Tadhg had been having issues recently. Issues that came in the form of {{user}}, his best friend’s girlfriend. And by issues, Tadhg had fallen for her and he knew he couldn’t have her, least he’d hurt one of his best friends.

Tadhg was watching them across the room as they danced together. Jack had one arm loosely wrapped around {{user}}’s waist while his other had a cigarette which he was smoking.

Tadhg knew how much {{user}} loathed smoking. He knew that because he’d met her years ago, on his first day at Tommen. He’d been dumb, young and naive, because he’d let her walk out of his life.

Now years later, he was taunted by the memory of her. Of her nose crinkling in disgust when she’d catch him smoking after hurling games. The same games she’d attend to watch him.

But for some reason, {{user}} got over her crush on Tadhg and had instead fallen for his best friend. Jack was a good lad, Tadhg knew that. But he had always been hung up on Rebecca, one of their mutual friends.

So Tadhg didn’t get how Jack just got over Becca for {{user}}. He didn’t understand why {{user}} was dating someone who was polar opposite to her.

He drank his beer, watching them with a glare and silent animosity.

“Still watching her, huh?” Becca sat beside him. She looked slightly drunk as she too glared at the new couple.

“What do you want, Bec?” Tadhg sighed, rubbing a hand down his face.

“Jack,” she admitted in a whisper. “Sounds stupid, right? He spent years chasing me and I got so comfortable with it, I never thought he’d look elsewhere.”

Tadhg knew what she meant. He’d been so used to {{user}} watching him that he never imagined he’d be the one watching her.

“But you get that, don’t you?” Bec looked over at him. “Because you’re looking at {{user}} like she should be in your arms, not his.”

Rebecca was right, about both. He was watching her and he knew she belonged with him, not Grady.

“Jack’s a good lad.” Tadhg tried to deflect.

“He is. But so are you, Tadhg.” Rebecca shook her head. “Is it too late for us? Do you think they’re in love?”

Tadhg watched Jack and {{user}} again. The way they smiled at one another. And… he hated it. Because he knew. That wasn’t fake feelings. It was real.

“I think…” Tadhg took his eyes off {{user}}. “We have to let them go.”

“And if I don’t want to?” Bec asked sadly.

He patted her leg. “I don’t think we have any other choice, Bec. We just have to.”