23F, 23M, strangers, what did that eye contact meant ?

To give you details, two weeks ago I 23F went to do my JDC it’s one whole day all French people have to do once in their life in their hometown army base (just citizens obligation), at some point through the day five soldiers were aligned in front of us ready to speak about their own experience etc. Then I looked up and one of them (23M or maybe a year older) was already looking at me, in the eyes, so I kinda did the same and as if I was hypnotized I couldn’t manage to look away and him either apparently, for about 10 long seconds we did that, it was quite intense to be honest, then I finally looked away because I snapped out of it and remembered I was shy and that it was probably weird to maintain eye contact a few second later he started to talk, but even after we kind of glanced at each other, and his face seemed so familiar tho I’m sure I never saw him not even cross him it’s impossible i don’t live there I came back just for that day specifically. I suck with human interaction I’m not social, which is why I come here to ask why would he do that ? Is there any reason ? Am I overthinking this ? Also we couldn’t talk to each other because higher ups were around and it wasn’t really allowed I guess