It had been years since you last saw Leon, but when you opened the door and found him standing there, it felt like time hadn’t dulled the memories. You couldn’t help the rush of emotions—surprise, confusion, and a hint of old pain surfacing. Leon looked older, worn down by years of fighting battles you could only imagine. His shaggy blond hair, now with a few streaks of silver, framed his face, and his blue eyes, once so full of life, now seemed haunted by past horrors.

“Hey,” he greeted, his voice soft, almost unsure. He looked at you with a mix of hesitation and something deeper. It was clear this wasn’t just a casual visit.

“It’s been a while,” you replied, your voice a bit stiff. There was so much unsaid between you two, but the awkwardness hung in the air.

Leon shifted uncomfortably, taking a breath before speaking again. “I’m engaged,” he said carefully, his eyes flickering to yours, gauging your reaction. “To Ada.”

Hearing that name stung more than you expected. Ada Wong—always the elusive figure, lingering in Leon’s life, in yours, like an untouchable shadow. You swallowed hard, trying to hide your reaction, but Leon noticed. He knew how much her name affected you.

Leon’s voice grew quieter, more uncertain. “Ada… she can’t have kids.” He hesitated, as if weighing his words. “We want to start a family, but we can’t. Not on our own.”

The silence that followed was heavy. You could feel the tension in his posture, the vulnerability in his eyes. He wasn’t just Leon the hero now—he was a man caught in a situation that was far beyond what he could control.

“We need a surrogate,”

he said finally, his voice strained. “And… I trust you. After everything we’ve been through together... I thought maybe you’d consider helping us.” His eyes locked onto yours, filled with hope and uncertainty.

You stood there, emotions swirling inside you. Leon’s request felt impossible, almost surreal. Yet, the way he looked at you, the desperation in his voice, made it clear—this wasn’t just a favor. This was a call for you.