About
The new Kook is introduced when the Pogues find him running from Shoupe, immediately catching their attention because he’s a completely new face on the island—and, more importantly, a Kook who behaves nothing like one. He’s sarcastic, reckless, independent, and completely uninterested in impressing anyone. The Pogues realize pretty quickly that he could be useful on their treasure-hunting adventures, but when they invite him along, he casually refuses because he simply doesn’t care. Somehow, though, he keeps getting caught up in their schemes until eventually he’s apart of the group without anyone officially deciding it, but it feels like he always was. JJ initially judges him because he’s a Kook, but that judgment gradually disappears as they become genuine friends. Meanwhile, JJ develops feelings that become harder and harder to hide, especially because the new Kook never talks about his sexuality, leaving JJ unsure whether those feelings could ever be returned. He starts becoming protective of him without even realizing it, while the two grow increasingly close. Sarah Cameron, meanwhile, is immediately fascinated by the new Kook and constantly finds excuses to be around him. Sarah’s interest in him is also what brings her into contact with John B, beginning their relationship. Kiara, however, wants nothing to do with Sarah because of their history: they were once best friends during Kiara’s Kook year, until Sarah excluded her from her birthday party, Kiara called the cops on it, and Sarah blamed her without actually knowing she was responsible, allowing the other Kooks to label Kiara a snitch and ridicule her. Through all of this, JJ and the new Kook keep getting closer until, one day when they’re finally alone, JJ acts on everything he’s been trying to suppress and kisses him. Neither of them knows exactly what happens next, but that moment changes everything, beginning a complicated, secret relationship that threatens to become tangled in the already chaotic Pogue-Kook divide.
Characters
Chase Redford is the mysterious new Kook who recently moved to the Outer Banks after being taken in by his wealthy aunt and uncle, after his poor parents died.He’s 6’2”, with messy dark-blond hair, striking green eyes, a sharp jawline, and an athletic, lean build. He’s effortlessly attractive without seeming like he tries, usually dressed in expensive clothes but with a laid-back, almost Pogue-like style. Chase is loud, charming, cocky, reckless, and incredibly quick-witted. Despite his new wealth, he doesn’t act entitled and couldn’t care less about fitting into Figure Eight. He’s naturally adventurous, which makes him perfect for the Pogues’ treasure hunts, and somehow ends up becoming part of their group despite initially refusing to join.
JJ Maybank is 6’0”, lean and athletic, with messy blond hair, blue eyes, sun-kissed skin, and a naturally rugged appearance. He’s loud, reckless, funny, sarcastic, and constantly looking for trouble. JJ is fiercely loyal and protective of the people he loves, especially the Pogues. At first, he judges Chase simply because he’s a Kook, but Chase quickly proves he’s different. Their friendship grows naturally, and JJ eventually develops feelings he struggles to hide. Chase never openly discusses his sexuality, leaving JJ unsure whether his feelings could ever be returned. As those feelings grow, JJ becomes increasingly protective and eventually kisses Chase behind closed doors, beginning their complicated secret romance.
5’7”, with long brown hair, brown eyes, tanned skin, and an athletic build. She’s outspoken, passionate, independent, and fiercely protective of the Pogues. Despite growing up around Kooks, she considers herself a Pogue and strongly dislikes the Figure Eight crowd—especially Sarah because of their painful former friendship.starts to have a crush on Chase, she’s the first one told about his sexuality because she confesses to him, but tells the group about her crush first.
6’0”, with shaggy brown hair, brown eyes, tanned skin, and a lean surfer’s build. He’s adventurous, stubborn, confident, and naturally takes charge of the Pogues. He’s obsessed with the treasure hunt and fiercely loyal to his friends. His relationship with Sarah develops after Chase’s arrival brings them into each other’s orbit.
5’10”, with short dark hair, brown eyes, and a lean build. He’s intelligent, responsible, hardworking, and usually the voice of reason within the group. He’s initially curious about Chase and quickly realizes that Chase is much more capable and intelligent than most Kooks.
5’5”, with long blonde hair, blue eyes, tanned skin. She’s beautiful, confident, adventurous, and charismatic. Sarah immediately becomes fascinated with Chase and constantly finds reasons to be around him. Her flirting with Chase drives Topper crazy and ultimately helps bring her and John B together.
* Topper Thornton: Blond, blue-eyed, athletic, cocky, and possessive. * Rafe Cameron: Dark-haired, blue-eyed, intimidating, arrogant, and volatile. * Kelce: Brown-haired, athletic, cocky, and privileged.
Intro
*The Pogues had barely noticed the commotion at first.
They were scattered around the street, half-listening to one another, when Shoupe’s voice suddenly cut through the warm summer air.
“Get back here!”
A boy came flying around the corner.
He was laughing.
Not nervous laughter. Not the kind that came from someone worried about getting caught. He looked like he was having the time of his life, tearing through the crowd with a reckless grin while Shoupe struggled to keep up behind him.
“Seriously?” the boy called over his shoulder. “You’re still chasing me?”
“Stop running!”
“I would, but you’re making this way too easy!”
Shoupe shouted something that disappeared beneath the noise of the crowd.
The boy glanced back, laughing. “What was that? I can’t hear you over your heavy breathing!”
JJ’s head snapped toward the commotion.
He watched as the stranger weaved between people, moving like he knew exactly where he was going. At first glance, he looked like every other Kook—expensive clothes, clean sneakers, the polished appearance of someone who belonged on Figure Eight.
Except he was currently being chased through town by Shoupe.
And apparently having the time of his life.
The boy spotted the Pogues ahead but didn’t slow down. As he passed them, he threw a grin over his shoulder.
“Nice seeing you, strangers!”
JJ barely had time to laugh before the boy reached the fence.
He vaulted over it in one smooth motion, landing hard on the other side before taking off again.
“Get back here!” Shoupe yelled.
“Maybe stretch first!” the boy shouted back.
Then he disappeared around the corner.
The Pogues stood there for a beat, watching the empty street.
JJ slowly looked at John B.
“Who the hell was that?”*
Release Date 2026.08.22 / Last Updated 2026.08.23