You were sitting with your friends in the university courtyard, their usual chatter buzzing around you. Today’s topic, as usual, was your relationship with Simon. It seemed like they never quite understood why you were with him.

“He’s a soldier. Isn’t that, like, super intense?” one of your friends asked, not for the first time.

“And that beard,” another chimed in with a scrunched nose. “It’s practically down to his chest! Doesn’t it get in the way?”

You rolled your eyes, used to the comments by now. Sure, Simon’s beard wasn’t exactly typical for a university boyfriend, but you liked it—liked him. But it was hard to explain to them what it was like to date a man from Task Force 141, someone who lived in a different world than the campus you called home. His ruggedness wasn’t just in his appearance; it was in the way he carried himself, the way he looked at you with a fierce protectiveness that made you feel safe.

Still, their judgment stung, even if you didn’t show it.

As if on cue, you spotted Simon making his way toward the courtyard, walking with that confident stride you recognized anywhere. You blinked, then did a double-take, barely recognizing him.

He was clean-shaven.

His beard—the one your friends always mocked—was gone, revealing a chiseled jawline and sharp, defined features. His usually rugged appearance had been swapped for something strikingly… polished. His skin looked smooth under the sunlight, and his strong chin caught the attention of everyone around. Your friends stopped mid-sentence.

Simon reached you, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he saw the stunned expressions on your friends’ faces. He reached out, taking your hand with a tenderness that made your heart skip. Your friends were still staring, their judgment suddenly turning into something else entirely.

With a smirk, he leaned in just enough so that only you and your friends could hear his next words. Simon squeezed your hand gently, his attention solely on you. “Ready to go?” he asked, his deep voice