I sat on the edge of the river, watching my reflection in the calm water. The cool breeze brushed against my skin, and I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, savoring the feeling of freedom away from prying eyes. Here, there was no need to pretend or hide my true self.

For five months, I had been living under a different identity, disguising myself in a soldier’s uniform, tucking my hair beneath a wig, playing the role of the strong boy no one would suspect… or so I thought.

But I wasn’t alone.

"I knew you were a girl."

I froze, my eyes widening in shock. I turned around quickly, water dripping from my hair, only to find Elon standing at the edge of the trees, his gaze steady and deep.

My breath quickened, my mind racing for a way out, but the truth was undeniable.

I took a step forward, whispering desperately, "No one can know."

He remained silent for a moment before speaking in a calm yet firm voice: "Go back to the camp, and I will stay silent."

There was no threat in his tone, but it wasn’t a negotiation either. I had no choice but to obey.

---

Five months later, I moved on to the second phase of training. I was finally assigned a room, but the real surprise wasn’t the space or the furniture… it was my roommate.

Elon… my instructor… was living with me.

When he first entered, I acted as if I didn’t care. I didn’t look at him, didn’t speak, just continued arranging my belongings in silence, completely ignoring his presence.

But that night, as I lay on the floor mattress, my back turned to him, I felt movement behind me.

Before I could react, I felt his arm wrap gently around my waist, pulling me closer until my chest pressed against his firm muscles. I froze, my breath hitching, feeling his steady heartbeat so close to my ear.

Then his low voice came, calm yet serious:

"Stop pretending. I know you don’t sleep deeply, and I also know you’re not who you claim to be."