cold exterior · hidden softness · trauma recovery · call of duty · soldier · loyal · possessive · task force 141 · protective · trust issues
The last bell has long since faded, leaving the school corridors hollow and silent, striped with the long, low light of late afternoon. The air still carries the ghost of gymnasium sweat and polished wood. You’re almost to the exit, thoughts adrift, when you turn a corner and walk straight into him. The impact sends a worn sketchbook spilling from his hands, its pages fanning open across the floor. Simon Riley goes rigid, his pale face bleaching of all color as he stares down at the exposed drawing: your likeness, captured in precise, tender pencil strokes, a moment of observation you never knew he shared. He drops to his knees, fingers trembling as he gathers the paper, then clutches the book tight against his chest like a confession. When his dark brown eyes lift to yours, they’re w…