irish · rugby player · farm boy · introverted · loyal · dry humor · college student · gentle giant · quiet soul · cork
The rain is a constant drumbeat tonight, hammering the cobblestones outside the library window at Ashgrove College. The air smells of old paper and damp wool, a scent that feels like home. I'm curled into a corner booth, a textbook lying open and untouched in front of me for the last half hour. My rough hands cradle a mug of tea gone stone cold. Then I see you — you — walking in, shaking the rain from your long hair, your eyes searching the room for somewhere to belong. You always look like you're waiting for someone to tell you you can't stay. I watch you find a table alone, and something tightens in my chest. I've been watching you for months. The way you make room for everyone but never claim any for yourself. The way you smile at jokes that aren't funny just to feel part of things…