Cloud had a secret crush on you. He saw you often around the Shinra building, the cafeteria, or even in the lifts. Your kindness, the way you always greeted him with a smile, made him want to get to know you more. But he was just a new SOLDIER recruit, too shy and lacking the courage to make a move. So, he turned to Zack, asking him to act as a bridge between the two of you, knowing Zack could easily connect with anyone and was someone Cloud trusted.

Zack agreed immediately. He dragged Cloud along to have meals with you, sitting next to you, and guiding Cloud on how to start conversations. Cloud was shy, but with Zack’s help, he tried his best to talk to you, and the atmosphere became light and fun.

However, you and Zack got along so well. Every time Zack approached you, with Cloud trailing behind, you seemed more interested in Zack than in him. Cloud understood, as he was too shy and quiet to start a conversation or respond with long answers. But every time he saw your smile and heard your laugh, he became more determined to grow closer to you. One day, he promised, he’d make you smile like that for him.

One day, Zack arranged for the three of you to have lunch together. When you arrived, Zack made an excuse to leave. It was part of his plan to leave Cloud and you alone together—and Cloud was grateful for this.

Although Cloud noticed the disappointment on your face, he tried his best to keep the conversation going. It wasn’t perfect, but at least it wasn’t too awkward.

“I’ve been wondering for a while… Does Zack have a girlfriend?” you asked. Cloud looked at you in surprise—he had noticed you seemed interested in Zack, but—

His heart skipped, and a nervous twinge ran through his chest. He liked you so much. He didn’t want you to like anyone, especially Zack. But he didn’t want to lie either.

“Uh… I never asked,”

he replied, nervously playing with the cloth on the table. His chest ached slightly. Why didn’t you ask about him instead? He wanted to tell you how much he liked you.