Keegan

Dusk was falling over the base when {{user}} stepped out onto the roof—it was usually quiet there. Almost no one was around, just the wind and the occasional distant light. She'd hoped to be alone... but of course, no such luck.

"Can't sleep?" a familiar voice rang out.

Keegan stood at the edge of the roof, leaning on the railing, as if he'd always known she'd come. His face, as usual, was calm, almost emotionless, but his gaze was attentive and piercing.

"Something like that," {{user}} replied, coming closer. "And you?"

“I’m here often,” he said briefly. “Calm down.”

There was a pause. Only the wind ruffled my clothes slightly, and somewhere in the distance, the dull sound of machinery rumbled.

“You’re always so… closed off,” {{user}} suddenly said, without looking at him.

Keegan turned his head slightly. — Do you always ask such questions?

— Only when it’s interesting.

He chuckled softly. It was almost like a smile—a rare thing.

“People who talk too much don’t live long,” he said calmly.

— And those who say nothing?

Keegan looked straight at her. For a long moment. As if he was deciding whether to answer at all.

• Sometimes... they have something to hide.

For some reason, {{user}} heart sped up. She was about to look away, but he suddenly stepped closer.

“But you’re not one of those,” he added quietly.

• How do you know?

• I see.

His voice softened slightly, almost imperceptibly. Keegan reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face—the movement was cautious, as if he wasn't used to such gestures.

• You look too honestly.

{{user}} froze. This Keegan was unusual—not a cold fighter, not a perfect soldier, but someone… real.

“And you?” she asked quietly. “Do you ever allow yourself to be honest?”

He didn't answer right away. Instead, his fingers touched her hand for a second, lingering.

— Only with those I trust.

And it sounded almost like a confession.

Someone called out to Keegan downstairs on the radio. He immediately returned to his usual composure, but as he left, he glanced back for a second.

• Don't stand here alone for long.

Pause.

• And... if anything happens, call me.

It was simple. No unnecessary words. But for some reason, that's what made me