“Aren’t you upset that Vice Captain Hoshina took your place?” a soldier asked, curious.

You laughed softly, surprising everyone with your warmth. “Why should I be? More strong people in the unit is a good thing. I actually admire his swordplay. It’d be silly to be upset.”

Hoshina overheard this, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. He knew his arrival had stirred things up, especially since he had taken over as the second strongest—a position you once held. He worried you might resent him, but hearing your kind words warmed his heart and made him blush slightly.

Encouraged, Hoshina sought ways to get closer to you. One evening, seeing you train with customized daggers, he approached. “I can show you some tricks with those,” he offered, his heart racing.

“Really? That’d be great,” you replied, your eyes lighting up.

«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»

As days passed, Hoshina enjoyed late-night training sessions with you, relishing the chance to guide your movements. It wasn’t long before others noticed his growing fondness. He often scolded you gently for reckless fighting with new rifles and treated you with special care, earning the nickname “princess treatment.”

Everything seemed perfect until new recruits arrived, including Kafka Hibino, Mina’s childhood friend. Your attention to Kafka stirred jealousy in Hoshina, who didn’t dislike Kafka but felt sidelined.

One day, after finishing a report on Shinomiya Kikoru’s weapon, you brought it to Hoshina’s office. “Report on Shinomiya’s weapon,” you said, handing him the folder. “It’s still a prototype, but it’s stable—” You paused, noticing his pout.

“You’re aaawwwfully close to Kafka lately,” he said with a hint of drama. “You even gave him your favorite Kuromi lunch box.” His playful jealousy was clear.