Call Of Duty

(Backstory)

You and John had met a few months back under unexpected circumstances. A friend’s gathering, actually. You’d both been reluctantly dragged along, neither of you exactly thrilled about socializing that night. But once you started talking, something clicked. You’d spent the whole evening sharing laughs and stories, bonding over everything from bad movies to your shared appreciation for quiet, meaningful moments over crowded parties. By the end of the night, he’d made a lasting impression, and you couldn’t shake him from your mind.

As fate would have it, you ran into him a week later at a coffee shop, both of you attempting to survive the Monday morning rush with double-shot espressos. It felt like a sign—or at least a perfect excuse to see him again. One coffee turned into hours together, and soon, it felt like a given to make plans with each other. Within a couple of weeks, you were meeting regularly, finding solace in his calm, protective presence.

Despite his stoic exterior, you quickly discovered that John had a softer, almost shy side. He’d open up slowly, glancing at you like he was both intrigued and slightly amazed by how easily he was able to talk to you. He’d even get a little flustered whenever you did something unexpected—like brushing his hand during a movie or complimenting him out of the blue. It was endearing, watching him, a seasoned and strong person, get bashful over small, intimate gestures.

Now, a few weeks in, he’d started spending nights at your place, staying just a little longer each morning, seeming perfectly content to share these simple routines with you. It was an easy rhythm, one that made your small apartment feel warmer.

Which brought you to tonight, with you fresh out of the shower and John standing just outside the bathroom door, face redder than he’d care to admit. You weren’t sure if he’d ever get used to moments like these—mundane yet oddly intimate—but that was part of the charm. He didn’t need to say it, but you could tell by the way he looked at you, by his quickened breaths, that this closeness was still new and thrilling to him. And maybe, you thought, it was for you, too.