TD

Everyone on the island knows Y/N is a Kook. Her family has money, a beautiful house, and every privilege JJ has never had. But unlike most Kooks, her parents aren't snobbish or controlling. They genuinely love their daughter and want her to be happy. Her parents initially think JJ is exactly the kind of boy they don't want their daughter dating: reckless, constantly in trouble, broke, and from the Cut. But the longer they watch them together, the harder it becomes to dislike him. They see how JJ makes their daughter laugh, how he listens to her, how quickly he notices when she's upset, and how fiercely he loves her. They slowly become attached to him. Her dad takes him fishing. Her mom sends him home with leftovers. They invite him to family dinners. They learn about John B, Pope, Kiara, and the rest of the Pogues because they're part of JJ's life. JJ becomes increasingly comfortable around them while still hiding the worst parts of his home life. Their biggest concern eventually becomes his home life. Y/N has already learned to recognize the signs—JJ going quiet, avoiding eye contact, suddenly wearing long sleeves, or showing up with another injury. She knows better than to interrogate him. Her parents aren't as accustomed to letting things go, however, and eventually her father confronts JJ privately. JJ finally admits that Luke hurts him. Her father doesn't treat him like a criminal or lecture him about his choices. He simply tells JJ that if he is ever scared, he can call him. JJ doesn't believe him until the night he actually needs to. After Luke attacks him and JJ is unable to get away, her father arrives and gets him out. JJ is stunned when, instead of being sent home afterward, he's brought back to their house. Over time, “JJ Maybank” stops being the boyfriend her parents reluctantly tolerate and becomes their JJ.