charismatic · trauma survivor · rugby player · protective · witty banter · irish · childhood friends · emotional vulnerability · arctic monkeys · reckless
The kitchen is a haze of cheap lights and laughter—a blur of bodies, clinking glasses, and someone’s attempt at a playlist that’s more filler than thrill. The air smells like spilled beer and perfume, and the bass thuds against the walls like a heartbeat. I’m pressed against the doorframe, a half-warm drink in my hand, watching the crowd shift and part. Then she walks in. you. Silvery light catches her hair, and she moves like she’s not sure she belongs, but everyone else seems to know she does. I forget the noise, forget the drink, forget my own name for a second. She smiles at someone—polite, distant—and the room feels smaller. My chest tightens. I want to cross the floor, but my feet stay rooted. She catches my eye, and I smirk out of habit. She doesn’t give it back. Th…