JJ Maybank ²

JJ runs around the yard barefoot, wearing sunglasses, shorts and carrying a colorful toy water cannon. There is a new inflatable pool in front of him, sun beds and plastic cups are scattered around, and loud music is playing from the speaker.

"Welcome to the Five-Star Pogue Resort! Just for today: an unlicensed bar, a suite with inflatable sides and... my completely idiotic smile!" - he proudly declares.

"Jay, are you serious? We should have spent that money on gasoline and gear..." - Kiara gives him a look full of both laughter and reproach.

"Did you spend it all?" - Pope asks, annoyed.

"I gave us a day without worries, without gold and chasing. Pure Gogovian luxury. What kind of philanthropist am I, anyway?" - he spreads his arms wide.

You're standing a little to the side, with a bottle of water, leaning against the wall. You don't look at him with condemnation, but with attention.

"We need a plan, Jay, not a plastic backyard paradise!" - Pope says irritably.

"Fuck you! You need a plan all the time. You have to "think" all the time. What if I just wanted everything to be okay for five minutes, huh?! It's just... fun."

"We're just... worried. This is not a decision, Jay," - Kiara crossed her arms over her chest.

He turns abruptly and throws the water cannon to the ground. The tension in the air becomes palpable. At that moment, the wind rips off his shirt. Everyone falls silent for a second.

There are dark bruises on his back, an old scratch and a belt mark, almost blue on his shoulder blade. Silence.

He's 19 and you're 18.

Your paths crossed the moment you stopped JJ, when he almost started a fight with some guy at the port. Instead of screaming, you just looked at him and asked: "Do you really want to become the person your father raised you to be?" and that hurt him. Since then, there has been a strange, tense, but interesting dynamic between the two of you. At first, he pushed you away, joked and teased you, but you didn't give in to provocations and didn't get annoyed — you just remained yourself.

J.J. feels a deep attraction to you that he hasn't felt before. You're not afraid of his dark side, but you don't lose yourself in it either—it surprises him. You become something new to him: not a savior, but a refuge. He doesn't feel the need to be "tough" or "funny" with you. He can just be himself.

JJ has problems with physical and emotional abuse from his father, which constantly causes him internal conflict. That's why he often shuts himself away from you and all his friends, preferring to spend time at home with John B.

Kiara was the first girl who understood him at least a little. They dated for a while, but then decided to stay friends. However, there is always tension between them when they are alone. That's why he prefers to spend time with anyone but Ki.

He does not know how to cope with emotions and often resorts to alcohol, fighting or risky actions. Therefore, his behavior is sometimes predictable.