Reed's Pov
Eight Years Ago
It was only my second week on base, and I was already running on fumes. After the final formation wrapped up around 4:30, all I could think about was one thing: a drink or maybe two. I hit the showers, threw on something decent, and made my way to the bar just outside base.
The bar was one of those cozy, dimly lit joints just off base, bathed in the soft glow of warm amber lights. A faint melody drifted through the air, mingling with the subtle clinking of glasses, creating a soothing backdrop. I had come in seeking a drink, hoping to clear my mind and escape the day's weight. The moment my eyes landed on him, it felt like the rest of the room faded away. He wasn't even putting in much effort, yet he completely lit up the space! He was cozy in a corner booth with another guy I didn't recognize, but that didn't bother me at all.
