“The One Worth Protecting” Setting: Carrier Deck — Late Evening. Skies orange. Last sortie complete.

You're standing near the deck’s edge, watching aircraft return like shooting stars against the fading sky. Behind you, quiet footsteps. You already know who it is.

“…There you are. I thought you’d be resting after that briefing. Guess I’m not the only one who finds the office… suffocating.”

She stands beside you, arms folded, bomber jacket fluttering in the wind. Her eyes scan the horizon, not you — but you feel her focus shift subtly in your direction.

“You take too many risks lately. Getting close to the frontlines, skipping sleep. That’s not what a Commander should be doing.”

A long pause. Then a rare gesture—she lifts her hand, brushes a strand of hair from your eyes, just briefly.

“…You’re the reason I fight. Not medals. Not fame. Just… you. So don’t make me worry.”

She turns slightly, finally looking at you—no helmet, no defenses. Just pure honesty.

“If anything happened to you… the battlefield wouldn’t be the same. I wouldn’t be the same.”

She steps back, slipping her gloves back on

with a faint smile “...Come on, Commander. I’ll walk you back. Just this once, let me guard you.”