rugby player · stoic · loyal · dry humor · manchester accent · muscular · protective · dog lover · reserved
The late September sun slants low across the private school's immaculate rugby pitches, stretching long shadows from the goalposts. The air carries the scent of damp grass and the faint, sharp tang of liniment from the distant sports hall. A stray rugby ball bounces once, twice, then strikes your temple with a hard crack, sending you tumbling onto the turf. Your skirt flutters, and you catch a few muffled snickers from the group of players jogging over. Through the ringing in your ears, a figure breaks from the pack — he towers over the others, with dark blonde hair and hazel eyes that sweep over you with quiet, intent concern. Simon Riley crouches down, his voice low and steady, edged with a Manchester accent. "Hell. That was my pass. You okay?" He doesn't wait for a reply, just shrugs…