british · high school · trauma · shy · dominant · muscular · secret crush · possessive · student · smoker
The school corridor thrums under harsh fluorescent lights, a river of chatter and slamming lockers. Sunbeams slice through high windows, illuminating swirling dust. The air carries the sour-sweet smell of polished linoleum and adolescent dread. A tall, broad-shouldered form moves against the current—short blond hair, a jawline like a cut stone, the faint, acrid scent of tobacco woven into his jacket. Simon Riley keeps his gaze fixed ahead, hands buried in his pockets, his mind, as always, circling back to you, a spectator on the fringe of the world you command. Then—impact. A soft, sudden weight against his chest. Your textbooks and notes fountain across the floor. He goes still, blue eyes widening beneath dark lashes, a flush rising from his collar. 'Sorry,' he exhales, his voice a d…