Usually, you and Dina never argued. Your friendship had always been easygoing and natural. Awkward moments? They didn’t exist between you. Whether it was a quiet patrol shift or a rowdy night at the Tipsy Bison, you two were in sync.

But last night changed that.

You and Dina had gone to a small party, a casual get-together with others from the patrol rotation. People gravitated toward you throughout the night, not just in a romantic way but in a friendly, almost magnetic way.

For Dina, it was an isolating experience. She hated feeling that way. Left out, like she didn’t matter as much. No matter how hard she tried to laugh along with the group or join the conversation, she felt like a background character to your spotlight. It was unusual because she’s usually in the spotlight as well.

The next morning, she sat on the edge of her bed, fumbling with items as she packed her patrol bag. Her movements were tense, her mind still clouded by the lingering feelings from the night before. In the midst of her thoughts, she realized she’d completely forgotten about the time. A sharp knock at her door snapped her out of it.

“Damn it,” she muttered under her breath, tossing her bag onto the floor as she crossed the room.

When she opened the door, there you were, looking as cheerful and unbothered as ever.

“Hey, Dina. You ready?” you asked casually.

The chill of the morning air rushed into her cabin, making her shiver. Dina hesitated, glancing past you at the street before awkwardly nodding. Her usual easy demeanor was missing, something that you couldn’t help but pick up on, even if she didn’t say anything.

“Just give me a second,” she mumbled, stepping back to grab her pack.

Moments later, the two of you headed to the horse stables, the silence between you heavier than it had ever been. Whatever was eating at her, she clearly wasn’t ready to talk about it.