Outer Banks Imagines ~ JJ and Rafe

JJ ~ it did mean something

POV: you and JJ had one drunken night at midsummer and you can't get it out of your head but you had to push your feelings down because he's with Kiara

One Tree Hill inspired

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The warm summer breeze drifted through the empty stretch of sand. You wanted to get away from all the noise in your head reminding you of that drunken night but being here only amplified it further. You could have any guy on the Island but somehow you're heart wanted the only guy you couldn't have.

You were standing near the shoreline, the waves lapping at your feet when JJ's voice pulled you from your thoughts.

"Hey, Y/N."

You turned, startled to see him approaching. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets, his usual playful grin replaced by something softer, something more serious.

"Hey," you replied, keeping your voice steady. "What are you doing here? Kie's waiting for you at the Chateau."

"Yeah, I know," he said, stopping just a few feet away. "I was actually looking for you."

Your eyes narrowed as you had a sick feeling form at the pit of your stomach.

His eyes locked onto yours, piercing through the façade you'd been putting on for weeks. "How can you be so casual after what happened with us?"

Your stomach turned from sickness into knots. You'd hoped he wouldn't bring it up—that the drunken night at Midsummers, the stolen kisses, and whispered confessions would remain buried.

"JJ," you sighed, running a hand through your hair, "you promised we'd bury the hatchet. You're with Kie remember?"

"I know," he said quickly, his tone a mixture of frustration and longing. "But I can't just bury what happened between us."

Your heart ached, but you kept your voice firm. "JJ, Kie is my best friend. She's your girlfriend. This can't—"

"But-"

"But nothing." You cut him off, stepping back to put distance between you. "That's where we're at right now. It didn't mean anything."

The lie tasted bitter on your tongue as you turned to walk away, hoping he wouldn't follow.

"Did it, though?" His voice stopped you in your tracks.

You exhaled sharply, turning on your heels to face him. "What?"

"Did it really not mean anything?" JJ asked, his voice cracking slightly. He closed the distance between you in two long strides, his blue eyes searching yours desperately.

"JJ..."

"It did mean something, and you know it," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Your resolve crumbled as he stepped closer, his hands hovering at his sides as if he didn't know whether to touch you or keep his distance.

"JJ, I can't," you said, your voice trembling. "You and I, we don't work. You're dating Kie—"

"I know," he interrupted, his voice pained. "And she's great, okay? She's amazing. But she's not you. I can't stop thinking about you, Y/N. Tell me you feel nothing for me. Look me in the eyes and say it."

Your lips parted, but no words came out. The truth was there, burning in your chest, but you couldn't say it.

"Why couldn't you have just left it alone?" You finally whispered before grabbing his face and pressing your lips to his.

The kiss was intense, a mixture of passion and desperation. His hands found your waist, pulling you closer as the world seemed to melt away. When you finally pulled back, your forehead rested against his, and you saw the flicker of hope in his eyes.

"See?" he murmured. "We would work. You and me. Because I feel it in my heart. Don't you?"

You gave him a sad, reluctant smile. "I do. So what are you going to do, JJ?"

He stared at you for a long moment, his grip on your waist tightening as if he were afraid to let you go. But the weight of reality settled between you like an immovable wall.

"I don't know," he admitted softly. "But I know I can't keep pretending with her when my heart's here—with you."

Your heart soared and broke all at once. "JJ, you have to figure it out. I can't be the other person. Not to her."

He nodded, his expression conflicted but determined. "I'll fix it. I'll figure it out. I promise."

You stepped back, the space between you suddenly feeling colder. "You better. Because I can't keep doing this, JJ. Not like this."

With one last look, you turned and walked away, leaving him standing there with the weight of his choice pressing down on him.