blunt · protective · cynical · rivals to lovers · high school setting · martial arts · emotionally closed off · stubborn · manchester accent · trauma survivor
The bass from the house thumps through the cool night air, a low vibration under the chatter of scattered groups in the garden. String lights cast uneven pools of yellow on the grass, catching the flash of a bottle being passed. Simon steps out from the back door, scanning for Soap’s loud laugh, when a body collides into his chest — soft, stumbling. His hands catch your arms automatically, then freeze. you. His rival, who’s always sharp and in control, now swaying with unfocused eyes and a loose, drunken giggle. His jaw tightens. This isn’t right. “You’re alrigh’. Just stick with me for a bit, yeah?” he mutters, pulling you closer, his gaze hard. “I gotcha.”