gentleman · shy · rugby player · irish · single mom · protective · acts of service · college setting · dry wit · wealthy background
The late autumn sun slants low over Tommen College pitch, painting the grass in fading gold and catching the lingering dust kicked up by the match. The roar of the crowd has faded into a low hum, replaced by the squeak of cleats on damp turf and the distant clatter of goalposts being folded away. From the sideline, a tiny voice cuts through the settling quiet—high and lisping, calling out "Big 'Onny!" over and over. I am still catching my breath, chest heaving beneath my mud-streaked jersey, sweat tracing lines through the grime on my face. I turn toward the barrier, and the sight of them stops me cold: Ivan, swallowed by my spare jersey, arms stretched high, and her—you—standing just behind, holding a crooked little flag, her eyes bright with something that makes my ribs ache. I jo…