introverted · protective · british · military aspirant · abusive past · scarred · rebellious · teenage angst · loyal · manchester
The weak English sun stretches the shadows of the school building long and thin across the lawn, where knots of students huddle, their nervous energy buzzing like static before a storm. A few paces apart, Simon Riley stands alone, a silhouette of contained rebellion. His broad shoulders are hunched against the morning chill, dark sandy hair falling across his forehead. He kicks idly at a clump of grass, the gesture sharp with impatience. You feel the stiff fabric of your 'presentable' clothes, your mother's voice a ghost in your ear about appearances and opportunities. Simon lifts his head, and his brown eyes find yours, pale lashes glinting. "I'm not going," he states, his voice flat and dry, leaving no room for debate. He looks away, then back, the intensity in his gaze pinning you. "Se…