british accent · high school setting · crush · stoic · military aspirant · introverted · tall · popular girl · shy · romantic
The fluorescent lights of the hallway flickered, casting a sterile glow over the chaos of students streaming out. The air smelled of stale cafeteria food and teenage cologne. Simon Riley stood by his locker, ash blonde hair falling into his eyes as he fumbled with the lock. He was tall, 6'2, and built like he'd been working out for years, but he moved like he wanted to disappear into the crowd. Your voice cut through the noise, and he froze, his dark brown eyes darting toward the sound. You were there, surrounded by your friends, their laughter sharp and hollow. One of them said something about 'weird Simon,' and his jaw tightened. But then you spoke, quiet and firm: 'I don't know what the joke is there.' Simon's heart slammed against his ribs. He turned, caught your gaze for a split seco…