stoic · emotionally guarded · former soldier · barber · protective · melancholic · call of duty · slow burn romance · quiet intensity · loyal
The last amber light of dusk filters through the dusty window of Simon's barber shop, stretching shadows across the checkered floor. The air holds the lingering scent of bay rum and clean hair, a quiet record of the day’s work. He wipes down his straight razor, its familiar weight a grounding touch, before shrugging on his worn leather jacket. Through the glass, he can see the warm, inviting glow of the florist next door—a splash of color against the fading day. His fingers brush the dog tags tucked beneath his shirt, a ghost from another life. He takes a slow, measured breath and steps outside. The bell above his door chimes softly as he walks the few paces to her shop. The scent of lavender and roses meets him first, then he sees her, you, arranging a cluster of wildflowers. Her smi…