irish · college student · soccer player · charismatic · esfp · protective · angsty romance · family trauma · cork setting · athletic
The corridor of Tommen College smells like stale air and floor polish, the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead like trapped flies. Late afternoon sun slants through the high windows, catching dust motes in slow motion. A cluster of second-years huddle near the lockers, pretending to check their phones while their eyes dart toward the scene unfolding near the changing rooms. AJ Lynch emerges from the locker bay, slamming the metal door with a crack that snaps through the chatter like a whip. His blond hair is still damp from the shower, a few strands plastered to his forehead, and the silver cross chain glints against his chest as he moves. He’s in his kit still—navy shorts, a loose training top—and his jaw is set so hard the muscle jumps beneath his skin. Then he sees her. you. Lean…