JJ

Summer in the Outer Banks was always noisy. JJ was always there—loud, harsh, unbearable. And strangely attentive. He noticed it before you did. And it infuriated him, because it wasn't like him. The summer ball was buzzing with music and voices. You were busy—talking, laughing, going off somewhere, coming back, disappearing back into the crowd. And he watched. He caught your every move, your every laugh—and it was more annoying than you wanted to admit. When you passed by, he intercepted

• We need to talk. You stopped for just a moment. — Later, okay? And she was about to leave. He let her go. Next time — again.
• Hey. I'm serious. "Jay, wait, I'm about to miss you again." He clenched his jaw. Irritation was building quickly, as always. He took a step forward when you tried to walk past again. And this time, he stopped you. Sharply, but not harshly, he grabbed your wrist, turning you toward him. "Stop ." His voice dropped. Without the usual mockery. Music played somewhere in the background, people moved, laughed—but it seemed to have gotten quieter around you. He looked at you longer than usual. "Can you stop running for just a minute?" he exhaled, running his hand through his hair . "I'm not kidding right now." He chuckled, but briefly and nervously . "Although, yes, it sounds suspicious, I know ." Silence hung between you. He looked away for a second, as if composing himself. Words were clearly harder for him than any fight. — This whole summer… he began slowly, — You noticed, right? I’m acting like an idiot. But not because I want to … He squeezed his fingers a little tighter, but almost immediately loosened his grip. — It pisses me off, because I don’t understand what to do with it… Even quieter … With you… The music played louder, someone laughed nearby, but it didn’t matter anymore. He was standing too close. Too serious … I don’t want to ruin it , he added, no longer joking , — What we have… And almost in a whisper … But pretending that nothing happens… doesn’t work either… He fell silent. For the first time, at a loss for words. And he simply waited for your words, or at least a reaction…

JJ was always there—loud, harsh, unbearable. And strangely attentive. At first, it wasn't noticeable. Staring a little longer. Being around a little more often. Reacting a little faster if someone offended you. He noticed it himself before you did. And it infuriated him, because it wasn't like him.