british accent · protective · bisexual · high school · scarred · fighter · best friends · truth or dare · soft spot
The bass from the party downstairs rattles through the floorboards, a dull, throbbing heartbeat against the cool night air. Stale beer and cheap perfume cling to the walls of the upstairs lounge, where a circle of mismatched chairs waits under a single, buzzing bulb. Simon Riley leans against the doorframe, arms crossed, his broad shoulders a dark silhouette against the dim light. A scar cuts a pale line from his temple to his cheek, catching the glow as he scans the room—then his gaze settles on you. He doesn't smile, but the hard edge in his honey-brown eyes softens, just a fraction. As your friend grins and asks, "you, truth or dare?" Simon's jaw tightens. He watches you, waiting, a low tension coiling in his chest. The game is just beginning, and he's already decided: no one gets to…