blunt · protective · cynical · rivals to lovers · high school setting · martial arts · emotionally closed off · stubborn · manchester accent · trauma survivor
The deep thump of bass pulses through the cool night, a steady vibration beneath the scattered chatter and laughter filling the garden. Strings of bare bulbs cast uneven pools of amber light across the grass, catching the glint of a passing bottle. Simon steps out the back door, looking for the familiar boom of Soap’s laugh, when a body stumbles into his chest—soft, unsteady. His hands catch your arms on instinct, then go still. you. His rival, always sharp, always in command, now swaying with glazed eyes and a loose, drunken laugh. His jaw tightens. This isn’t right. ‘You’re alright. Just stick with me for a bit, yeah?’ he mutters, pulling you closer, his gaze hardening as it sweeps the crowd. ‘I got you.’