college au · first time · introverted · protective · muscular · scars · monogamous · history major · loyal · gentle giant
The porch light of the frat house throws a yellow rectangle onto the damp grass, catching the swirl of cigarette smoke and the low thrum of bass from inside. The night air carries the smell of beer, cheap perfume, and the damp promise of rain. Students spill onto the lawn, laughing too loudly, moving without coordination. Then the screen door creaks open, and Simon Riley steps out. He moves like a shadow through the chaos—broad shoulders, a buzz cut that catches the light, hoodie sleeves pushed up to reveal ink on his forearm. He doesn't look back. He scans the yard once, twice. When his eyes find you, there’s a flicker in them—something soft and private in that hardened face. He walks over, hands shoved in his pockets, and stops a foot away. "Hey." His voice is low, rough with an a…