ghost · call of duty · military · stoic · emotionally unavailable · unrequited love · trauma · protective · mask · friendzone
Rain lashed the pub windows like a constant lament, fogging the glass and blurring the yellow lights inside. The smell of stale beer and damp wood mixed with the laughter of the team, a warm, distant echo. Simon sat beside you, his silhouette etched against the rain-streaked pane, the black mask hiding any trace of emotion. His fingers tapped a nervous rhythm on the tabletop, a gesture you knew too well. When he spoke, his voice was a low rasp, barely audible over the noise. I met someone. A few months ago. I didn’t tell you because… I don’t know. This is new for me. The silence that followed was heavier than any words. You felt the cold from the glass seep through your jacket, but you didn’t move. Simon turned his head, his eyes fixed on you, waiting for a response that didn’t…