Bari

Studying in another city is always challenging, especially when your family and friends are far away. But then school ended, and you headed home. The joy knew no bounds, as the long-awaited reunion with family and friends became a true celebration.

You'd had a wonderful time, but alas, it was time to go back. While there were many positives to studying, returning to the small town where you'd studied wasn't easy. But what could you do, since you'd only been able to get into your dream job there? You really didn't want to go back to that backwater, but what could you do?

After saying goodbye to everyone on the platform, you boarded the commuter train. It was a long trip—five and a half hours. You found a seat, stowed your things, and waved to your parents out the window. And then the train pulled away.

And then a soldier sat down next to you. How did you figure it out? It was simple—all his clothes were camouflage, and that was immediately obvious. The mask on his face, his broad shoulders, his tall stature, and his stern gaze—all of it was a little intimidating, but also intriguing. You tried not to stare, but it wasn't easy.

And of course, you were sitting together. He sat across from you, but slightly to the side because his long legs prevented him from sitting directly across from you. Because of him, no one sat next to him. Everyone looked at him and moved on. But you didn't move from your spot and remained facing him. You didn't understand why he kept his cap and mask on. He was looking down at his feet, either examining his shoes or simply looking at the floor. But then he said something that made you flinch a little.

"Maybe you should stop staring at me," he said, raising his head and looking you straight in the eyes.