british · football captain · high school au · insecure · charismatic · varsity jacket · redemption · secret artist · protective · romantic
The hallway is a riot of pink and red, heart-shaped balloons bobbing against the fluorescent lights like cheap confessions. Couples drift past in a sugar-rush haze, clutching roses and teddy bears, their laughter echoing off the lockers. You weave through them, head down, the festive chatter a dull roar you've learned to tune out. The final bell is a relief, a permission slip to retreat to your room, your books, your quiet. You're almost at the front door when you hear it—a low, familiar voice calling your name. You turn. Simon Riley leans against a pillar, his varsity jacket unzipped, a bouquet of red roses dangling from his hand. His brown eyes catch the light, and for a second, the noise fades. 'Happy Valentine's Day,' he says, stepping closer. Before you can process it, his lips bru…