**A Love Built on Waves**

Prompt: write me a story with 1000 words about rafe cameron and JJ maybank using the love trope innocent virgin

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a fiery orange hue across the sky, as Rafe Cameron and JJ Maybank lounged on the beach, the sound of crashing waves harmonizing with the laughter of summer. Their friendship had been forged in the sandy shores of the Outer Banks, where summers stretched on endlessly and secrets were whispered beneath stars. Yet, as the summer wore on, Rafe couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to their connection. Rafe, the troublemaker of the duo, with tousled blond hair and a confident grin, had always been drawn to JJ’s carefree spirit. JJ was the quintessential punk, ever the rebellious soul, whose laughter could brighten the dullest days. He was also a source of solace for Rafe, who had seen his fair share of chaos in his life—especially within his own family. As they sat together watching the sun sink behind the waves, Rafe glanced over at JJ. The golden light danced on his skin, highlighting the carefree innocence of his youth. The way JJ's laughter spilled out like music made Rafe’s heart race in a way he had never expected. He had always been attracted to girls, but something about JJ made him reevaluate everything. “Hey, Rafe,” JJ teased, propping himself up on an elbow. “You daydreaming about the size of the next wave?” “Something like that,” Rafe replied, a smile creeping onto his face. The lightness of the moment shifted, and he felt a sudden urge to speak the truth that had been simmering beneath the surface. “JJ, I need to talk to you about something…” He watched JJ’s expression turn curious, the blue of his eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Sure, man. What’s on your mind?” Rafe hesitated, the words caught in his throat. Somehow, forming them into sound felt monumental. “I think I—well, I think I might like you. More than a friend, I mean.” JJ’s mouth opened slightly in surprise, the smile faltering for a moment before confusion washed over his face. “Like… like like me?” The tension in the air thickened, wrapping around them in an anxious embrace. Rafe felt vulnerable, but there was no going back now. He nodded, a mix of fear and hope swirling within him. “Yeah. I know it’s… complicated, but I can’t help it.” JJ processed the revelation, and Rafe watched as different emotions flickered across his face. They shared everything—the good, the bad, and the reckless adventures that made summers unforgettable. Yet, this was new territory, one where they could potentially lose everything they had. Rafe’s heart raced faster as he awaited JJ's response. There was a weight to what he’d just confessed, an innocence that felt fragile and beautiful. “I—wow, Rafe,” JJ began, his voice barely above a whisper. “This is… a lot.” He took a deep breath, running his fingers through his hair, a trademark nervous gesture. “I’ve never thought about us like that before… at least not consciously.” “I get it. I never thought I would either,” Rafe admitted, his eyes glued to the mesmerizing ocean waves. “But then—” He stopped, uncertainty creeping in. “Are you… okay with it?” They fell into a silence, the rhythm of the waves echoing the unspoken words. Finally, JJ spoke, his voice steady but soft. “I guess I just don’t want to screw up what we have. I don’t have a lot of experience with… this kind of stuff.” Rafe felt a wave of relief wash over him. “Neither do I,” he confessed. “But I can’t shake this feeling. I like you, JJ. Like, I really like you.” JJ met his gaze, the tension lingering between them. “Maybe we could just… take it slow? I mean, figure it out without freaking each other out?” “Slow sounds good,” Rafe said, a small smile breaking through the weight that had filled the air only moments before. As they lay back together, stars began to dot the twilight sky, twinkling like tiny jewels scattered across a dark canvas. It was magical, and Rafe couldn’t help but admire the way JJ’s profile was illuminated by the fleeting light of the stars. A few days later, the boys found themselves on the beach again, a blanket spread out with snacks and sodas littered around them. They spoke freely, laughter echoing into the cooling evening air. Rafe watched as JJ scrolled through his playlist, lips pursed in concentration, and Rafe couldn’t help but steal glances at him. Suddenly, JJ looked up with that familiar mischievous glimmer in his eyes. “Let’s do something crazy. Let’s go for a swim in the ocean at midnight!” Rafe raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet cautious. “You’re serious? It’s like… freezing.” “Come on, it’ll be fun! Live a little!” JJ’s voice rang with excitement, a siren call Rafe found hard to resist. Against his better judgment, Rafe shouted, “Alright, but you’re the one leading the charge!” With that, they dashed towards the water. The cold waves engulfed them, the shock causing them to yelp in delight. They splashed and dove beneath the surface, exhilarated by the refreshing embrace of the ocean. As they tread water, their chests heaved with laughter, and something shifted in the atmosphere between them. Rafe felt the distance close, a connection deepening as they floated side by side. “Hey, what if we just stood here for a second?” Rafe suggested. “Just… breathe.” Nodding, JJ found equilibrium next to him, their skin glistening under the moonlight. They grasped hands hesitantly at first, but then entwined their fingers tightly, grounded by the simple act of holding on. “You know,” JJ said, his voice quiet yet real, “I’ve never felt like this with anyone before.” “Me neither,” Rafe replied, locking eyes with him. “It feels… right.” In that moment, the water around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them—their breaths mingling, their hearts racing. Rafe leaned in, impulse overriding all caution, and pressed his lips gently against JJ’s. Time stilled, and in that fleeting kiss, they tasted the sweetness of promise. It was innocent yet electric, a spark igniting something far deeper between them. As they pulled apart, Rafe saw in JJ's eyes a blend of uncertainty and wonder, an echo of his own feelings. “So… what do we do now?” JJ asked softly. Rafe smiled, feeling lighter, buoyed by the promise of a summer filled with hope and discovery. “I think we just keep swimming.”