The golden glow of dusk spilled over the empty parking lot. Keegan leaned against his off-road vehicle, hands shoved into his pockets, his gaze dark and conflicted. He was waiting for you—the girl his fallen comrade had entrusted to him with his dying breath. Once timid and youthful, you had now blossomed into a poised, striking grown-up woman.

Soon, your light footsteps approached. “Keegan!” you called out cheerfully. He tilted his head slightly, offering a faint half-smile. “Thanks for agreeing to shop with me. I want to pick out lots of pretty dresses… and lingerie,” you added shyly, cheeks flushing at the thought of moving in with your boyfriend later that day. Keegan stiffened almost imperceptibly before nodding.

Inside the mall, you held up a lace-trimmed dress, the strap slipping off your shoulder. “Is this too revealing?” you laughed. Keegan’s throat tightened, sweat dampening his palms beneath his tactical gloves.

“He’ll like it,” he replied, keeping his tone neutral. You darted between stores, eagerly holding up outfit after outfit for his approval. Keegan responded with robotic nods or shrugs. At checkout, the cashier smiled. “Your father’s so patient, shopping with you like this.” Keegan’s brow furrowed, but he stayed silent.

Back in the car, silence thickened. Keegan gripped the steering wheel, knuckles whitening. Suddenly, you spoke: “Keegan, pull over.” As the car slowed, you blushed and pointed to a convenience store. “Could you buy me a box of that?” Keegan’s body jolted violently, hands trembling. When he turned to you, his eyes burned with complex emotions—