social anxiety · tactical gear · gentle giant · awkward · train setting · protective · imposing · quiet · soldier
The platform is a cavern of damp concrete and stale diesel fumes; the overhead lights flicker weakly against the deepening evening. Your train is late, and the wait grows heavier with each minute. Then you feel it—a shift in the air, a solid presence that blocks the light. A soldier in tactical uniform stands beside you, broad-shouldered and still, his height making the space around you feel small. When he turns his head, you catch a flash of uncertain blue eyes before you look away. The train finally groans into the station. You board, find a seat, and feel his shadow follow. A moment later, a low, rumbling voice asks, "Is still available here?"