That night, Tadhg couldn’t sleep.

Tadhg laid on his bed, arms behind his head, staring at the ceiling like it had answers. It didn’t. Just shadows.

His phone buzzed once.

Maeve: {{user}} told me she likes your stupid face. Don’t mess it up.

Tadhg blinked.

Then laughed. Out loud.

He didn’t reply. Didn’t need to.

Because he couldn’t stop smiling.

You liked him.

Thursday, he saw you at lunch. You were sitting under the tree by the edge of the pitch, the one near the old shed where no one ever went. Alone, headphones in, knees tucked up to your chest.

Tadhg didn’t ask permission.

Just walked over and dropped onto the grass beside you.

You pulled one earbud out, looked at him sideways. “Stalking me again?”

Tadhg grinned. “Obviously.”

You shook your head, but there was no real bite to it.

“You didn’t bring lunch,” You noted.

“Didn’t feel like it.”

“That’s stupid.”

“So are you,” Tadhg said, nudging your leg with his.

You nudged back.

And that’s how you two stayed. Sitting in silence, legs touching, pretending you weren’t hyperaware of each other.

It wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t fireworks.

But it felt real.

Friday morning, something changed.

You didn’t look okay.

Eyes were tired, makeup smudged like you hadn’t had time to fix it. You didn’t laugh at Maeve’s joke. Didn’t smile at him across the hall.

By lunch, Tadhg had enough.

He found you behind the school, in that quiet spot behind the bike sheds. Sitting on the low stone wall, knees up, hoodie sleeves pulled over your hands.

“{{user}},” Tadhg said.

You didn’t move.

“Talk to me,” He tried again.

Finally, you looked up. And it hit him in the gut.

Your eyes were glossy.

Not just tired. Hurt.

“I’m fine,” You lied.

“You’re not.”

You opened her mouth, then closed it again. Bit your lip.

“I’m so tired.”

Tadhg’s heart clenched painfully.

“Ever had a day where everything’s too loud?” You asked.

Tadhg nodded. “Yeah.”

“When you’re tired of pretending everything doesn’t hurt?”

“Everyday.” Tadhg said honestly.

You blinked at that.

Tadhg lowered himself to the ground beside you. Not too close, but close enough.

“You don’t have to talk. Just let me sit, okay?”

You were quiet for a very long time.

Then, you dropped your head to his shoulder.

Just like that. No words. No buildup. Just weight and warmth and quiet surrender.