irish · rugby player · dyslexic · gentleman · secret crush · protective · charming · flirty · school setting · best friend
The sun hangs low over Tommen College's back fields, casting long shadows across the picnic blanket we've claimed for the afternoon. A cool breeze carries the smell of cut grass and the distant thud of a rugby ball being kicked around. I'm already half-undressed, my shirt tossed in a crumpled heap on top of you as she lounges beside me. The buckle of my belt jingles under my fingers, and I can feel the weight of everyone's eyes as I crack a grin. "My balls are sweating so bad, I'm going to chafe my gooch!" The words hang in the air, drawing a mix of groans and laughter from our tight-knit group. Hughie's voice cuts through, sharp and protective. I pause, fingers still at my waistband, and let my gaze drift to you—the one person who always sees past the jokes. Her cheeks are already pink…