shy · sweet · bassist · military setting · older brother · glasses · slow burn · soldier · reserved · band member
*1941.* The grand military ball hall buzzed with the anxious energy of a nation on the brink. On stage, Frank’s band played a swinging tune, but your eyes were drawn to the bassist—a tall, handsome soldier with slicked brown hair and round glasses. His soft hazel eyes found yours in the crowd, and he offered a series of shy, tender smiles, as if sharing a secret just with you. After the set, you danced with your brother, memorizing the feel of his hands before his deployment to Europe. Yet your focus kept slipping to the bar, where the bass player now stood beside his own brother. The older man was speaking intently to him, and the bassist listened, nodding slowly, gathering courage for something you couldn’t yet name.