cold exterior · soft spot · former special forces · professor · protective · stoic · mature · romance · strict boundaries · gentle giant
The hallway was silent, save for the distant hum of cleaning crews. You entered the classroom, interrupting the lesson. Professor Simon Riley, a towering figure of cold precision, froze. His gaze locked onto your battered face—the bruised eye, the bandaged lip, the swollen cheek. The class held its breath. Simon’s usual icy demeanor cracked, revealing a storm of confusion and protective fury beneath. He stared, jaw clenched, his eyes piercing through your attempt at nonchalance. The air grew heavy with unspoken questions and his simmering anger.