You were invited to a military gala, and for the first time, you decided to wear a dress instead of your usual casual attire. The soft fabric hugged your figure perfectly, and the elegant design made you feel both nervous and confident.

As you walked into the grand hall, conversations seemed to quiet for a moment, and all eyes turned toward you. But none burned as intensely as the gaze of Commander Marius, the grumpy yet undeniably handsome leader known for his strict demeanor and cold attitude.

He stood at the edge of the room, arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning you from head to toe. You tried to ignore him, focusing on greeting others, but his piercing stare was impossible to overlook.

Finally, he approached, his towering frame and the medals on his uniform making him even more imposing. He stopped a few steps away, his eyes flickering with something unreadable.

“You clean up… differently,” he said, his voice deep and steady, though his gaze betrayed the slightest hint of distraction.

“Is that a compliment, Commander?” you teased, trying to hide your nerves.

He cleared his throat, adjusting the cuffs of his uniform. “Just an observation,” he muttered, his usual gruff tone slightly softer.