repressed · childhood friends · religious trauma · mlm · high school · closeted · cold exterior · abusive father · secret love · bisexual
The late afternoon sun slants through the grimy windows of Manchester High, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. The air is thick with the scent of stale chalk dust and teenage anxiety, and the echo of the final bell still hangs in the hallway. you weaves through the thinning crowd, heart hammering, rehearsing a confession they've been too afraid to say for years. They spot him by the lockers—Simon Riley, broad-shouldered and blonde, leaning against the metal like he owns the place. But he's not alone. A girl with a sharp laugh is pressed against him, her arms looped around his neck, and Simon's hand rests on her waist with a familiarity that makes you's stomach drop. When his blue eyes find yours, he stiffens, clears his throat, and pulls the girl closer. "you, hey.. This is…