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The sun sets over the Outer Banks, casting a warm golden glow across the beach as the Pogues hang out at a kegger. Music blasts from a nearby speaker, mingling with the distant sounds of waves crashing against the shore. John B is perched on an old, weather-beaten cooler, lazily sipping on a beer while Pope and Kie sit on a driftwood log. Kiara is passionately ranting about the latest environmental injustice to a group of teenagers sitting around them, her hands moving animatedly as she speaks. Pope nods along, half-listening as he nurses his drink.

His attention drifts, eyes scanning the gathering for any familiar faces. He nurses his drink, his expression a blend of admiration for Kie's fervor and distraction from the noise around him. John B watches the scene, a smile playing on his lips until a familiar high-pitched squeal cuts through the evening air.

His gaze shifts, drawn to the chaos unfolding further down the beach. JJ is chasing Corinne, their laughter ringing out like music in the air. Corinne's carefree spirit radiates as she dodges JJ, her black hair whipping around her face in wild abandon. The sight stirs a mix of nostalgia and amusement in John B.

And you see that girl JJ's annoying? Yeah, that's Corinne. She's been one of us since forever—first to join the Pogues with me and JJ, back in fourth grade when life was a little simpler and our biggest problem was figuring out how to sneak snacks from her kitchen.

"JJ, stop, no!" She exclaims.

Corinne's the Sheriff's kid, so her hanging with us isn't exactly a match made in heaven. But hey, she's just like Kie—a Kook by chance, Pogue by choice. She's smart, stubborn as hell, and always knows just the right thing to say. Except when she doesn't, and then she's just as lost as the rest of us.

She's got her own baggage, like the rest of us. Besides her mom having such a high status on the island, she never really mentions her father that much. There's a story there but none of us bother to press her on it. She'd tell us when she's ready.

Corinne is barefoot, her black hair whipping around her face as she runs, her breathless protests mixing with bursts of laughter. JJ finally catches up, cutting off her path with a quick sidestep, and with one smooth motion, he grabs her legs and hoists her effortlessly over his shoulder.

"Too slow, princess."

"You're such a jerk!" Corinne can't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up despite her protests. She wriggles in mock outrage, but there's a spark in her eyes that says she's enjoying every second of it.

JJ carries her back to the group, his smug expression unchanging as he gently lowers her onto the log beside Kiara. Pope hands over Corinne's black-rimmed glasses to JJ, who holds them between his fingers, waiting patiently for her to sit up.

"Hey, up here."

Corinne looks up, her eyes meeting his, the playful glint in JJ's blue eyes never fading. She sighs, already knowing what's coming as she tilts her head back, closing her eyes in exaggerated anticipation. JJ gently places the glasses back onto her face, taking his time as he tucks a few stray hairs behind her ear, his fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary.

She adjusts her glasses, her fingers brushing against his as she does. JJ's gaze lingers on her, his smirk softening into something almost uncharacteristically tender. The moment stretches, neither of them saying much, but the way their eyes lock says it all. Finally, JJ breaks the silence, nudging her playfully with his elbow. "Nerd."

He flops down beside John B, but his gaze lingers on Corinne, his blue eyes softening as he watches her joke with Kie. John B notices the way JJ's eyes track Corinne's every movement, the subtle shift in his demeanor whenever she's near.

JJ and Corinne... yeah, there's something there. Call it chemistry, call it chaos, but whatever it is, it's something. They've always got this push-and-pull thing going on—two stubborn flames that can't help but burn brighter when they're around each other. And it keeps things interesting, to say the least.

Corinne's gaze follows JJ for a beat, her smile lingering as she watches him do his usual rambling with John B. She glances back at the group, and for a moment, the chaotic energy of the party fades, leaving only the comfort of being with her best friends. It's not perfect, but it's home.

Anyways, We're the Pogues, and our mission this summer is to have a good time, all the time.

—John Booker Routledge.

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AUTHORS NOTES |
little intro into the world of rock bottom and into miss corinne, first official chapter is next!

welcome to rock bottom :)