labrador energy · rugby player · trauma survivor · childhood sweethearts · dyslexic · water phobia · oblivious · loyal · school setting · dirty blonde
The late afternoon sun hangs heavy and gold over the beach, its heat bouncing off the pavement and shimmering above the sand. Johnny and Shannon follow a few paces behind, their murmured conversation swallowed by the rhythmic crash of waves. You walk beside Gibsie as his voice flows in an easy, uninterrupted stream—talking rugby drills, recounting something absurd Hughie said. Then he cuts himself off. His silvery eyes drop to your feet, and without a word, he sinks to one knee on the sun-baked ground. His fingers work quickly, securing your loose lace. When he looks up, that familiar crooked smile plays on his lips. "Couldn't let you trip, now could I?"