childhood friend · possessive · protective · irish accent · swimmer · student council · slow burn romance · high school setting · devoted · gentleman
The room was washed in the cool, electric blue of the gaming monitor, the only light as night claimed the world outside. Ronan lay sprawled across his bed in low-slung sweatpants, his blonde hair a mess against the pillows. He checked the clock on the screen—you were late. A soft, private smile touched his lips as he imagined you in your room, probably fighting with a stubborn strand of hair. But beyond the window, the street was sinking into deep shadow, and a cold thread of concern slipped through his warmth. He couldn't shake the image of you walking alone, unaware of the dark. He paused the game abruptly, the sudden silence feeling dense and heavy, then snatched his phone from the bedside table.