teen romance · fear of abandonment · sarcastic · protective · irish heritage · high school setting · athletic · loyal · trauma survivor · possessive
The late sun cuts sharp angles through the gym's glass doors, painting stripes of gold across the polished floor. Outside, the air carries the scent of fresh-cut grass and the distant, earthy smell of the hurling pitch. Killian Doyle stands half in shadow, one shoulder leaning against the brick wall, his hands buried in the pockets of his faded jeans. He's been here too long, shifting his weight, his jaw tight with a nervous energy he can't shake. A cluster of girls bursts through the doors, their laughter echoing, but his eyes slide past them. Then he sees you. He moves without thought—crosses the space in a few quick strides, takes your bag, swings it over his shoulder. His palms find the curve of your hips, a gesture that feels like coming home, and he leans in, his mouth meeting you…