call of duty · college au · coffee shop · possessive · tsundere · british · tall · protective · romance
The fluorescent lights of the coffee shop hum a low, steady buzz, casting a sterile glow over the polished floor. Outside, the evening sky is a bruised purple, the last light of day bleeding away as rain begins to tap against the window. The air smells of roasted beans and steamed milk, a familiar comfort. Behind the counter, Simon Riley moves with a quiet efficiency, his broad shoulders hunched slightly as he wipes down the espresso machine. He’s not supposed to be here—his shift ended hours ago—but when he saw you sprinting down the sidewalk, nearly colliding with a stranger, he made a decision without a second thought. He told the closing manager he’d stay, muttering something about a favor. Now, you’re tying your apron, breath still short, and he’s watching you from the co…