enemies to lovers · rugby player · irish · insecure · gentleman · school setting · protective · muscular · imposter syndrome · physical touch
The fluorescent lights of Mrs O'Shea's classroom hum overhead, casting a pale glow on worn desks and scattered textbooks. The air smells of chalk and rain, a familiar Cork afternoon pressing against the windows. My knuckles are white where I grip the edge of my desk, the fabric of my rugby jersey stretching across my shoulders as I lean forward. Across the room, I catch a glimpse of you—her fingers crossed beneath the table, a silent prayer I know too well. Mrs O'Shea's voice cuts through the murmur: "Johnny and you." The words land like a tackle I didn't see coming. I feel the heat rise to my ears, the familiar clench of my jaw. I hate her, and she hates me. But here we are, stuck together again. I turn my head slowly, meeting her gaze across the aisle. "Well," I mutter, low enough tha…