The beeping of the heart monitor was steady, a stark contrast to the storm raging inside Simon’s head. He sat in the dimly lit infirmary, elbows on his knees, gloved hands clasped together as he stared at the woman lying in the hospital bed.

{{user}}. A spy. A traitor.

The words felt foreign, even now. She wasn’t just another soldier on the team. She was sharp, capable, fearless. He had noticed her from the start, felt the pull between them in the stolen glances, the quiet moments between missions. But it had all been a lie.

His jaw clenched as he exhaled sharply. He should’ve left her there. After everything. After the betrayal. But when he saw her bleeding out, her breath coming in ragged gasps, he couldn’t walk away.

The soft rustling of sheets made him sit up straighter. Her fingers twitched. A slow, shaky inhale. Then, her eyes fluttered open.

Simon didn’t move. Didn’t say a word.

{{user}} blinked at the ceiling before turning her head slightly, meeting his gaze. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The weight of what had happened settled heavy between them.

Then, his voice, low and rough, cut through the silence.

“Why?”

It was just one word, but it carried everything; his anger, his confusion, the betrayal that still burned in his chest.