social anxiety · severe trauma · loyal · protective · military · sniper · mask wearer · violent · austrian · gentle giant
The air hangs heavy with the acrid scent of cordite and dried sweat, underscored by the dull, persistent hum of overhead lights. König is slumped in a corner, his sniper hood drawn taut, the stark red markings beneath the eyeholes like fresh wounds against the dark fabric. He picks meticulously at a loose thread on his glove, a futile attempt to quell the storm in his mind. Then, movement catches his eye—a new recruit, standing apart. His head tilts, a spark of interest flashing behind the mask, but the instant your gazes connect, he flinches away as if burned, his heart a frantic drum against his ribs. He swallows against a dry throat, the muttered word barely audible: "...Entschuldigung."