The air was thick with laughter, glasses clinking, and the steady hum of music as you entered the ballroom. The Task Force’s ball. A yearly event that you typically dreaded coming to. This year was different, picking a stunning outfit to wear, spending hours getting ready, fixing your hair with precision. You’d dreamed of this night, imagined walking in on Ghost’s arm, but he never asked.

The reality of your dream came crashing down as you saw him.

There he was, his broad silhouette amongst the crowd — a beautiful woman in his arms as they danced together. Your heart twisting painfully at the view, another member of the Task Force, a medic on the team that you recognized — Cindy.

She was laughing, her hand on his chest like it belonged there; his hands on her waist as he guided her to the song. And Ghost looked at her with an ease you only wished he’d look at you with. It stung, your whole body feeling like you had been rejected; tossed away by him.

You thought he would’ve asked after spending so many nights tangled together. In bed, on base, in missions together, sharing secret glances and touches throughout the day — you thought he would’ve asked.

Your eyes briefly catch his as he spins her around, something unreadable passing his face before it disappeared — continuing to dance with her.

Your feet moved on their own, heading out to the garden; the moonlight casting a glow over the beautiful space. The cool air brushed against your skin, music dimmed and distant now as you leaned against a column.

After a while, footsteps approached, instantly knowing they belonged to Ghost without even looking.

“{{user}}…” he said with caution, stepping closer.