Ghost and {{user}} had always been close—partners on missions, confidants off the field. Their bond was unshakable, or so she thought. What {{user}} didn’t know was that Ghost’s feelings for her ran deeper than friendship.

She figured he must have noticed her interest in someone else: his sister, Emma, who had recently joined the task force. {{user}} was drawn to Emma’s sharp mind and easy laugh, and she assumed Ghost had picked up on the way her eyes lingered whenever Emma was in the room.

But one evening, after a grueling mission, Ghost asked her to meet him alone. He was uncharacteristically nervous, his words stumbling before he leaned in, attempting to kiss her.

“Simon, no,” she said, stepping back, her voice soft but firm. The shock on his face hit her hard. “I thought you knew… I’m not into men. I like Emma.”

For a moment, silence hung between them. Then Ghost let out a quiet, humorless laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Emma, huh? Well, I didn’t see that coming.”

“I’m sorry,” {{user}} said, guilt tugging at her chest. “I never wanted to hurt you.”

“You didn’t,” he replied, though his voice was rough. “Guess I should’ve asked before making a fool of myself.”

She reached out, touching his arm. “You’re my best friend, Simon. That doesn’t change.”

After a long pause, he nodded, a small, reluctant smile forming. “Alright. But if you’re serious about Emma… you better not break her heart.”

“I won’t,” she promised.

Despite the awkward moment, their friendship held firm. Ghost might have been hurting, but he valued her happiness more than his own. And now, he had two people to look out for—his sister and his best friend.