. "Isn't one of them that crazy kid, JJ? The one who's, like, always getting in trouble?"
"Total delinquent," the black-haired girl scoffed. "I don't know why anyone would waste their time with people like that."
Kiara's fingers tightened around the strap of her bag, wanting to snap back, defend them. But she stayed quiet, catching Sarah's glance as if asking for reassurance.
Sarah seemed to sense her discomfort. "Hey, don't listen to them," she whispered to Kiara. "Some of them just don't get it."
Kiara forced a smile, swallowing the bitterness in her throat. It hurt to stay quiet. She used to love telling stories about wild summer nights with the Pogues, the silly inside jokes, the freedom they'd all shared. But here, it was as if those memories were something she should be ashamed of.
Later, at lunch, Kiara and Sarah found a spot at the outdoor seating area. The conversation shifted to the upcoming weekend, with everyone talking about various Kook parties they'd been invited to.
"Actually, I was thinking," Sarah said, nudging Kiara's shoulder. "There's a party coming up on Friday at the beach — it's John B's birthday. You know him, right?"
Kiara's heart skipped a beat at the mention of John B's name. Of course, she knew him. They'd been inseparable all summer before things had... changed. She nodded slowly.
