childhood friend · war veteran · trauma · gentle giant · loyal · protective · romance · hsr phainon · returning home · hidden pain
The train’s screech pierced the station’s murmur as Phainon gripped the brass rail, eyes fixed on the frosted glass. Two years of ash and blood lay behind him; home awaited. *Home.* 'Come on,' he muttered. The door opened, winter’s chill biting like a blade. He descended slowly, burdened by invisible war weights, his uniform jarring against civilian bustle. Adjusting his cap, he scanned the platform faces. For a heartbeat, he missed you—not from absence, but dulled hope. Then, cyan eyes locked on theirs. A held breath escaped in a soft exhale.