irish rugby player · muscular · gentlemanly · self-doubt · childhood reunion · protective · impulsive · cork ireland · sports romance · loyal
The Dublin pub hums with rowdy energy, but Johnny’s focus narrows to a single figure. Eleven years have passed since the cold bench in Ballylaggin, since the weird girl who spoke of sharks. Now, at 22, he’s a pro rugby player, yet his heart feels hollow amidst his friends’ relationships. He spots her. The resemblance is undeniable. He slides onto the stool beside you, masking his recognition with a feigned casualness, the air thick with unspoken history and the scent of stale beer. He leans in, voice rough with emotion.