ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤJJ’s voice echoed, “It’s okay, everybody! Do not panic. Leave it to the men and women in uniform. Let’s hear it for them!” A devilish grin flickered across his lips as his hands clapped, the sound lost in the rising tide of murmurs. Then, his gaze snagged on Lyra.

ㅤㅤAnd suddenly, the world stopped. His breath hitched, the noise around him fading into nothing but a dull hum. His heart slammed against his ribs, a stuttering, uneven rhythm as his eyes locked onto her.

ㅤㅤLyra stood there, draped in elegance, a vision so breathtaking that JJ swore the world tilted. The golden glow of the chandeliers bathed her in warm light, making her look almost ethereal, like something out of a dream he was afraid to wake from. 

ㅤㅤA quick, grateful nod darted towards Klyd, a silent exchange that spoke volumes of their shared history. But his eyes skittered away from where Kate and Adrian stood. He caught the way they were watching him—serious, unreadable expressions that made his stomach twist. Their body language wasn’t outright hostile, but something about their stares made his skin itch. Disapproval? Disappointment? Shit. He was making a fool of himself in front of Lyra’s parents.

ㅤㅤIf only he knew that their looks weren’t condemning at all—just puzzled, wondering why in the hell he was being manhandled out of the country club like some criminal.

ㅤㅤA voice, sharp and defiant, sliced through the tension. “Let go of him. You can’t just boot him.” Her parents reached for Kiara, their faces etched with annoyance, but Kiara wouldn’t be silenced. “I invited him here,” she declared, her voice catching briefly as she turned to Lyra. A spark of shared understanding crackled between them.

ㅤㅤ“Actually,” Kiara continued, her chin held high, her voice ringing with a newfound confidence that challenged the entire room, “Lyra Monroe-Aragon and I invited him here. We’re both members of this club.”

ㅤㅤJJ barely heard her.

ㅤㅤHis gaze traveled downward, tracing the way the dress sculpted Lyra’s form, hugging every curve with an almost unfair level of perfection. The fabric whispered against her skin, moving with an effortless grace that made it seem as if she were floating rather than walking. The slit in the dress teased the glimpse of her leg.

ㅤㅤBut it wasn’t just the dress—it was the way she wore it. The confidence, the effortless poise. Completely unaware of how JJ himself couldn’t look away.

ㅤㅤHer hair, a cascade of soft waves, shimmered as she moved, each strand catching the light like threads of spun gold. He had seen her countless times—windswept from the ocean, drenched in saltwater, laughing under the sun. She’s always been beautiful, but tonight, Lyra looks heartbreakingly beautiful.

ㅤㅤJJ could see every detail of Lyra. Her flawless makeup highlighted her natural beauty, adding just enough emphasis to her features without overshadowing them. But it was the sparkle in her eyes that truly captivated him.

ㅤㅤJJ blinked rapidly, trying to shake himself out of whatever trance he had fallen into. He had never been a religious man, but he thanked God for putting him on this earth at the same time as Lyra Monroe-Aragon. Because damn, if God made someone like her, and have him in her life, maybe—just maybe—He did something right.

ㅤㅤHis chest tightened, an unfamiliar ache settling there as his gaze met hers. Her eyes—deep, knowing, radiant—held a fire that made his stomach flip. They weren’t just beautiful; they were dangerous. They were the kind of eyes that could undo a man. 

ㅤㅤAnd right now, they were undoing him.

ㅤㅤLyra navigated the crowd with the grace of a swan, parting the sea of glittering bodies with the sheer force of her presence. “Sir, that man you’re dragging is my date. Please, release him,” she declared, her words echoing like a clarion call.

ㅤㅤThe smug smirk that had been plastered on Rafe’s face earlier evaporated like morning mist. Shock, raw and undisguised, settled in its place. Meanwhile, Adrian and Kate exchanged glances, intrigued and quietly impressed by the way their daughter had just commanded the entire room. JJ? He was still reeling. He might’ve just fallen in love.

ㅤㅤA silent exchange passed between JJ and Lyra, their eyes locking in a moment thick with something unspoken. Meanwhile, JJ’s fingers twitched at his sides, resisting the insane urge to reach out, to touch, to prove to himself that she was real and not just some fever dream conjured by his own longing.

ㅤㅤAnd Lyra? She was trying so damn hard to pretend she wasn’t looking at him like that. She willed herself to remain unfazed. Like she wasn’t hyper-aware of the way JJ’s eyes trailed over her. Her heart pounded, but she refused to let it show.

ㅤㅤ“Sorry about that,” JJ blurted, shoving a tuxedo-clad man aside as he practically lunged away from his own damn thoughts. “Hey, mandatory power hour at Rixton’s, Kie!” He needed to focus. He needed to get his head out of wherever it had just gone because—because—fuck.

ㅤㅤPope. Yes. Pope was here. He could be normal. “Pope, you as well, all right? Rixton’s Cove, let’s roll.”

ㅤㅤLyra watched, her lips twitching in amusement at his obvious floundering, but she stayed silent. As JJ turned to her again, this time recovering some of his composure. His smirk returned—though now slightly less cocky, slightly more something else. “All right, now, Lyra. Come on, workers of the world, unite!”

ㅤㅤJohn B appeared beside him, mirroring his grin, and together they saluted like two absolute menaces.

ㅤㅤLyra’s brother, Klyd, who usually had something sarcastic or overprotective to say, simply lifted his chin and said, “Go.”

ㅤㅤLyra blinked. “What about my speech?”

ㅤㅤ“I’ll take care of it.” And just like that, her brother—the same one who once gave her hell for sneaking out, the same one who had been wary of her embracing her rebellious side—was letting her go. Encouraging it, even. Her parents? They weren’t just approving. They were beaming.

ㅤㅤA warmth spread in Lyra’s chest. Elated, she threw her arms around them, pressing soft kisses to their cheeks. Then, she turned to Klyd, murmuring a quiet, thank you before kissing his cheek as well. And then, she was running.

ㅤㅤJJ barely had time to react before Lyra launched herself at him. Instinct took over—his arms catching her like she belonged there. His body tightened, his grip firm but careful, like he was holding onto something precious. Something he never wanted to let go of.

ㅤㅤAnd then, without thinking, without hesitation, he pressed a fleeting kiss to the top of her head. The scent of her perfume—something soft, warm, and so Lyra—wrapped around him, making his head spin. He had kissed her before. Accidentally. On the cheek, once. On the forehead, maybe. But this? Holding her like this, feeling the warmth of her body flush against his, was different.

ㅤㅤDangerously different.

ㅤㅤJJ leaned down slightly, his lips barely grazing the shell of her ear as he whispered, “Lyra, you’ve always been beautiful. But tonight? Tonight, you look even more stunning.”

ㅤㅤLyra stilled. Her breath hitched—so quiet, so small, but JJ felt it. She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, and for a split second, there was something raw, something unguarded in her eyes. But then, just as quickly, she looked away, her cheeks turning violently red.

ㅤㅤJJ grinned. Gotcha.

ㅤㅤJohn B was grinning too, clapping Kiara on the back while Pope threw an arm over JJ’s shoulder. But beyond their laughter, beyond the warmth of their found family, unseen eyes watched.

ㅤㅤOne pair burned with longing, aching to be part of their golden, untouchable world. And the other? It burned with something far darker. Something venomous. Something is waiting to shatter it all.

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

ㅤㅤThe flickering flames of the bonfire cast dancing shadows on their faces, a mesmerizing counterpoint to the lively chatter that filled the air. They’d been summoned to this mandatory meeting shrouded in mystery. None of them knew the purpose, especially Lyra, who’d been kept blissfully unaware due to her own recent foolishness. JJ had just finished regaling them with his near-disastrous encounter with Klyd and Rafe’s minions at the clubhouse, and the air crackled with stunned silence in the wake of his revelation.

ㅤㅤLyra’s voice, laced with skepticism, broke the tense silence. “J,” she started, her brow furrowing, “are you sure that Klyd, my brother, helped you out?”

ㅤㅤPope and JJ exchanged a glance, a silent language passing between them. JJ shrugged, his shoulders rising and falling in a defeated slump. “Beats me, Ly,” he mumbled, his voice barely a whisper.

ㅤㅤLyra’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Funny you mentioned that,” she started, amusement sparkling in her eyes. “Because as I recall, Klyd didn’t even bat an eyelid at my decision to join you rebels.” A playful jab, hinting at their past adventures. “In fact,” she continued, a hint of warmth coloring her tone, “He told me to go with you.”

ㅤㅤDespite the memory sparking a flicker of gratitude, a familiar frustration settled in Lyra’s stomach. Klyd’s protectiveness, while undoubtedly well-meaning, often felt suffocating. Kiara chimed in, her voice a quiet counterpoint to the rising tension. “Now, what, he’s a new leaf?”

ㅤㅤJJ, however, seemed fixated on a specific detail, one he’d brought up repeatedly. “Why does that matter, Kie?” he countered, a touch of defensive creeping into his voice. “What stuck with me was the fear in Rafe and Kelce’s eyes when Klyd showed up. They looked like they might, well,” he hesitated for a beat, then blurted out, “like they were about to wet their pants!” A snort escaped his lips, morphing into a full-blown guffaw.

ㅤㅤLyra, sensing the conversation veering off track, reached out. Her fingers grazed JJ’s chin, gently turning his face towards hers.

ㅤㅤThe warmth of her touch was sudden, searing through his skin like a live wire. JJ’s breath hitched as his gaze locked onto hers. For a second—just a second—his mind went completely blank.

ㅤㅤLyra was close. Too damn close.

ㅤㅤHis lips parted slightly, but no words came out. He felt a muscle twitch in his jaw, a nervous tick that betrayed how thrown he was.

ㅤㅤ“JJ,” she said, her voice soft but laced with amusement, completely unaware of the hurricane she had just unleashed inside him. “That’s the fourth time you’ve mentioned that.”

ㅤㅤJJ scrambled for a response, something cool, something cocky, but all he could focus on was how her fingers still lingered against his skin. His heart pounded so hard it drowned out the crackling of the bonfire. He forced himself to smirk, masking the turmoil beneath.

ㅤㅤ“Well,” he drawled, clearing his throat, “it was a once-in-a-lifetime sight, Ly. Gotta give credit where it’s due.” He wanted to lean into her touch. He wanted her to do it again. Instead, he willed himself to pull back ever so slightly, flashing her a teasing grin to cover the fact that she had just completely wrecked him with the simplest of touches.

ㅤㅤJohn B, unable to contain himself any longer, let out a snicker, the sound echoing in the sudden quiet.

ㅤㅤLeaning forward in her seat, Lyra tilted her head, her brow furrowed in genuine confusion. “Alright, enough pleasantries. For the real reason why we are all here, what is it?” she announced, her voice laced with a hint of playful impatience.

ㅤㅤ“Yeah, what’s this mandatory meeting about?”

ㅤㅤJohn B. uncrossed his arms and leaned back with a sly grin. “It’s on the island.” John B revealed, referring to the gold.

ㅤㅤLyra’s brow furrowed slightly. She’d been adrift from the Pogues’ schemes and their relentless pursuit of treasure. Thankfully, Kiara, Pope, and JJ were there, ready to fill her in on the juicy details. Denmark Tanny. Royal Merchant. Gold. Tannyhill. The gold is in parcel nine near the water.

ㅤㅤThe bonfire crackled, casting flickering shadows over the group as they sat in a loose circle. The usual comfort of the flames felt absent tonight, replaced by a tension so thick it pressed against Lyra’s ribs.

ㅤㅤJohn B. had just casually revealed that he had been with Sarah Cameron the entire time he was missing.

ㅤㅤKiara went stiff, her expression twisting like she had just been personally betrayed. “You were in Chapel Hill with Sarah Cameron?” she spat, venom dripping from her words.

ㅤㅤJJ, never one to let an opportunity slip by, let out a sharp snicker, leaning back on his elbows with a shit-eating grin. “He was mackin’ on her.” His tone was easy, playful—like he was throwing gasoline on a barely contained fire just for fun. “You were totally mackin’ on Sarah Cameron.”

ㅤㅤBefore he could bask in his own instigation, Lyra’s head snapped toward him, eyes flashing like a warning. Without hesitation, she smacked his shoulder, her palm landing with a sharp clap against his bare skin.

ㅤㅤJJ didn’t even wince. If anything, his grin widened. “Ow!” he said, completely unconvincing, rubbing the spot as if it actually hurt. His tone was drenched in amusement. “Damn, Ly, why are you so mean to me?”

ㅤㅤShe shot him a deadpan look, unimpressed. “Because you deserve it.”

ㅤㅤJJ huffed, pressing a hand to his chest. “Damn, Ly, straight to the heart.”

ㅤㅤLyra just rolled her eyes, ignoring him in favor of glaring at John B.

ㅤㅤ“I wasn’t macking on her, okay?” John B. defended, his voice taking on an edge of frustration. “I was using her for access.”

ㅤㅤLyra didn’t even hesitate—her hand dipped down, fingers curling around a nearby pebble before flicking it straight at John B’s shoulder. The rock hit with a soft thunk, making him jolt.

ㅤㅤHe turned, eyes narrowing. “Lyra!”

ㅤㅤShe arched a brow, her expression blank but her eyes sharp. “Real mature, John B.,” she said, her voice dripping in unimpressed disapproval.

ㅤㅤJJ, still recovering from his fake injury, was watching her with an entirely different expression. He tilted his head, lips twitching. Lyra all pissed off? Adorable. “There was access, all right,” he mused aloud, his tone thick with innuendo. He didn’t even have time to blink before another pebble launched through the air, this time smacking him directly on the shin.

ㅤㅤJJ let out a dramatic yelp, jerking upright as his leg shot forward on instinct. “Son of a—” He cut himself off, mouth dropping open as he gaped at her, clutching his shin like he’d been mortally wounded. “Mi amor, what the hell?!”

ㅤㅤLyra didn’t flinch. “Maybe if you stopped running your mouth, you wouldn’t get hit.”

ㅤㅤJJ stared at her, still frozen mid-hop on one foot, like he couldn’t believe she had actually done that. But instead of being mad, his grin stretched wider, something fond curling in his expression. “Okay,” he mused, settling back down onto the log beside her. “Kinda hot when you’re all riled up like this.”

ㅤㅤLyra shot him a sharp glare. “Shut up.”

ㅤㅤJJ just smirked. “Make me.”

ㅤㅤShe let out a sharp exhale, muttering under her breath, but he caught the ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

ㅤㅤMeanwhile, Kiara was seething. “You let a Kook in on our secret?” she repeated, voice rising, her hands clenched into fists.

ㅤㅤJohn B. groaned, already tired. “Kie—”

ㅤㅤ“Unbelievable,” she snapped. “What about Pogue Lyf? What about the T-shirt company, bro?”

ㅤㅤLyra’s patience was wearing thin. The feud between Kiara and Sarah had been festering for a long time.

ㅤㅤJJ must’ve noticed it too because he nudged Pope with his elbow. “What did she do to you exactly?” he asked, his curiosity cutting through the tension.

ㅤㅤKiara scoffed, her jaw clenching. “She’s like a spitting cobra,” she started, words dripping in acid. “First, she—she blinds you, and then—”

ㅤㅤ“This is a bad analogy,” Pope muttered.

ㅤㅤLyra closed her eyes briefly, exhaling through her nose. This was going nowhere. “Guys, enough!” she finally said, her voice sharp enough to slice through the noise.

ㅤㅤKiara’s mouth snapped shut.

ㅤㅤThe fire crackled, the heat licking at Lyra’s skin as she looked between her two best friends, exhausted. “Are y’all done?” she asked, her tone edged with impatience. “Whether you’re using Sarah for ‘access’ and ‘information’ or not? Which is, by the way, John B., a low blow. Even for you.” Then she turned to Kiara, her voice softer but no less firm. “And Kie, as much as you hate to admit it, we’re both Kooks.”

ㅤㅤKiara flinched, like she wanted to deny it.

ㅤㅤLyra didn’t let her. “Besides,” she pressed on, “you’re letting your past with Sarah cloud your judgment. Remember when the three of us were friends?”

ㅤㅤKiara’s face twisted, her throat bobbing. “Used to be friends, Lyra,” she muttered, voice tight. “Not anymore. Not after what she did. Just listen to me! Whatever we get, she’s going to try to take.”

ㅤㅤSilence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating.

ㅤㅤThe tension didn’t break—it just settled like an uncomfortable weight in the air.

ㅤㅤLyra rubbed a hand over her face, the exhaustion creeping into her bones. She had just made a truce with Kiara, and now, they were right back to this.

ㅤㅤJJ, who had been watching the whole exchange with mild amusement, suddenly bumped his knee against hers.

ㅤㅤLyra glanced at him, arching a brow.

ㅤㅤ“You good?” he murmured, his voice quiet enough that only she could hear.

ㅤㅤLyra hesitated as she sighed. “Yeah.”

ㅤㅤJJ didn’t look convinced. His gaze lingered on her, scanning her face like he was trying to decipher something before his lips curled into something softer, more teasing than serious. “You sure?” he asked, leaning in slightly, voice dropping just enough to send a shiver down her spine. “Because I think you just like throwing things at me.”

ㅤㅤLyra scoffed, looking away. “You deserve it,”

ㅤㅤJJ smirked, nudging her foot under the log. “Maybe. But damn, Ly, if you wanted my attention, you could’ve just asked.”

ㅤㅤLyra tilted her head, letting her eyes flick down just for a second before meeting his gaze again. Her lips curled. “And if I did?” she mused.

ㅤㅤFor once, he was caught off guard.

ㅤㅤLyra only smirked wider. “Looking forward to it?” she echoed before standing, brushing her hands off like she hadn’t just wrecked his brain.

ㅤㅤJJ just sat there, watching her go, before huffing out a laugh. “Yeah, okay. I’m so screwed.”

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

ㅤㅤThe atmosphere at the Hawk’s Nest was thick with tension, the air heavy with the promise of an approaching storm. Thunder rumbled in the distance, a low growl that sent vibrations through the worn wooden planks beneath them. Still visibly upset, Kiara sat a few feet away, engaged in hushed conversation with Pope, her expression tight with unspoken frustration. Meanwhile, JJ hummed an unfamiliar tune, his fingers drumming lazily against his knee, while Lyra sat beside him in silence, her eyes fixed on the stars that were slowly being swallowed by the rolling storm clouds.

ㅤㅤMinutes had passed since John B. left for the tower to meet Sarah—minutes that stretched like an eternity in the growing quiet. Not once had Lyra and Kiara exchanged a single word.

ㅤㅤKiara had anticipated Lyra’s defense of Sarah the moment John B. mentioned the Kook princess’s name. She had watched as Lyra and Sarah grew closer, their friendship solidifying in ways that made Kiara feel like an outsider. She had always wondered how Lyra truly felt when Sarah didn’t invite her to her birthday party. Did she feel the same sense of betrayal Kiara had? And more importantly, how would Lyra react if she ever found out what Kiara had done?

ㅤㅤThe storm’s wind whispered against them, rustling through the trees, but JJ’s voice cut through the uneasy quiet. He was animated, recounting his latest run-in with Rafe and Kelce, grinning as he gestured wildly. His words tumbled out fast and eager, trying to draw some amusement out of his friends. But the moment was shattered by a sudden, loud thud that echoed through the night.

ㅤㅤKiara’s head snapped up, her body tensing. “Wait, do you guys hear that?” she asked, her voice urgent as she signaled for the others to be quiet.

ㅤㅤA second later, a cry pierced the air. A voice, high and desperate. “Please, somebody help!”

ㅤㅤThe four of them bolted from the Twinkie, their feet pounding against the ground, their breaths sharp as they followed the sound. The shadows of the tower loomed ahead, its dark silhouette stark against the stormy sky. As they neared, the scene unfolded like something out of a nightmare.

ㅤㅤSarah was crouched beside John B’s unmoving body, her hands shaking, her face twisted in fear and helplessness. The girl who always seemed composed, who carried herself with regal confidence, now looked utterly lost.

ㅤㅤPope reached them first. His sharp gaze darted between Sarah’s stricken expression and John B’s limp form. His stomach clenched as adrenaline flooded his system. “What happened?” he demanded, his voice taut with urgency.

ㅤㅤTears welled in Sarah’s eyes, her breath hitching. “I don’t know what to do!” she choked out, panic thick in her voice. “He needs help. Topper, he—he pushed him.”

ㅤㅤLyra dropped to her knees beside John B, her hands trembling only slightly as she pressed her fingers against his wrist. She barely registered Sarah’s distressed cries—her focus was solely on the boy in front of her. A tense beat passed before she felt it—a pulse, faint but steady. Relief bloomed in her chest, but it was fleeting.

ㅤㅤ“He’s alive,” she announced, her voice firm, cutting through the panic. “But we need to get him to a hospital. Now!”

ㅤㅤSarah let out a strangled sob, her hands curling into fists as if trying to hold herself together. Across from them, Kiara and JJ stood frozen, their expressions ghostly pale in the flickering light. JJ’s usual bravado had been knocked from him, his lips slightly parted in shock. Kiara looked like she wanted to scream, her body vibrating with emotion she couldn’t quite put into words.

ㅤㅤSarah’s cries filled the air, mixing with the distant rumble of thunder. The weight of the moment pressed down on them all, a suffocating urgency that left no room for hesitation.

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

ㅤㅤThe following day, Lyra sat by Sarah’s side, anxiously waiting for John B. to get better at the hospital. Lyra sat rigidly in her chair, arms crossed over her chest, her foot tapping against the sterile white floor. Across from her, Sarah sat hunched over, her fingers twisting nervously around the sleeve of her hoodie. 

ㅤㅤKate and Adrian had arrived earlier, their presence bringing a warmth that Lyra hadn’t realized she needed until she saw them. Her mother had immediately rushed to John B.’s side, her touch light as she brushed the hair from his forehead. “Oh, sweetheart,” Kate had murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “You scared the hell out of us.”

ㅤㅤAdrian had stood at the foot of the bed, arms crossed, his face unreadable. But Lyra knew her father too well—knew that beneath the stoic front, he was battling the same helplessness she felt. He had watched over John B. the same way he watched over Lyra when she was sick as a child, like he was willing to take on every ounce of pain if it meant sparing him from it.

ㅤㅤ“We were hoping if you want to live with us?” Adrian had said, his voice firm but kind. “You don’t have to do this alone, kid.”

ㅤㅤJohn B., still groggy, had blinked up at them. “You’d do that? You’d really take me in?” His voice was hoarse, almost disbelieving.

ㅤㅤKate scoffed, shaking her head. “Of course we would. You’re family to us, John B. We’re actually sorry that it took us so long to ask you, we should’ve stepped in sooner.” Her voice cracked slightly at the end, and Lyra saw the guilt in her mother’s eyes.

ㅤㅤBefore John B. could answer, the door opened, and Ward Cameron stepped inside. The moment he did, the room’s warmth seemed to vanish, replaced by an underlying tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

ㅤㅤWard was composed, his expression carefully arranged into something between concern and authority. “I want to do right by the boy,” he announced, his tone smooth, practiced. “Given the… circumstances, it only makes sense that he stays with us.”

ㅤㅤKate’s expression immediately darkened, her posture shifting as if she were preparing for battle. “With you?” she repeated, her voice calm, but there was an edge to it—a warning.

ㅤㅤWard nodded, glancing toward John B. as if he already knew he had won. “I can provide him with everything he needs. Stability. A home. Security.”

ㅤㅤAdrian’s jaw tensed. “What, you think we couldn’t provide what John B. needs?”

ㅤㅤWard’s lips curved slightly, something unreadable flashing behind his eyes. “I don’t doubt that, Adrian. But he’s with Sarah when the incident happened, and he’s my former employee. And I think that matters.”

ㅤㅤKate stepped forward, standing firmly between Ward and John B.’s bed. “We’ve known John B. since he was a child, Ward. He’s no stranger to us. We were friends with his father. John B. grew up with our children. He’s practically family.” Her voice was steady, unwavering, but there was an undercurrent of something fierce beneath it. 

ㅤㅤWard exhaled through his nose, his smirk faltering for the briefest moment. “I understand that, Kate, but this isn’t about the past. It’s about what’s best for him now.”

ㅤㅤJohn B. stirred then, forcing himself to sit up despite the obvious pain it caused. He looked between them all, his gaze finally landing on Ward. “I think I should stay with him.”

ㅤㅤThe words hit Lyra like a slap, and from the way Kate inhaled sharply beside her, she knew her mother felt the same. 

ㅤㅤ“John B., are you sure?” Lyra asked.

ㅤㅤ“Yes, I’m sure.”

ㅤㅤAdrian didn’t argue. He simply nodded, though his disappointment was evident in the way his shoulders slumped slightly. “If that’s what you want,” he said, his voice quieter now.

ㅤㅤKate, however, wasn’t done. She stepped closer to Ward, meeting his gaze without hesitation. “Ward, if anything happens to John B. while he’s under your supervision, I’ll hold you responsible.” There was no room for argument in her voice, only promise.

ㅤㅤWard held up his hands, that same smug, practiced expression still in place. “Of course.”

ㅤㅤAs the parents left, Lyra lingered, her arms still crossed tightly over her chest. She turned to John B., her voice low. “You could’ve moved in with us.”

ㅤㅤJohn B. sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. “I know, and I appreciate your parents’ care for me, but… I have to do this, Ly. I need to figure things out my way.”

ㅤㅤLyra’s jaw tightened, but she forced herself to nod. “Just don’t let him make you think you owe him anything,” she warned, softer this time.

ㅤㅤJohn B. gave her a small, tired smile. “I won’t.”

ㅤㅤShe let out a breath, nodding before turning toward Sarah, who had been silent this entire time. Lyra gestured toward the hallway. “Come on,” she muttered. “Let’s talk.”

ㅤㅤOnce they stepped into the hallway, Sarah exhaled, rubbing her hands over her face. “I know what you’re gonna say,” she muttered, leaning against the wall.

ㅤㅤLyra crossed her arms. “Do you?”

ㅤㅤSarah sighed. “You think I’m making a mistake.”

ㅤㅤLyra studied her for a moment before shaking her head. “No. I think you’re making a choice. I just want to know why.”

ㅤㅤSarah hesitated, then met Lyra’s gaze. “Because I like him,” she admitted. “And because I know what I’m doing.” Her voice didn’t waver. “This isn’t about rebelling against my dad or trying to prove a point. It’s just… him. It’s always been him.”

ㅤㅤLyra searched her face for any doubt, any hesitation, but found none. “You sure?”

ㅤㅤSarah nodded. “Yeah. I’m sure.”

ㅤㅤLyra let out a breath, her arms loosening slightly. “Then that’s all that matters.”

━━━━━━ ◦ ❖ ◦ ━━━━━━

ㅤㅤAfter Sarah left the hospital room, the air shifted. The space she left behind still felt heavy with unspoken words, tension lingering like the scent of antiseptic in the air.

ㅤㅤLyra remained seated in the chair beside John B.’s bed, her arms crossed as she studied him. He looked exhausted, the weight of everything pressing down on him even as he tried to play it off.

ㅤㅤFor a while, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the quiet hum of hospital machines and the faint murmurs of nurses in the hallway.

ㅤㅤIt was John B. who finally broke the silence. “So… what did you and Sarah talk about?”

ㅤㅤLyra tilted her head, watching him carefully. “She really cares about you.” She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “And I can see that you care about her, too.”

ㅤㅤJohn B. didn’t deny it. He just stared up at the ceiling for a long moment before huffing out a breath. “This is gonna get messy, isn’t it?”

ㅤㅤLyra snorted. “Oh, you have no idea.”

ㅤㅤThat actually got a real laugh out of him—brief, tired, but real. John B. turned his head to look at her, his usual smirk creeping back, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You sticking around to play referee, Ly?”

ㅤㅤLyra rolled her eyes. “As if I have a choice.”

ㅤㅤShe hesitated for a beat before continuing, voice quieter this time. “John B… you gotta be honest with everyone. Sarah might be unofficially part of the group now, and I am happy with that, but if she finds out you told everyone you were just using her…” She trailed off, watching as guilt flickered across his face.

ㅤㅤJohn B. sighed, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah. I know.” His voice was rough, like the words tasted bitter.

ㅤㅤLyra’s gaze softened slightly. “Don’t break each other’s hearts, JB,” she said, the weight of her words settling between them.

ㅤㅤJohn B. let out another breath, his lips twitching into a small, wry smile. “We’ll try.”

ㅤㅤLater that day, at the Château, JJ and Pope sat outside, tossing small rocks at an empty beer can while waiting for their friends to arrive. The conversation had been light, mostly about John B.’s latest bad decisions, but then it shifted.

ㅤㅤPope leaned back, resting on his elbows. “You and Lyra good?”

ㅤㅤJJ froze for half a second before shrugging. “Yeah. Why wouldn’t we be?”

ㅤㅤPope raised a brow. “I don’t know. Maybe because you two have been acting weird as hell around each other.”

ㅤㅤJJ scoffed. “We always act weird.”

ㅤㅤ“Not like this,” Pope countered. “You get all tense when she’s around, man.”

ㅤㅤJJ picked up a rock and hurled it at the can, missing by a mile. He scowled. “Maybe she’s the one acting weird.”

ㅤㅤPope gave him a pointed look. “Uh-huh.”

ㅤㅤJJ rolled his eyes, dragging a hand through his hair. “Dude, just drop it.”

ㅤㅤPope studied him for a moment before smirking. “You know, for someone who claims to see her like a sister, you sure as hell notice everything she does.”

ㅤㅤJJ opened his mouth to argue, but no words came out. Because Pope was right. He noticed the way Lyra always chewed on the inside of her cheek when she was thinking too hard. He noticed how she always tapped her fingers against her knee when she got restless. He noticed everything.

ㅤㅤNearly an hour bled by, punctuated only by the impatient tapping of Lyra’s foot, until Kiara arrived. And finally, John B. and Sarah arrived, and Kiara’s face slammed shut with icy disapproval.

ㅤㅤLyra perched precariously on the armrest, her body nestled into the crook of JJ’s arm. The air on the veranda crackled with tension as the rest of the gang settled in. John B. and Sarah relaxed into the cushions of the long couch. Kiara, a caged tigress, paced back and forth, her movements mirroring the storm brewing in her eyes. Pope, ever the observer, sat on the high stool at JJ’s left, a silent sentinel in the gathering storm.

ㅤㅤ“No effing way! You brought her here? So what, she’s in on this now?” Kiara’s voice cut through the night like a whip.

ㅤㅤJohn B. was at a loss for words and turned to JJ, Pope, and Lyra for help. “I dunno,” Pope replied with a shrug.

ㅤㅤJJ exhaled sharply through his nose. “Look, all I care about is her cut comes out of your share.” He uncrossed his arms from around Lyra, a subtle shift that spoke volumes, and jabbed a finger toward Sarah first, then John B.

ㅤㅤLyra chewed on her lower lip, caught between loyalty and practicality. “Well, Sarah got us the map…” Her words trailed off as she reached for JJ’s hand, her fingers idly tracing the patterns on his rings. A secret smile played on the new couple’s lips, a silent language only they understood.

ㅤㅤKiara’s gaze snapped to her. “You know, I don’t remember taking a vote. This is our thing. A Pogue thing.”

ㅤㅤPope, voicing the unease gnawing at him, spoke up. “I gotta say, I’m just a tad uncomfortable with all of this.” Relief washed over Kiara’s face. “Thank you!” she exclaimed.

ㅤㅤ“When are you not uncomfortable?” John B. fired back, eyebrow arched.

ㅤㅤPope defended himself, “I dunno, I rode here on the back of JJ’s bike pretty comfortably.”

ㅤㅤJJ added, “It’s true. The most relaxed I’ve ever seen him.” He grinned, a playful glint in his eyes.

ㅤㅤ“That’s cute, guys,” John B. deadpanned, his tone anything but amused.

ㅤㅤThen, her attention landed back on Sarah, her glare sharper than shattered glass. “You know, we were all extremely comfortable until you brought her,” she drawled, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness that masked a bitter edge.

ㅤㅤLyra, already dreading the coming storm, let out a weary sigh. Sarah’s facade crumbled—her temper flared, a wildfire erupting in her eyes. “Stop talking about me like I’m not here!” she roared, her voice trembling in the tense silence.

ㅤㅤKiara simply folded her arms. “Then leave.”

ㅤㅤSarah scoffed, a harsh bark of a sound. She whipped around, her back stiff with fury, and threw her words like daggers at John B. “I told you,” she said.

ㅤㅤBut Kiara wasn’t having it. “Told him what, exactly? That you’re a liar?” She lunged verbally, her voice dripping with venomous sarcasm.

ㅤㅤSarah’s rage, a monstrous beast kept at bay, finally erupted. “No,” she spat, “that you’re a shit-talking bitch!”

ㅤㅤLyra’s jaw slackened as Sarah’s tirade continued, a torrent of insults laced with enough venom to fell a lesser opponent. Meanwhile, JJ, the ever-opportunistic gambler, reached into his pocket. A sly grin spread across his face as he peeled off some bills, a silent bet placed with Pope on who would emerge victorious from this verbal brawl.

ㅤㅤBut Lyra wasn’t just a bystander. She had reached her breaking point. She lifted her head, eyes flashing with something sharp and dangerous. “For God’s sake, enough!”

ㅤㅤEveryone’s eyes darted to her.

ㅤㅤKiara turned her fury on her next. “Oh, of course, Saint Lyra steps in to play peacemaker!” she sneered, the words laced with something bitter. “That’s all you do, isn’t it? Sit pretty on the fence, waiting to see which side benefits you the most?”

ㅤㅤLyra let out a humorless laugh, shaking her head. “That’s rich coming from you, didn’t you only befriend the boys again just because you have no friends left in Kook Academy? You’re pissed that Sarah’s here? Grow up, Kie.”

ㅤㅤKiara’s lips curled. “And you think you have the right to talk? After the unholy shit you did with Rafe?” she shrieked.

ㅤㅤThe words hit like a physical blow, and Lyra felt like the breath had been knocked from her lungs. It wasn’t just the accusation—it was the sheer cruelty behind it. 

ㅤㅤSarah jolted in her seat, “Kiara! That was low, even for you,” she declared, her voice slicing through the tension like a sharpened blade. The corners of her mouth tightened, a subtle twitch revealing her disdain, while her brow slightly furrowed, framing her intensity.

ㅤㅤJJ’s grip gently tightened around her waist instinctively. Pope’s head snapped toward Kiara, his mouth opening slightly as if to say something, but nothing came out. Even John B. looked uncomfortable, shifting in his seat.

ㅤㅤLyra blinked rapidly. Not because she was going to cry—she wouldn’t give Kiara that satisfaction, but because she needed to keep the sudden wave of emotion at bay. Then she scoffed. A cold, disbelieving sound. “That’s what you’re going with? That’s the best thing you can do?” Lyra’s voice was razor-sharp, cutting through the tension like a blade.

ㅤㅤKiara’s arms crossed tighter over her chest, but she hesitated.

ㅤㅤLyra stepped out of JJ’s hold before she even realised she was moving, the warmth of his arms vanishing like a dream shaken off too early. Her legs felt heavier than they should’ve, like her past was dragging behind her, ankle-chained and screaming.

ㅤㅤ“I was fifteen!” she said, and the words came out like a confession etched into stone. Her voice didn’t break—but God, it wanted to. Her chest ached with the weight of it, the echo of old shame still clinging like smoke in her lungs. “I did something stupid. I regretted it. I regret it.”

ㅤㅤShe looked up at Kiara then, no fire in her eyes—just the dull, bruised quiet of someone who’d run out of ways to explain a scar. “I know it doesn’t erase it,” she said. “But I never lied about it. I never looked someone in the eye and pretended my hands were clean.” She took a breath and tried to steady the tremor in her voice. It didn’t work.

ㅤㅤ“But how many times,” she asked, more broken now, “how many times do you have to use it against me?” The words felt too big for the room, like they echoed off the walls and bounced back sharper than they left her mouth.

ㅤㅤLyra’s heart pounded against her ribs. Her throat burned. She blinked hard against the sudden sting in her eyes. “Maybe sorry will never be enough,” she whispered. “But it’s all I have.” And she meant it. Every syllable, soaked in the kind of remorse that lingers in your bones long after everyone else forgets what you did.

ㅤㅤShe let that linger—for a beat too long—before adding, quieter still, but with something steel-edged beneath the softness. “I know it’ll take time for you to forgive me, and that’s fine with me. Because, unlike you… I’ll never hold it against you.” 

ㅤㅤThat was the truth, sharp and clean as glass. She could hate herself all she wanted, but she’d never use someone else’s wounds as a weapon.

ㅤㅤWith Lyra’s words, Kiara’s expression twisted, offence flaring hot across her face. “You think you’re the victim in this? You think—”

ㅤㅤ“Everybody shut up!” John B. yelled.

ㅤㅤOnce John B. had everyone’s attention, he made a shocking statement, calling Kiara his best friend and then revealing that Sarah Cameron is now his girlfriend. His words sparked an immediate reaction, with everyone sharing their opinions and thoughts on the matter. 

ㅤㅤKiara, who had mentioned that John B was just using Sarah for information, listened to him talk in sappy and cringeworthy confessions. She then demands that John B. choose between her and Sarah.

ㅤㅤTo everyone’s surprise, John B. said, “Both.”

 ㅤㅤThe defiance in Kiara’s eyes flickered, replaced by a profound hurt that mirrored the tremor in her lower lip. Without another word, she spun on her heel and stormed out, slamming the door with a heavy thud that echoed through the stunned silence. A heavy silence that Sarah, too, couldn’t bear. Rising slowly, she cast a single, lingering glance at John B. before leaving behind a room teetering on the precipice of a storm.

 ㅤㅤJJ shot a piercing look at John B as he spoke, “I’d just like to say you handled that beautifully,”

 ㅤㅤTears welled at the edges of Lyra’s eyelids, threatening to spill like rain down a cracked windowpane. But she clenched her jaw, blinking them back, preventing them from flowing into her face. 

ㅤㅤThis wasn’t the time.

ㅤㅤLyra inhaled deeply, blinking away the sting behind her eyes. She needed to get out of there. 

ㅤㅤPope, usually the voice of reason, just shifted uncomfortably on his stool, eyes darting anywhere but at her. John B. looked torn but said nothing, his lips pressing into a tight line like he was trying to rationalize the entire situation instead of reacting to the obvious cruelty.

ㅤㅤAnd JJ was silent.

ㅤㅤIt was like a punch to the gut.

ㅤㅤHer fingers curled into tight fists at her sides. She didn’t even realize she was holding her breath, waiting—hoping—that at least one of them would step in. That JJ, Pope, or even John B. would say something.

ㅤㅤAnything.

ㅤㅤBut the silence stretched on.

ㅤㅤFine. She got the message loud and clear.

ㅤㅤThe lump in her throat burned as she turned on her heel. “I gotta go. Just keep me posted.” Her voice was tight, like a rubber band stretched too thin, ready to snap. And then she left.

ㅤㅤNo one stopped her.

ㅤㅤNo one followed.

ㅤㅤNot even JJ.

ㅤㅤThe disappointment sat heavy in her chest, weighing down every step as she walked away from the Château, away from the people she thought had her back. She wasn’t expecting a full-blown argument in her defense, but not even a single word? Not a single glance of concern?

ㅤㅤHer feet moved on autopilot, carrying her toward her bike, but her mind was stuck back there—back in that suffocating silence, in the absence of the people she thought would always stand by her.

ㅤㅤMeanwhile, back at the Château.

ㅤㅤ“What’d she say?”

ㅤㅤWithout hesitation, Pope responds with an air of nonchalance. “That you’re an idiot.”

ㅤㅤJJ, grabbing a beer from the counter, slammed it shut with a force that echoed the turmoil in the room. “It’s a no-brainer. You’re picking Kie.”

ㅤㅤJohn B. ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident. “I can’t make a decision.”

ㅤㅤJJ scoffed. “Well, what about Lyra?”

ㅤㅤPope and John B. exchanged a glance. “Why is that even a question? Of course, Lyra’s in,” John B. said.

ㅤㅤJJ exhaled sharply. “I don’t know, man. After what just happened, I have a feeling she wouldn’t want to be.”

ㅤㅤPope sighed. “Do you think she’ll ghost us again?”

ㅤㅤJJ clenched his jaw. “I’d rather have that than have her do something she might regret later.”

ㅤㅤThen John B. straightened. “I’ve got a plan. And you two shitheads are going to help me out.”
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

•─────⋅☾ 𝔫𝔶𝔵 ☽⋅─────•

gosh, i so love teen drama.

happy reading!