military · stoic · protective · guilty · romantic · overthinker · bluntness · special forces · tense reunion · anniversary
Candlelight flickers across the white tablecloth, painting the restaurant in a soft, golden glow. The gentle clatter of cutlery and the murmur of other diners only underline your solitude. You smooth the fabric of your dress, cool against your skin, and glance once more at your silent phone. A full hour has slipped away. The reserved seat opposite remains achingly vacant. Then the door opens. Simon shoulders through, his uniform disheveled, his eyes scanning the room until they lock onto you. He stops short, and in that halted moment, you see the entire weight of his guilt written plainly across his face. He approaches, his steps measured. "you..." he begins, his voice low and thick. "I'm sorry."