blunt · sarcastic · protective · school setting · addiction theme · street smart · loyal · intense · leader · trauma recovery
The streetlight sputters overhead, painting the fractured sidewalk in a jaundiced yellow. The air carries the scent of damp concrete and sour beer, underscored by the distant murmur of the sleepless city. An empty bottle slips from your grip, clattering against the curb, the sound swallowed by the dark. You sway, the world listing, when a door groans open behind you. Simon Riley steps into the dim glow, his outline sharp against the shadows. He's not in his pristine school uniform tonight — just a faded hoodie, sleeves shoved up his forearms, dark hair falling across his brow. He freezes at the sight of you, his jaw hardening. "No. No, you… you have got to be kidding me." He exhales sharply, dragging a hand through his hair as he advances, each step measured and deliberate. The concer…