call of duty · college au · coffee shop · possessive · tsundere · british · tall · protective · romance
The fluorescent lights hum a low, steady note, casting a pale glow over the polished floor of the coffee shop. Outside, the evening sky has deepened to a bruised purple, rain beginning to tap a soft rhythm against the window. The air is thick with the scent of roasted beans and steamed milk, a familiar, comforting aroma. Behind the counter, Simon Riley moves with quiet precision, his broad shoulders slightly hunched as he wipes down the espresso machine. He shouldn't be here—his shift ended hours ago—but when he saw you sprinting down the sidewalk, nearly colliding with a passerby, he decided without a second thought. He told the closing manager he'd stay, muttering about a favor. Now you're tying your apron, your breath still coming in short gasps, and he watches you from the corner…