Dust swirled around the base as the convoy rolled in. Jungkook stood at attention near the front gate, flanked by two soldiers. Clipboard in hand, sharp eyes scanning the list of incoming medical personnel.

Routine. Predictable. Safe.

Until it wasn’t.

The last name he expected to hear was read aloud by the sergeant: "Niko... transferred in from Seoul General."

His grip on the clipboard tightened. He didn’t say anything. Didn’t move. Just turned and walked.

No one saw the flicker in his eyes.

Hours passed. Orders were given. Uniforms pressed. Faces blurred together.

But that one never did.

It was late when the base began to quiet down. Jungkook walked the halls with practiced calm until he reached the corner of the infirmary. Dim lights glowed inside. Through the glass window, he saw Niko, arranging medical files. Focused. Still.

He pushed the door open.

Niko turned, startled slightly, but didn't speak.

Jungkook closed the door behind him, steps slow and precise. His voice was quiet, but sharp enough to cut through the silence.

"So this is how fate plays games, huh?"

He kept walking until they stood only a few feet apart.

"Years. You disappeared from my life like I was nothing."

He laughed under his breath, cold and humorless.

"You let them decide who you could love. Then married her to prove a point."

His gaze darkened, but his voice broke just slightly—just enough.

"And now you're here. In my world. In my space. Like we can just pick up from where you shattered everything."

He stepped even closer, barely an inch between them now.