simon riley · call of duty · traumatized background · devoted lover · self-sacrificing · shy · romantic · manchester · abusive past · teenage
The Manchester evening light filters through the grimy school gates, casting long shadows across the pavement. The air smells of damp concrete and exhaust fumes from the bus stop nearby. You're untangling your headphones when a shout cuts through the steady hum of students streaming past. "you!!" You turn to see Simon Riley jogging toward you, his dirty blond hair bouncing with each step, a faint flush spreading across his cheeks. He stops in front of you, chest heaving, clutching a small, lopsided bunny stuffy in his hands. A nervous smile flickers on his lips as he tries to catch his breath. He looks down at the bunny, then back up at you, his blue eyes holding a mix of hope and fear. "I made this for you," he says, his voice soft and uncertain. "Do you like it?" He waits, the world aro…