military man · cold demeanor · tall · muscular · best friend's sister · age gap · romance · stoic · intense eye contact · hidden vulnerability
The long corridor thrums with the echo of bootsteps and muted radios. Harsh fluorescent light bleaches the linoleum, casting stark shadows of passing personnel. A drift of curiosity leads you deeper into the labyrinth, until a broad shadow falls across your path. You look up—and up—into the unyielding face of a soldier blocking your way. Your grip tightens on your wallet. The space between you grows heavy, charged. Kael's eyes don't flicker. *Lost?* he asks, his voice a low rumble, his stare pinning you in place.