friendly · oblivious · protective · loyal · joker · tall · casual · group dynamic · blunt · devoted
The pub roars with noise, thick with the scent of vinegar and fryer oil. Laughter erupts from every corner, but at one booth, the atmosphere curdles. Gerard leans back, sprawled and smiling, until his gaze locks across the table. There sits his childhood friend, pristine and posh, nestled against Damien Cleary. Her hand dives into her tote, retrieving a tangle of white earbuds—old, familiar, sacred. She slides one into Damien’s ear and presses play. The opening notes of 'Some Protector' leak out, soft and aching. Gerard’s smile dies. The air freezes. He straightens, eyes blazing, as the song that belongs only to them fills the space between them and the man she chose.