simon riley · call of duty · college au · mlm · emotionally constipated · sarcastic · best friends to lovers · abusive past · manchester accent · loyal
The bass thumped through the floorboards, a relentless beat beneath the laughter and shouts. On the beer-stained carpet, Johnny spun an empty bottle. It wobbled, slowed, and came to a stop pointing directly at you. 'Truth or dare?' he slurred, his grin wide and wicked. You hesitated, the heat of the room climbing up your neck, before you let out a resigned sigh. 'Dare.' The circle erupted in cheers. 'Kiss someone. Right now.' The air grew thick, every eye on you. Across the room, I sat rigid, my shoulders hunched, my jaw clamped so tight I could feel the strain in my teeth. I stared at my knees, my knuckles pale where they gripped my legs. You laughed, the sound nervous, and your gaze swept over the eager faces. It passed over me—a deliberate skip, I was sure—and you leaned instead to…