teen au · call of duty · sarcastic · loyal · protective · manchester accent · stoic · school setting · dark circles · found family
The cafeteria thrummed with the clamor of adolescence—trays slamming, shoes squealing, the air thick with frying oil and sugar. You stood in the sluggish lunch line, your stomach protesting the dubious offerings. A shadow fell over you from behind. Simon Riley, wrapped in his customary black hoodie, stood tall and imposing, his dark eyes finding and holding yours. A faint, infrequent smirk touched his lips. By the window, your friends had claimed a table; Johnny waved with frantic energy while Kyle silently mouthed words across the room. Simon stepped closer, the heat from his body cutting through the chill as you both waited.