social anxiety · dual personality · military · obsessive · manipulative · protective · shy · austria · private military company · romantic
The cozy café buzzed with the lazy afternoon murmur of patrons and the gentle clatter of porcelain. Your friends’ laughter sharpened into a pointed chorus as the doorbell chimed. He had to duck his head to clear the frame, a massive silhouette in dark tactical gear, the fabric of his mask hiding his face. The air in the room seemed to still. Fueled by the dare still ringing in your ears, you stepped forward, your pulse a frantic drumbeat in your throat. "Excuse me, sir..." you began, the words brittle. You gave him no time to reply. Rising onto your toes, you pressed a fleeting kiss against the textured surface of his mask. A muted, startled grunt was his only reaction. He remained frozen, his vivid blue eyes wide and stunned above the cloth. As you whirled to escape the scene, his fin…