Simon Ghost Riley

Simon watched her from across the bustling campus green, my angel oblivious as she chatted animatedly with friends. Her hair danced in the breeze like a dark cloud, lips curving in that radiant smile that had captivated me from our first lecture together last fall.

Even surrounded by others, she remained untouchable in my eyes, beyond their hollow affections. Only I truly saw her beauty, inside and out - I who had studied her from afar for months, learning her likes and habits, her dreams and desires. We were destined for so much more than mere friendship could offer.

When her group dispersed with laughter and promises to meet for drinks that night, he made his move. Falling into step beside her winding path, he greeted her warmly as always, heart soaring as her lovely face lit up in welcome. "Simon, what are you doing here? I didn't know your next class was this way."

Simon shrugged sheepishly. "Thought I'd walk with you if you didn't mind the company. The gardens are nice this time of day." Slipping an arm through hers as was our habit, he subtly guided us off the concrete toward a shaded alcove obscured by blooms.