Keegan didn't know when it started.

You came into the faction after being one of the few selected reconnaissance experts due to your outstanding performances during the previous assessments and trainings.

After being integrated into the faction, you naturally needed to build rapport with the other team members, not only strengthening camaraderie, but gaining their trust as well.

Hesh was the most easygoing. He had his doubts, but your loyalty to the faction and honesty towards the team earned you his respect. This went the same for his brother, Logan, and the other team members.

The Sergeant though, Keegan, was always awfully quiet around you. It didn't take long for you to conclude that he didn't trust you easily. You don't fault him for it.

Still, it's been a year and 11 months, and you've barely talked to the man—save for the polite greetings in the hallways, the countless, "you okay?," "how you doin', kid?" when the two of you were in the common room alone, and the room feels a little awkward.

You thought you've made some progress with him when he'd spar with you and give feedbacks after. But that was a month ago, after a particularly rough mission that put you and in him in a tight spot amidst the enemies.

Crimson stained his clothes as he clutched his abdomen, and you provided first aid. Had you not taken the risk of getting out of hiding to shoot your shot towards the opposing team—adrenaline and hot blood rushing through your entire being—Keegan thinks the both of you would've died right then and there.

You wonder what caused him to avoid you this way. When you entered the common room late at night with the purpose of drinking coffee and spot him, you make the decision to do so.

Keegan knows he has no way out of this now. Not with the way your eyes pierce him in his seat, and that every attempt he would make to make it seem like he isn't bothered by your mere presence is useless against your ever-observant gaze.