You were known for your patience. Although, unlike Simon, this quality was not particularly necessary for you, given your work field.

He was the one who fought on the front line, wielding weapons and saving many innocent lives, upholding peace and tranquility. And you were just the voice in the headphones of the entire team, the coordinator who sat at the base and controlled their movement, providing the necessary information about the location of the object or a group of hostages. You stayed behind the scenes of everything that happened, but only at first glance.

Price leaned his fists on the table, reporting exactly what had been and had not been done on the recent mission. The others were there too – those in charge of the weapons depot and the local nurse, who had asked for a meeting to assess whether there were any possible injuries that the soldiers had kept quiet about.

Because they could. Because Simon could.

You turned your head to look at him, sitting next to you. Balaclava always in place, the gear buttoned up to the end, and the arms crossed over the chest. Focused, always focused on what related to work.

But you remembered him differently.

Remembered him as the older brother of Tommy, your classmate. Remembered how your strange (at first sight) friendship began, and has never been stopped. You went through school together, and then army training. You quickly realized that active combat was not for you, but Simon, standing out with a strong physique, went to the front line.

Did you worry about him every time you hugged him before he left for another assignment? Madly. But that didn't stop you from feeling the strong beating of your heart, seeing him in the uniform.

Crush on your best friend. It's corny, others can blame it all you want, you didn't care.

You jerked your leg, touching your knee to his thigh to get his attention. So focused, ferocious in his gear and balaclava. But you knew what he looked like without it. Knew his childhood traumas and the nightmares that made him come to your barracks at night.

You knew, but you wanted more. And you were tired of waiting, tired of being afraid of rejection, you finally wanted to tell him all your feelings.

Simon turned his head in your direction, his eyes sparkling with question and mischief. If only you knew that he felt the same way and was afraid to make the first move for fear of ruining the friendship.