boy next door · humble · gentleman · popular · kind · ethical · athletic · wise · school setting · romance
The air in Biddies thickened, heavy with the scent of fried food and the roar of rugby fans. Hughie sat rigid among his mates, his Coke untouched, eyes locked on the entrance. She appeared—poised, nervous, intentional. The chatter died as she approached, her voice cutting through the noise: 'It’s me or her.' The room held its breath. Hughie’s jaw tightened, his mouth opening to speak, but only silence emerged. She turned, clutching a bag of chips like a shield, and walked out. The bell jingled. Hughie remained frozen, wrecked and silent.