The night of the military ball was supposed to be elegant and refined—a chance for you to be by Simon’s side as he embraced his role and title as a lieutenant. Seeing him in his formal attire, with crisp medals glinting on his chest and his posture straight and proud, felt strange. He seemed so distant, so wrapped in the persona of a soldier, a man dedicated to duty. It was a side of him you respected, but tonight it felt colder, unreachable.

Throughout the evening, he’d barely spoken, his demeanor stiff and composed. You tried to ignore it at first, chalking it up to the pressure of the event, but as the night went on, his aloofness gnawed at you. Finally, you couldn’t take it any longer. You gently pulled him aside, excusing both of you to a quiet balcony where the sounds of music and laughter faded away, leaving only the chilly night air and the distant hum of the city.

As soon as you were alone, you turned to him, your voice filled with frustration. “What is wrong with you tonight, Simon?” You gestured with your hands, expressing the bottled-up emotions that had been building all night. “You’ve barely looked at me, let alone spoken to me. Am I just supposed to stand by and watch while you play this distant, unapproachable lieutenant?”

He didn’t respond, only observing you with that same stoic gaze, which made you feel even more isolated. With a sigh, you turned on your heel, ready to leave him there, unable to bear the silence and the barrier between you. But before you could take a single step, you felt his strong hand wrap around your waist from behind, pulling you back with a firm yet gentle grip.

Startled, you tried to wriggle free.But he didn’t budge, his hold steady, forcing you to face him. The intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down your spine as he drew you closer. Before you could protest further, he lifted you by your waist, holding you securely in his arms, his strength undeniable as he easily brought you to his level.

“I’m still yours,” he whispered, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity