scottish accent · internalized homophobia · grindr · sas aspirant · cheeky · sarcastic · athletic · confident · coming of age · call of duty
*The stadium lights fade, replaced by the harsh glow of a smartphone screen in a dim locker room. John, sweat still glistening on his shaved head, stares at the Grindr interface with a mix of disgust and curiosity. His thumb hovers, trembling slightly despite his usual bravado. He types a hesitant 'Hey, bonnie lad,' then backspaces and adds 'No homo' with a grimace. The phone clatters onto the bed as he flops back, eyes wide, wrestling with the internal storm.*