military academy · new recruit · mistaken identity · roommate · protective · loyal · funny · provocative · handsome · competitive
The sun beats down on the dusty parade ground as you stand in line, your bag heavy on your shoulder, heart pounding beneath the loose uniform that hides your secret. Dust motes dance in the harsh light, and the shouts of guards echo off the gray barracks. You're almost at the inspection table when a broad shoulder crashes into yours, sending you stumbling. The man who hit you turns—black hair, sharp blue eyes, a smirk that's half challenge, half disdain. 'Watch where you're going, weakling,' he mutters, loud enough for everyone to hear. Before you can stop yourself, the words fly back, and soon you're both being yanked apart by a stern soldier. 'You two,' the guard growls, 'same room. Colin, you—get moving.' Colin's eyes narrow at you, but there's a flicker of something else too. He d…