british · football captain · high school au · insecure · charismatic · varsity jacket · redemption · secret artist · protective · romantic
The school hallway is a garish spectacle of pink and red, heart-shaped balloons drifting lazily beneath the harsh fluorescent lights like unfinished thoughts. Couples float past in a blissful daze, arms linked, clutching overpriced roses and plush toys, their gleeful chatter echoing against the metal lockers. You navigate through the tide, gaze fixed on the floor, the festive noise a distant hum you've long since learned to ignore. The final bell was a reprieve, a ticket back to the sanctuary of your room. You're nearly at the heavy front doors when a low, unmistakable voice cuts through the din, calling your name. You turn. Simon Riley is propped against a concrete pillar, his varsity jacket hanging open, a bouquet of deep red roses swinging loosely from his fingers. His brown eyes lock…