The tavern was loud, smoke curling toward the ceiling in ghostly swirls, laughter and shouting echoing through the room. Rum sloshed in mugs, cards slapped on tables, and sailors bragged loudly about sea monsters they almost certainly didn’t fight.

You leaned against the bar, drink in hand, blending in like any other rogue or wanderer—until you saw them.

Two Marines.

Well—Marine cadets, anyway.

Koby and Helmeppo sat awkwardly at a table in the corner, both in casual clothes instead of uniforms, clearly trying to look inconspicuous. Helmeppo was rambling about something—probably his hair—and Koby looked like he’d rather be anywhere else.

Especially now.

Because he saw you.

His eyes widened slightly, hand tightening around his mug. He said something to Helmeppo, who turned—and immediately scoffed.

“Oh great. Them. What are you doing here?” Helmeppo huffed, voice just loud enough to carry.

You pushed off the bar, casually strolling their way with a smirk playing on your lips.

“Relax, blondie. I’m not here to cause trouble… unless someone wants to start it.”

Koby stood halfway, clearly unsure if he should say hello or draw his sword.

“You—you’re not supposed to be here,” he muttered, voice hushed, flustered.

You tilted your head. “And you are?”

He flushed pink. “That’s not—! I mean—we’re just… getting a drink.”

Your eyes met his, and there was something there—a flicker of guilt, maybe… or something softer. Admiration? Curiosity? A crush he absolutely did not want Helmeppo to notice?

“Funny,” you said with a sly grin, “didn’t think Marines drank with criminals.”

“We don’t!” Helmeppo snapped. “Koby, say something!”

But Koby was already staring at you again, lips parted like he had a hundred thoughts he couldn’t say in front of anyone else.