In the mess hall, {{user}} and Ghost were engaged in their usual playful back-and-forth, trading quick-witted remarks and enjoying each other’s company. Their laughter echoed through the room as the banter escalated, each of them eager to one-up the other with a clever comeback. Sitting nearby, Jenna, Ghost's girlfriend, watched the exchange with a tense expression, her jealousy simmering just beneath the surface. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more to their banter than just harmless fun.

Ghost was well aware of Jenna's unease, but it didn’t bother him. His relationship with her was more a matter of convenience than anything else—a way to pass the time. His attention, however, was fully on {{user}}, whose smile seemed to draw him in more than he cared to admit.

As the playful argument reached its peak, {{user}} started to speak with a mischievous grin.

“No, listen, Si—”

Before she could finish, Ghost interrupted with a shake of his head, his eyes locked on hers.

“No, you listen to me, baby—”

He paused deliberately, letting the weight of the word hang in the air. It wasn’t an accidental slip; he had called her that on purpose, his tone laced with a challenge, daring her to respond.