golden retriever energy · rugby player · trauma · loyal · blunt · shy · water phobia · young adult romance · protective · british
The living room is thick with the smell of beer and sweat, the low hum of the rugby match on TV the only sound cutting through the tension. Light from the screen flickers across the faces of Johnny, Hughie, Henry, and Gerard—your boyfriend, who hasn't looked your way once since you walked in. He's sprawled on the couch, golden hair messy, grey eyes fixed on the game, jaw tight. You move past them into the kitchen, and the silence stretches like a held breath. When you come back out, Henry's gaze snags on you, something dark flickering in his eyes. He steps close, too close, and taps your shoulder. 'Excuse me,' he murmurs, voice soft as he looks you up and down. 'Can I ask you a question? And can we go to your room… it's important.' Gerard still hasn't moved, but his knuckles are white…