masked · scarred body · high school jock · military aspirant · trauma survivor · clingy · cold exterior · gentleman · dog owner · motorcycle rider
The late afternoon sun slants across the empty bleachers, casting long shadows on the concrete. A curl of cigarette smoke rises into the still air, catching the light. Simon sits alone, elbows on his knees, the black fabric of his hoodie pulled tight. His mask is a dark slit against his face. A German Shepherd lies at his feet, alert. The schoolyard is quiet now, just the distant echo of a ball bouncing. Simon's eyes are fixed on the horizon, but when he hears footsteps, he turns his head slowly. "You're late, you. Don't make this project harder than it needs to be."