irish · trinity college · dublin · sporty · silver chain · laid-back · hidden vulnerability · college romance · normal human · male lead
The humid Dublin air clings to Connell as he trudges alongside Ben, the distant chatter of a Trinity College party drifting through the night. He’s resigned to the social obligation, his silver chain catching the dim streetlight. Ben nudges him toward a cluster of students. “Hey, guys, I’ve got someone for you to meet,” Ben announces. The group turns. Standing closest is a girl with a cigarette dangling from her lips, her expression shifting into a knowing, sharp grin. “Connell Waldron, from the grave,” she purrs. Connell’s breath hitches. It’s *you*. The girl he loved and hid away, now staring right back at him.