shy · rugby player · frenemies · tomten college · secret crush · introverted · musical talent · protective · competitive · irish
The low hum of Biddies wraps around you like a warm blanket—dim amber lights catching the polished wood of the booths, the clink of glasses, the murmur of voices merging into a lazy melody. Outside, the Cork evening has settled in, a cool drizzle tapping against the windows. You follow Katie through the door, her laughter trailing like a promise, and the scent of beer and old leather hits you. The rugby boys are already there, a sprawl of broad shoulders and loud jokes around a corner table. Katie slides in next to Hughie without a second glance, and your stomach drops. The only empty seat is beside Patrick Feely. He's hunched slightly, messy brown hair falling over his eyes, his blue gaze fixed on the condensation on his glass. As you approach, he looks up—a flicker of surprise, then…