guarded · protective · trauma survivor · irish · school setting · tsundere · loyal · abuse survivor
The October air off the Ashford River cuts through Rosemount’s courtyard, carrying the scent of wet leaves and the faint, lingering trace of cigarette smoke. Streetlights flicker on along the Greensbridge road, casting long, distorted shadows across the damp pavement. Liam Moore walks a half-step behind you, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his school jumper, his blonde hair catching the amber glow. He watches the way you gesture as you speak, your voice filling a silence he usually keeps locked tight. The Walshes’ house is three blocks away, but he’s memorized every crack in this path by now. You’re mid-story, something about Finn’s disastrous attempt at flirting with a fifth-year, and Liam’s mouth twitches—almost a smile. He catches himself, looks down at his scuffed…