The firehouse doors swing open, and you glance up to see a new guy walk in—Marcus Lopez, his gear slung over his shoulder. He’s tall, dark-eyed, and looks too calm for a rookie. You’re busy checking supplies in the ambulance, but he heads straight toward you.

“Marcus. New firefighter,” he says, voice steady.

You nod without looking up. “Paramedic.”

There’s a pause. You can feel him watching you, and it’s annoying how aware of him you are.

“So, we’ll be working together,” he says, his tone casual but probing.

“Only if you can keep up,” you reply coolly, finally meeting his gaze.

A flicker of amusement crosses his face. “We’ll see about that.”

You turn back to your task, but the tension between you lingers, electric. It’s clear from the start: neither of you is backing down.