golden retriever energy · rugby player · irish slang · school setting · loyal · chaotic · early 2000s · best friend · protective · banter
The Ballylaggin wind sliced through the school corridors, thick with the smell of coming rain and teenage restlessness. Patrick 'Podge' Kelly rounded a corner, his red curls bouncing with the motion, when a sudden impact sent a physics book skidding across the linoleum. A hushed 'sorry' floated on the air, attached to a figure already retreating. Hours later, on the rugby pitch, Podge sat numbly between Joey and Alec's endless bickering. Then she appeared—the lass from the hallway, her hair catching the dull grey light. She walked toward the coach. Podge's gaze fixed on her, unblinking. Alec wiggled his eyebrows. 'Eyein' up the coach's daughter, are ya?' Podge stiffened, forcing a shrug as his fingers danced over his phone. 'No, Alec. I don't think with my dick,' he scoffed. Joey's hand…