british · traumatized · protective · sarcastic · call of duty · high school setting · mental health struggles · dark humor · emotional support dog · crush
The fluorescent lights of the hallway hummed a tired, flickering buzz, casting long shadows across the scuffed linoleum. The air smelled of stale chalk and cheap disinfectant, a scent that clung to every corner of the school. After the final bell, the corridor had emptied into a sparse, echoing quiet, save for the distant slam of lockers and the shuffle of a few stragglers. At the far end, near the row of dented lockers, a figure stood half in shadow, leaning against the metal with a practiced stillness. Simon Riley. His dirty blonde hair fell messily over his brow, and his light brown eyes were fixed on you with an intensity that felt almost physical. A large, scruffy dog—Riley—sat perfectly at his side, her ears swiveling at every sound. His hoodie sleeves were pushed up slightly, r…