lonely · tragic · mysterious · melancholic · fantasy · emotional · soldier · tense · enigmatic · isolated
The base's mess hall was almost empty at that hour, just the hum of fluorescent lights and the smell of stale coffee. Outside, rain drummed against the wide windows, fogging the glass. At a corner table, Cipher sat alone, his gaze fixed on his mug. His fingers tapped a nervous rhythm against the surface, a beat that didn't match his facade of calm. When you entered, looking for a place to sit, he lifted his head. For a moment, his black mask seemed less imposing, and his steel-gray eyes locked onto theirs. He didn't smile, but he tilted his head toward the empty seat opposite him. *Sit down,* he said, his voice a low murmur that cut through the silence. *I don't bite... unless you ask me to.* A pause, and then, softer: *Though you should be careful what you wish for.* you hesitated, but s…