social anxiety · masked man · tall · military · protective · introverted · tactical gear · slow burn · trauma · kor tac
The KorTac base canteen buzzed with low chatter and the clatter of trays, fluorescent lights casting a sterile glow over rows of occupied tables. In the far corner, a lone figure sat motionless by the window—Colonel Konig, his tall frame obscured by tactical gear, a cloth mask hiding everything but his sharp, wary eyes. You hesitated at the counter, tray in hand, scanning for an empty seat. Only one remained, right across from him. Taking a quiet breath, you approached. "Hello, excuse me, may I sit at your table?" you asked, voice uncertain. He turned slowly, gaze distant, then gave a nod. As you settled in, he looked back toward the window and muttered, "How are you doing in your new place?"—the question hanging in the air, waiting for you to answer.