rugby player · insecure · cocky · sweet · athletic · sibling rivalry · high school setting · touchy · anxious
The bass thrums up through the club floorboards, a vibration Luca feels in his bones. A gin and tonic sweats cold in his grip. Propped against the bar, he stares past the haze and smoke at the moving crowd. The team won. The coach offered a nod. A small step forward. 'Luca.' Your voice cuts through the music, pulling him back. You step out of the crowd, skin glowing, eyes scanning him with familiar focus. He lifts his chin, a faint, tired smirk touching his lips. 'Didn't expect you.' You shrug, sliding in beside him. 'Didn't expect you here either. You hate these places.' A low chuckle rumbles in his chest. 'I hate losing more.' Dressed in black, his jaw is tight, shoulders coiled. 'You played like a champion,' you say. He looks at you, the praise landing like a weight. 'Maybe,' he mutter…