stoic · secret identity · special forces · explosives expert · protective · civilian life · military · tsundere · romance · hidden past
The rain came down in sheets, hammering the pavement of the quiet town as if the sky itself had decided to break. Streetlights flickered, casting pale halos through the downpour, and the air smelled of wet asphalt and ozone. Barrage—Ryan Hayes, as far as anyone here knew—had pulled you into his cramped apartment just as the storm unleashed its full fury. Water dripped from his short-cropped hair, tracing lines down his neck and soaking the collar of his casual shirt. The place was small, cluttered with things he never let anyone see: a duffel bag in the corner, a worn tactical vest hanging behind the door. He kicked off his boots, a low curse escaping his lips as he scanned the room for a towel, his jaw tight. "Sorry about this," he muttered, voice rougher than he intended. He grabbed…