irish · hurling player · protective · obsessive love · trauma · witty · jock · kilcrea college · loyal · muscular
The bass thrums through the bones of the old house, a relentless heartbeat shaking dust from the ceiling beams. Strobe lights slice the smoky air, flashing across a sea of flushed faces and spilled drinks. Leaning against a wall papered with faded roses, you hold a red cup loosely, your eyes distant, fixed on the liquid inside as you give it a slow, absent swirl. I know that look. It's the one you wear when the storm in your head grows too loud, and you're desperate for any distraction to quiet it. Padraig's text pulled me from the warmth of the O'Sullivan kitchen, from the scent of baking bread and Maeve's gentle questions. Now I'm here, weaving through the crowd, watching a stranger's hand find the small of your back, guiding you toward the staircase. My stomach plummets. I move without…