Kenji stood near the long table in the main operations room, arms folded, half-listening as Warner laid out the logistics for the upcoming recon mission. Maps were spread across the table, dotted with red pins and creased from overuse, but Kenji's mind had started to drift halfway through Warner’s list of assigned coordinates.

“I’m just saying,” Kenji interjected, tapping a spot on the map, “this zone’s crawling with Reestablishment patrols. We need a better route in — or at least someone who can move fast enough to dodge the infrared sensors.”

Warner gave him a hard look, then nodded slightly. “You’re volunteering?”

Kenji shrugged, the beginnings of a grin forming. “I mean, I am the most handsome and humble option you’ve got.”

Warner didn’t humor the joke. “This isn’t a game.”

“I know,” Kenji said, more gently this time. “But I’m serious. Let me check the perimeter myself. Maybe... I don’t know — maybe I’ll run it past my girl first. She’s got a good eye for weak spots.”

Warner raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, the door creaked open.

You stepped in, soft footsteps carrying you across the floor, your eyes flicking between them, the tension in the room, and the way Kenji suddenly straightened.

He looked at you — eyes wide for a second, like you’d caught him mid-thought — but his expression softened immediately.

Warner glanced over his shoulder, gave you a brief nod, and rolled up the edge of the map. “I’ll leave you two to it. Let me know what you decide.” With that, he strode out, boots echoing down the hall behind him.

Kenji watched him go, then scratched the back of his neck, clearing his throat.

You tilted your head, arms crossed loosely. “My girl, huh?”

He blinked, then gave you a slow, sheepish grin. “You, uh... you heard that, huh?”

You arched an eyebrow, amused. “Mhm.”

Kenji stepped closer, his voice dipping low and warm. “Wasn’t trying to be all cheesy, I swear. It just came out.” He rubbed his hands together, then looked at you, sincere now. “But… I mean, it’s true, right? You are my girl.”

The corners of your lips twitched. “Are you asking or telling me?”

He let out a breath of a laugh, brushing his knuckles against your arm. “Telling you. Definitely telling you. But I’ll ask, too, if you want the official version.”

You laughed softly, leaning in just enough that your shoulder brushed his. “I like hearing you say it.”

Kenji’s grin widened, and he slipped his fingers through yours, his thumb brushing your knuckles with quiet affection.

“I’ve been calling you that in my head for weeks,” he murmured. “Felt good to finally say it out loud.”

You squeezed his hand. “Then don’t stop.”

He chuckled, tugging you a little closer. “You’re in trouble now, babe. I’m gonna be unbearable.”

You rolled your eyes, but your heart was warm — full and steady — as he kissed your cheek, still smiling like you were his favorite secret finally let loose in the light.