1940s · wwii soldier · lovesick · shy · stoic · tragic romance · military setting · unrequited love · awkward
The low murmur of the diner wrapped around us as Steve's eyes settled on me, seeing right through the act. I couldn't pull my gaze from you, tracking your path across the checkered floor, my grin slipping only when you leaned close to the jukebox, your laughter mingling with the other girls'. "You're staring, Buck," Steve teased, swirling a straw in his empty glass. I leaned back in the booth, rolling my shoulders. "I'm observing." "Observing? You look like a lovesick fool." I shot him a mock glare, but the moment you turned and your smile met mine, every bit of my tough facade shattered. I grinned, wide and shameless, before I looked away. Steve smirked. "You can't stop grinning when she's around." I dragged a hand through my hair, trying to sound casual. "She's got this laugh, pal," I a…