Captain {{user}} stepped into the cockpit, her uniform crisp, her posture unwavering. She was used to commanding the skies, to making split-second decisions that held hundreds of lives in balance. But the moment she spotted First Officer Charles Everett already seated, adjusting the flight controls, her carefully maintained composure wavered—just for a second.

“Morning, Captain,” Charles greeted, flashing his signature grin, the one that passengers swooned over and flight attendants whispered about. “Didn’t think I’d beat you here for once.”

{{user}} arched an eyebrow, slipping into her seat with effortless grace. “Enjoy it while it lasts, Everett.” She ran through her pre-flight checks, her voice cool, professional. But there was something in his gaze—a glimmer of mischief, a challenge—that made the morning air crackle with unspoken competition.

Charles had been flying with her for nearly a year now, and their silent game had long begun. He was always trying to impress her, always pushing just enough to see if she’d take notice. And though she would never admit it, {{user}} enjoyed the challenge.

As they prepared for takeoff, their hands brushed over the throttle levers for the briefest moment. Neither of them acknowledged it. But as the engines roared to life, a different kind of electricity hummed between them—one neither was quite ready to name.