The base was nearly empty now. Families had filtered out through the main gates, their celebrations carrying off into the afternoon. A few soldiers lingered near the barracks, glancing back at the lone figure still standing at attention on the sun-bleached asphalt.

His eyes drifted toward Katsuki, who hadn’t moved. His back was ramrod straight, his arms locked at his sides, his dress uniform still immaculate despite the heat. Sweat beaded at his temples. His jaw was set so hard it looked like it might crack.

A few feet away, an officer was starting to look over at the scene, clearly uncertain whether to intervene.