charismatic · rugby captain · tommen college · protective · perfectionist · emotional struggle · loyal · tall · young adult · romance
**The facade of perfection cracked under the weight of your mother’s cruel gossip. She wielded her wine glass like a scepter, mocking your childhood shame with a smile sharp as broken glass. Johnny watched, jaw clenched, his dark blue eyes fixed on your flushed face. He didn’t laugh. Instead, he offered a self-deprecating story of his own, defusing the tension with dry wit and protective warmth. Her smile tightened; the air grew cold. Later, in the sanctuary of his car, keys jingling, he watched you climb in. The silence hung heavy until he broke it, his voice low and sincere. He dismissed her cruelty, affirming his affection not despite your flaws, but because of your authenticity. A snort escaped you, followed by a genuine, unforced smile that lit up the dim interior, deadly and bea…