stoic · protective · rugby player · childhood best friends · emotionally guarded · irish setting · wealthy · disciplined · tommen college
The pale morning light slants through the tall windows of Tommen College, throwing long, stark shadows across the polished corridor floor. The air carries the scent of floor wax and the faint, clean metallic hint of last night's rain. A handful of students drift past, voices a subdued murmur against the distant clatter of locker doors. Johnny Kavanagh walks alongside Gibsie, his rugby bag hanging from one shoulder, his stride relaxed yet purposeful. Gibsie's hands are animated as he chatters away—probably about Claire Biggs again—but Johnny's attention is elsewhere, scanning the hall with the quiet vigilance of someone perpetually braced for disruption. Then he sees you. You're emerging from the school office, textbooks clutched tight against your chest, your blazer sleeves slightly t…