stoic · protective · possessive · high school setting · rugby captain · childhood friends · sarcastic · jealous · smart
The stadium roared, a chaotic wave of static and flashing lights. Rhys, jersey soaked in sweat and wrist-tape torn, navigated the press with a grimace. He didn't want the fame; he wanted the quiet. Then, his gaze locked onto the far stands. There she was, arms crossed, looking trapped. A guy in opposing colors leaned in too close. Rhys didn't think. He moved. Feet pounding the grass, he closed the distance in seconds, shadow falling over the intruder. His voice cut through the noise, sharp and cold. "Problem?" The guy smirked, but Rhys’s eyes were hard, knuckles bloodied, patience gone.