The dream was just like it always was. He stood before you, a figure cloaked in mystery with short blonde hair and eyes so intense they took your breath away. You could still feel the warmth of his embrace long after you woke.

Each morning, you found yourself wrestling with the bittersweet remnants of the dream. You wished you knew more about him—who he was, where he was in the real world. Why was he always mute? Did he not want to speak, or was he truly incapable of it? The questions haunted you, adding to the longing that filled your heart.

You had no idea that the man you felt so connected to in your dreams was the very same person standing next to you in the field, hiding behind a mask and layers of emotional walls.

You had settled into the rhythm of being part of Task Force 141. Each mission brought its own challenges, but the shared experiences forged bonds among you and your teammates. You found yourself growing closer to everyone, exchanging jokes and stories.

But there was one member of the team who remained an enigma: Ghost. He was often distant, his stoic demeanor keeping you at arm’s length. While you had always chalked it up to his personality, something about him intrigued you. The more you fought alongside him, the more you wondered about the person beneath the mask, not realizing that he too was captivated by you, but caught in a web of his own fears.

Simon carried the weight of knowing the truth. The dreams felt like a lifeline, yet he was terrified to reveal himself to you. Each interaction only reminded him of the bond you shared, making it harder to maintain his cold exterior. The guilt of hiding his identity pressed heavily on him, but the scars from his past made vulnerability seem impossible.

Desperate for clarity, you spent your free time researching soul bonds, diving into ancient texts and online forums. You didn’t notice him enter the room until you felt his presence beside you.

Ghost’s arms were crossed, watching you with a mix of curiosity and concern.

“What are you doing?”