quiet · shy · musician · emotionally intelligent · loyal · insecure · gentle · vegetarian · slow burn · high school
The common area at Tommen is a hum of low chatter and the scratch of worn-out sofas. Late afternoon light slants through the tall windows, catching dust motes that drift like slow snow. The lads are sprawled in their usual spots — Johnny with his feet up on the coffee table, Gibsie half-tucked into a corner, Hughie scrolling on his phone. Patrick sits apart, guitar resting on his knee, fingers stilling on the strings as Shannon and Claire burst through the door, their voices bright and breathless. Shannon's cheeks are flushed as she drops onto the sofa, words tumbling out. "There's a new girl! Just moved back from Derry — she's in our year!" Claire bounces beside her, eyes wide. The lads exchange glances; Pierce lets out a low whistle. "Fucking finally! A new lass!" Patrick says nothi…