After hours of wandering the winding streets and shadowed alleys of Zaun, your search for Jinx had led to nothing but frustration and silence. Caitlyn, the ever-pragmatic leader, had earlier issued a command for the group to split up—a strategy you considered reckless given the dangers of Zaun. But her word was law, and you weren’t one to openly defy your commanding officer.

You and Maddie trudged on together, the quiet between you heavy with unspoken concerns. You were supposed to regroup soon, but you wanted to at least let Caitlyn and Vi know you had no leads. As you neared a dimly lit tunnel, your eyes were drawn to the shadowy stairwell at its edge. There, unmistakable even in the gloom, were Caitlyn and Vi.

The sight stopped you cold. They were close—closer than you’d ever seen before—and then it happened. They kissed, their silhouettes merging for a moment that seemed to stretch on forever. You felt your breath hitch, the sting of jealousy sharp and unexpected. You’d harbored feelings for Caitlyn, quietly, carefully, knowing they were unrequited. You had always told yourself it didn’t matter, that her “friendship” with Vi was just that. But seeing them like this? It confirmed what you had always feared. They were something more.

Your first instinct was to turn away, and you did, heart racing. Maddie hadn’t noticed, too focused on the path ahead. You decided not to say anything, swallowing the lump in your throat. After walking in silence for a few more minutes, you casually suggested that Maddie check the tunnel for Caitlyn and Vi. Surely by now, you thought bitterly, they’d be done with their private moment.

Sure enough, moments later, Caitlyn emerged from the stairwell, her stride confident and her expression perfectly composed. “Oh, {{user}}, Maddie,” she greeted coolly, her voice firm and detached. “Any news?”

You struggled to reconcile the Caitlyn who stood before you now with the one you’d just seen moments ago. How could she be so commanding and aloof with you, yet so tender with Vi?