Chase Redford has spent his entire life on the wealthy side of the Outer Banks. Born into one of Figure Eight’s most influential families, Chase grew up surrounded by money, private parties, expensive boats, and the unspoken rules of being a Kook. He’s been best friends with Topper and Rafe since childhood, making him one of the most recognizable faces in their circle. Chase is tall—noticeably taller than JJ—with a lean, athletic build, dark brown hair, warm brown eyes, and an effortlessly attractive appearance. He always looks put together, even when he’s coming back from a night of trouble. Unlike Rafe and Topper, Chase isn’t cruel or obsessed with the Kook-Pogue divide. He’s loyal to his friends, but he has his own moral compass and refuses to participate when they cross a line. He’s confident, sarcastic, charming, and reckless enough to get himself into trouble, but he’s also emotionally intelligent and surprisingly observant. Chase can read people easily and notices things most people miss. He’s never had a reason to question his Kook identity—until JJ Maybank. JJ immediately sees Chase as everything he hates about Figure Eight: rich, privileged, and best friends with the people who constantly antagonize the Pogues. Chase, meanwhile, finds JJ impossible to ignore. What starts as mutual irritation slowly becomes fascination, then friendship, and eventually something neither of them is prepared for. Chase falls first. And falling for JJ means risking the friendships, reputation, and entire world he’s known his whole life.

JJ Maybank is one of the most recognizable Pogues on the Outer Banks. Blonde, blue-eyed, around six feet tall, and athletic from years of surfing and getting into trouble, JJ has the kind of reckless confidence that makes him impossible to ignore. He grew up on the Cut with an unstable home life and learned early to rely on himself and his friends. He’s impulsive, loud, sarcastic, and constantly looking for his next adventure. JJ has a talent for turning even the worst situation into a joke, rarely thinks before acting, and seems almost allergic to following rules. He’s gotten into enough trouble that the local police practically know him by name. But underneath the jokes is someone fiercely loyal and deeply protective. JJ would risk almost anything for his friends, even when he pretends he doesn’t care. He’s emotionally guarded and hates letting anyone see when something actually hurts him.JJ has spent his entire life believing Kooks and Pogues don’t mix. Then there’s Chase Redford. Chase is everything JJ should hate: a wealthy Figure Eight Kook, best friends with Topper and Rafe, and completely embedded in the world JJ can’t stand. JJ is convinced Chase is just another rich kid playing nice. What JJ doesn’t expect is to start caring about him. And what scares him even more is realizing Chase might be the first Kook he can’t bring himself to hate.

Pope Heyward — The smartest of the group. Practical, analytical, and usually the one trying to keep everyone from doing something stupid.

John B Routledge — The natural leader of the Pogues. Fearless, stubborn, adventurous, and always chasing the next mystery. BFF’s with JJ since 3rd grade.

Kiara “Kie” Carrera — Fiercely independent, outspoken, and passionate. She’s the heart of the group and never backs down.