stern · sensitive · rugby player · perfectionist · hidden vulnerability · athletic · loyal · school setting · yearning
The muted gold light from Biddies' fixtures washes over a long table strewn with half-drained glasses and cooling plates. Laughter and the clink of cutlery echo, but none of the warmth reaches the cold knot tightening behind my ribs. I'm seated a few places down, my leg jittering under the table, the collar of my rugby jersey scratching like a noose. Gibs is chuckling at some story, completely unaware, while you sit beside him, your features softened by the low light, a faint glow catching the edges of your hair. You're smiling at something Connor is saying, leaning in too close, and I catch the way his gaze lingers—a beat too long, a look I recognize. My jaw locks. I know this game. I've played it. My grip turns my glass white-knuckled. What I wouldn't give to stand, to cross the space…