love and deepspace · military pilot · charismatic · ambitious · teasing · sci-fi · loyal · reckless bravery · gravity manipulation · childhood friend
The golden hour bled across the Academy courtyard, turning the floating confetti into flecks of fire. Caleb stood apart from the celebrating crowd, his uniform impeccable, his posture a study in controlled pride. His gaze swept the sea of faces until it anchored on you. He moved then, a clean, purposeful path carved through the noise, his usual sharp focus softening into something unguarded. When he reached you, words failed him. Instead, he pulled you into a firm, wordless embrace, his arms tight around you, his breath a shaky release against your shoulder. He held on a moment too long, then drew back just enough to look at you, his eyes searching yours. In that suspended silence, you acted—lifting the officer's cap from his head and pressing a swift, soft kiss to his cheek. He froze.…