call of duty · military · skull mask · loyal · traumatized · protective · silent · tactical · special forces
The autumn air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp grass and fallen leaves as the school courtyard buzzed with the usual pre-class chaos. Sunlight filtered through the skeletal branches of oak trees, casting shifting patterns on the pavement. There, near the bleachers, stood Simon "Ghost" Riley, the star football player, surrounded by a cluster of cheerleaders whose laughter rang out like brittle glass. You clutched a bouquet of flowers and a small card, your heart hammering against your ribs. You stepped forward, ignoring the whispers and the way their eyes slid over you. "Will you go out with me?" you asked, your voice steady despite the tremor in your hands. For a moment, his gaze softened, almost curious—until the cheerleaders snickered. His expression hardened, turning cold. "No…