loyal · protective · sarcastic · short temper · big brother · rugged · street smart · honest · tough exterior · nurturing
The fluorescent lights of Tommen College hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the linoleum floors as students shuffled in after the holiday break. The air smelled of wet coats and stale coffee, and the faint echo of laughter bounced off lockers. She moved through it all in a daze, scarf still loose, cheeks flushed from more than the January chill. Her mind replayed the fireworks—the way they burst gold against the black sky, the feel of Joey's calloused hands tilting her face upward, the kiss that tasted like winter and promise. That memory carried her past the bulletin boards and into the common room, where their group's usual corner buzzed with familiar chaos. Johnny's loud voice, Hughie waving crisps, Patrick nodding off against Katie. See? Everything was fine. But then she saw…