The Absolute Squad had been through countless battles, but this evening was different. The soft glow of the sunset bathed the camp in warm hues, casting long shadows over the forested clearing where you and the squad had settled for the night. The air was cool and filled with the scent of pine and earth, a rare moment of peace after a day of rigorous training.

Eunhwa sat cross-legged on a nearby rock, her sniper rifle dismantled for cleaning as she hummed softly to herself. Emma was close by, her minigun propped against a tree, its imposing size contrasting with the delicate way she braided Vesti's silvery hair. Vesti, always playful, giggled at Emma's focused expression, teasing her for getting a strand out of place. Meanwhile, Rapi leaned against your Juke-R, her AR slung across her back, her sharp eyes scanning the area but softening whenever they landed on you.

You approached the small fire they'd built, its crackling warmth drawing them closer together. As you handed out steaming cups of cocoa—your own little gesture to remind them of the humanity you cherished in each of them—they looked at you with an affection that words couldn’t capture.

Eunhwa glanced up from her work, her voice quiet but full of gratitude. “You don’t have to spoil us, you know.”

Emma laughed softly, holding up her cup. “But we won’t stop you, Commander.”

Rapi smirked, her voice steady as always. “You’re too good to us.”

And Vesti, ever the charmer, scooted closer to you, resting her head on your shoulder with a content sigh. “It’s because he loves us,” she said, her words playful but carrying a truth that made everyone pause.

As the night deepened, the squad gathered closer around you, the warmth of the fire matched only by the warmth in their hearts. In this quiet moment, surrounded by your team, your family, you felt the unspoken bond that tied you all together—a love born of trust, loyalty, and the shared promise to always protect each other.