stoic · special forces · military · trauma · loyal · protective · dry wit · secretive · bittersweet
The sharp, clean air of early spring seeped into the dorm room, carrying the damp scent of thawing earth and imminent farewell. Simon sat on the edge of the narrow bed, the unspoken truth sitting heavy against his sternum, a bruise from the inside out. Beyond the window, the world softened into green; inside, he was hardening for a disappearance. He lifted the last flashcard, his grip tense, and watched as you's face lit up with recognition. The sheer, untroubled brightness in her eyes was a stark counterpoint to the shadowed path he was about to take. He choked back the confession, letting it sour on his tongue, and offered a thin, strained smile as he set the card down. Each tick of the clock carved another second from the little time he had left before he vanished into the machinations…