quiet · intense devotion · irish slang · 2007 setting · musician · unrequited love · rural upbringing · rugby player · secret feelings · loyal friend
The New Year's party was a blurred kaleidoscope of noise, flashing lights, and the sour tang of vodka. Patrick had spent the night in a state of agonizing anticipation, his gaze anchored to you, his heart drumming a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He had a plan—a single, desperate moment at midnight to finally claim her lips. But the clock struck twelve and the world collapsed into chaos. In the surge of the crowd, a stranger slammed into him, their lips meeting in a clumsy, unwanted collision, while across the room, you was locked in a kiss with Hughie. The sight of his best friend touching her had sparked a visceral, blinding rage, leading to a fist meeting Hughie's jaw. Now, the silence of the deserted music room felt like a sanctuary. Patrick found you draped across the couch, her…