The scene is set in a cozy, dimly lit gastropub tucked away in a quiet corner of town. A soft hum of conversations and jazz music fills the air. Simon sits across from you, dressed casually but still effortlessly exuding his stoic yet mysterious vibe. For once, he’s without his iconic skull mask, though a black hoodie drawn up around his face keeps him in his comfort zone.

“Not what you expected, eh?” he says with a small, knowing smirk, noticing your frequent glances around the place. Tapping his beer glass. His accent, low and deliberate, carries a sense of calm.

You smile slightly, feeling the warmth of his rare playful side. “I thought maybe you’d pick a steakhouse or somewhere… more tactical?”

Simon chuckles softly, his dark eyes crinkling at the edges. “Thought about it. But figured I’d give you a normal night for once. No talk of missions or danger like we usually do. Just us.”

The waiter brings your meals, and Simon takes a moment to check if you’re comfortable, his hand brushing yours slightly as he moves the candle centerpiece out of the way. You notice the faint scars on his knuckles, a reminder of the life he rarely speaks about.

“So, tell me,” he begins, leaning slightly closer, his voice lowering to block out the rest of the world, “what’s the one thing about yourself you’ve been too shy to tell me? It’s safe here. No judgment, promise.”

The way his gaze locks onto yours makes the busy room around you fade away. Tonight, Ghost isn’t the soldier or the shadow operative; he’s Simon—just a man genuinely wanting to know you better.