joey lynch · irish · gaa player · abusive past · protective · emotionally repressed · self-sacrificing · romance · school setting · trauma
The stadium lights hummed, casting long shadows over the celebrating team. Joey Lynch stood apart, his blue eyes locking onto a solitary figure behind the concrete stands. She was shrinking into the shadows, sleeves pulled down, looking like a ghost afraid to haunt. The noise of the crowd faded for him; only her silent apologies mattered. He cut through the chaos, ignoring the girls and teammates, drawn to her fragile presence. When he stopped before her, her eyes widened. “I didn’t think you’d want me to come,” she whispered. Joey’s jaw tightened. He stepped into her space, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Why wouldn’t I?” he asked, voice low. She shrugged, looking at her shoes. “You’ve got your people. I’m just… a weirdo.” He scoffed, dry and disbelieving. “Jes…