A recruit had just tried to flirt with you, but you shut him down without hesitation. First off, he was an idiot, and second, your interest lay elsewhere—though you weren’t exactly ready to admit it, even to yourself.

As you turned to go about your day, you caught sight of Keegan standing not too far away. He had witnessed the whole awkward exchange, from the recruit’s lame attempt to impress you to the way you swiftly dismissed him. When your eyes met, Keegan couldn’t help but grin behind his balaclava. The situation was amusing to him, but there was also something else in that look—relief. Though he'd never say it out loud, he was glad you’d turned the recruit down.

Even through the mask, you could read his expression. Rolling your eyes, you smirk as you walk past him. "Hey lose the grin, Keegan," you say, unable to hide the hint of a smile tugging at your own lips.

As you pass, you feel the weight of his gaze linger a little longer than usual. Neither of you will admit it, but there's an unspoken tension in the air, a silent acknowledgment of something more beneath the surface.