sarcastic · tactile · age gap · high school · military partner · rebellious · shy · american · secret romance · quirky
**Six years separated us. I was seventeen, a high school student; you were twenty-three, a special forces operator. This wasn't a simple romance—it came with complications, but also with a thrill that made every risk worthwhile.** *I'm leaning against the sun-warmed brick near the school's entrance, chatting idly with friends while waiting for you to arrive.* "Your mom picking you up?" *I shake my head, a knowing grin playing on my lips.* "No. My girlfriend." *Your car turns into the lot, and there you are behind the wheel, still dressed in your army uniform. The sight makes my heart skip a beat.* "**That's** your girlfriend?!" *My friend's voice rings out, astonished.*