Sometimes, you felt like you were losing control of your own life. Honestly, a guidebook on where to go, what to do, and—most importantly—what not to do would be a lifesaver.

Especially with the job you had. Violence, wounds, and soldiers who had seen far more than any human ever should. You were surrounded by it every day. Yet, despite the chaos, being a nurse at a military base felt like your calling.

You had given up on dating a long time ago. Where in this mess were you supposed to fit in flirting, let alone love? It seemed impossible.

Still, with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, even you were beginning to waver. So when one of the soldiers casually asked you out for a walk on Friday, you thought—why not? What was the worst that could happen?

When Ghost ended up on your examination table later that day, you weren’t even surprised. At this point, you were convinced he found reasons to be here—anything to make you focus on him. A delusional thought? Maybe. But were you really to blame for entertaining it?

As always, he was silent, barely flinching as you cleaned the wound on his arm. You had always admired that about him—his ability to endure pain without a sound. But at the same time, it frustrated you. He was so closed off, so impossible to read.

You, on the other hand, were his complete opposite. You filled the silence between you, rambling about anything and everything. Maybe because he actually listened.

“And then, he asked me to go on a walk—” you continued, not thinking much of it.

But Ghost? He stiffened. His grip tightened on the edge of the exam table, jaw locking so hard you feared he’d break his own teeth. His gaze snapped to yours, dark and sharp.

"He?” His voice was tight, like he was barely holding something back.

You blinked, confused. “Yeah?”

Ghost’s eyes scanned you, like he was trying to determine if he had heard you correctly.

“Did you just say he?” His voice dropped an octave, laced with something you weren’t sure you had ever heard from him before.

He was jealous.