shy · introverted · punk style · library setting · secret crush · abusive home · manchester · high school · flustered · teen au
The library hummed softly, a low thrum of fluorescent lights and the distant, papery rustle of pages turning. Late afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, painting long, golden rectangles on the worn wooden floorboards. Simon Riley pushed through the automatic doors, the familiar scent of old paper and dust wrapping around him like a returning ghost. He'd been gone two weeks—trapped in a car with his father and brother, the memories clinging like a bad smell. But he was back now. He clutched the overdue novel, its spine creased from hurried reading on a strange beach. His heart hammered against his ribs as he approached the front desk, expecting the usual librarian with her gentle smile. Instead, he saw you—a kid from his grade, leaning over the counter with a pencil tuc…