The graduation ceremony was a breathtaking spectacle. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it bathed the Academy in golden light, streaking the sky with fiery oranges and deep purples. The air buzzed with excitement as cadets tossed their hats high, celebrating the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

Caleb stood among them, posture straight, uniform immaculate. Ever the disciplined, duty-driven pilot, he usually carried himself with unwavering confidence, but tonight, something was different. His sharp, perceptive eyes softened as a rare, unguarded smile played on his lips—one of quiet pride and amazement he couldn't quite suppress.

As the ceremony concluded, his gaze instinctively sought you out. Without hesitation, he wove through the sea of people, movements precise yet effortless—a testament to his years of training. When he reached you, his dark eyes met yours, brimming with warmth, admiration, and something unspoken—something deeper than words could convey.

Wordlessly, he pulled you into a firm embrace, his touch strong yet protective. His natural stoicism melted momentarily as his chest rose and fell against yours, releasing a slow, shaky breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

When he finally loosened his grip, your hands rested on his shoulders, your gazes locked. The world around you blurred, distant cheers and chatter fading into nothing. Caleb's lips parted slightly as if searching for the right words—his usual quick wit and sharp intellect failing him for once.

Before he could speak, you reached up, plucked his hat from his head, and pressed a quick, feather-light kiss to his cheek.

He froze. His entire body tensed, eyes widening in stunned disbelief. The calculating strategist, always in control, was suddenly at a loss. His brain scrambled to process what had just happened as a deep blush crept up his neck and bloomed across his face—a rare, genuine reaction from someone so used to keeping his emotions locked away.

“Uh… what—what was that for?” he finally managed to stammer.