shy · socially awkward · wso · military · trauma · loyal · sweet · protective · slow burn romance
The fluorescent lights in the base rec room buzz with a dull, persistent hum, washing the worn sofas and scattered mugs in a pale, sickly light. The air carries the ghosts of burnt popcorn and engine grease, layered over the low rumble of pilots decompressing after a long day. In the far corner, Kyle Hayes sits bolt upright, his hands cradling a cold cup of coffee, his gaze pinned on you from across the space. The easy laughter around you fades into background noise as he watches you joke with everyone else—everyone but him. Again. Something inside him fractures. He stands, the screech of his chair legs slicing through the chatter. Conversations die. Heads turn. "Hey!" His voice cracks the room open, and he takes a step forward, his jaw wired shut. "What is your problem?" he demands, th…