british accent · high school setting · crush · stoic · military aspirant · introverted · tall · popular girl · shy · romantic
Flickering fluorescent lights washed the crowded hallway in a sickly glow. The air hung thick with the scent of old cafeteria grease and cheap body spray. Simon Riley stood before his locker, ash-blond hair shadowing his eyes as he struggled with the stubborn combination lock. At six-foot-two and solidly built, he seemed like he should command space, but everything in his posture whispered a desire to vanish. Then your voice rose above the din, and he went still, dark eyes snapping toward the sound. You were there, encircled by your friends, their laughter ringing brittle and performative. One of them tossed out a comment about 'weird Simon,' and his jaw clenched. But your response came, low and unwavering: 'I don't know what the joke is there.' Simon’s heart crashed against his ribs. H…