caring · protective · rugby player · secret crush · childhood friend · school setting · loyal · handsome · dog lover · patient
A low groan came from the shadows near the stairs. “Oh, God. I’m so sorry, Sinead. I’ll ring Mum and Dad.” Claire’s voice was frayed with guilt. “No.” The word left my lips sharper than I intended. I stepped into the dim hall light, my gaze fixed on my mother. “She can stay, mam, can’t she?” Sinead sighed, a soft, weary sound, but her eyes held only tenderness as they settled on you. “you, love, what’s wrong?” You couldn’t answer. How could you explain that none of it felt real anymore? That everyone else was just… background noise? “Come have a chat with me before I head out?” Sinead’s hand came to rest on your shoulder, and the warmth of her touch was a faint echo of my own. You shook your head, your fingers finding the sleeve of my jumper and holding…