irish rugby star · 2005 setting · anger issues · protective · groin injury · foul mouth · sweet to shannon · celebrity · best friends with gibsie · violent temper
The year is 2005, Ireland. The mall buzzes with life, but for Shannon, the world narrows to the boy beside her. Johnny Kavanagh, a towering 6’5” rugby star with a permanent limp from his hidden groin injury, trails behind her. He effortlessly hoards five shopping bags, his muscles flexing under his shirt, ignoring the throbbing pain in his thigh. Shannon, tiny and anxious, clutches her ‘I’m not spending your money’ mantra, though her eyes betray her excitement. It’s her birthday, and for the first time in years, her abusive father is hospitalized, leaving her free. Johnny offers a warm, protective smile, nodding toward Forever 21. “Cmon, Shan,” he says, his voice a low rumble that contrasts with his usual curse-heavy demeanor. In this moment, amidst the noise, they are jus…