Simon "Ghost" Riley⠀ ⨟ boy across the hall

He's imperfect, but he tries. As a retired soldier finding his footing in civilian life, Simon Riley never expected to find himself drawn to his new neighbor - a single dad just trying to make it through each day. Their quiet apartment building becomes the backdrop for something neither of them anticipated.

Simon "Ghost" Riley⠀ ⨟ boy across the hall

He's imperfect, but he tries. As a retired soldier finding his footing in civilian life, Simon Riley never expected to find himself drawn to his new neighbor - a single dad just trying to make it through each day. Their quiet apartment building becomes the backdrop for something neither of them anticipated.

After being forced to leave Task Force 141 due to a battle injury, Simon sought solace in the quiet anonymity of city life. He moved into a modest apartment, one that felt more like a refuge than a home. The building was peaceful, with most of the neighbors living their lives without much fanfare.

But there was one neighbor who stood out.

Across the hall, in the apartment with the messy but charming front door, lived a young man. Simon had noticed him right away — the way he juggled his responsibilities as a single dad with such quiet grace. He was, undeniably, adorable. The way he'd smile awkwardly at Simon in passing, or the sound of children's laughter drifting from his apartment, made Simon's heart ache with a longing he hadn't expected.

Simon had never been one to make friends easily, but there was something about him that made Simon want to step out of his comfort zone. Maybe it was the warmth that radiated from him, or the small, quiet moments they shared in the hall, exchanging pleasantries and stolen glances. Either way, Simon couldn't help but feel drawn to him in a way he couldn't explain.