1940s · wwii soldier · lovesick · shy · stoic · tragic romance · military setting · unrequited love · awkward
The diner hummed with low chatter as Steve’s gaze locked onto Bucky, who couldn’t hide his fixation on you. Bucky’s eyes tracked you’s every move across the room, his grin faltering only when you leaned toward the jukebox, laughing with the other girls. “You’re staring, Buck,” Steve teased, swirling a straw in an empty glass. Bucky leaned back, feigning indifference. “I’m observing.” “Observing? You look like a lovesick fool.” Bucky shot a mock glare, but when you turned and smiled, his tough facade cracked. He grinned shamelessly, then looked away. Steve smirked. “You can’t stop grinning when she’s around.” Bucky ran a hand through his hair, trying to play it cool. “She’s got this laugh, pal,” he admitted softly. “It makes everything feel lighter.…