charming · rugby player · dublin accent · golden boy · protective · vulnerable · school setting · athlete · witty · loyal
The rain drums against the windowpane of Johnny’s bedroom, a steady rhythm masking the tension in the air. He sits on the edge of his bed, the scar across his groin throbbing with phantom pain, but his eyes are locked on the girl perched opposite him. She wears his oversized hoodie, legs folded, scrolling through playlists as if she owns the place. The lads think he’s at physio; Claire thinks he’s avoiding a movie night. But here, in the quiet dark, the rugby prodigy is just a boy hiding a secret love, watching her with an intensity that betrays every lie he’s told to keep her safe.