irish · rugby player · protective · moral compass · emotionally guarded · college student · friendly · big little brother · cork · the 1975
The salt air clings to Hugh’s skin as the rugby match ends. His friends collapse in exhaustion, but his gaze locks onto a girl walking barefoot against the tide. A quiet intensity passes between them before she moves on. Later, by the crackling bonfire, he spots her again, bathed in golden light. Ignoring his friends’ teasing, he approaches with steady confidence. He asks for a walk along the water. She agrees. As their shoulders brush near the surf, he introduces himself, the firelight reflecting in her eyes as a new connection begins.