Since childhood, you dreamed of wearing a military uniform, of marching across the parade ground, of hearing the thunder of drums. Your father was a general—proud, strict, unyielding. For you, he was always the symbol of strength and honor, and you swore you’d follow in his footsteps.

At eighteen, you entered the military academy. It was tough: you were the only girl among dozens of men. No concessions, no “special treatment.” Even when your body ached, they only threw words in your face:

— You knew what you were getting into. In wartime, women gave birth in the fields and still fought. And you can’t endure this?

Each remark ignited a fire in you, pushing you to fight harder.

In your unit served Captain Aaron Hayes. He was your commander. Tall, broad-shouldered, his posture alone demanded respect. His eyes… cold and restless, as if a storm and eternal winter had been trapped inside them. Hayes was a master of control: outwardly calm, charismatic, yet beneath the surface lay iron, harshness, and something that drove you insane.

From the very first day, he fascinated you. You tried to catch his gaze, to melt his frost, but Hayes was impenetrable. Like a steel wall: no tank could break it, no explosion could crack it.

— Hey, Haru, bet you don’t have the guts to kiss Captain Hayes? — a mocking voice sneered behind you.

The trio — Dima, Sasha, and Vadim — your constant tormentors. Always sticking around, always whispering, always throwing challenges.

— Just admit you’re too scared.

Your fists clenched tight. Heat flared in your chest.

— I’m not scared! — you snapped, stomping your foot.

They burst out laughing. Certain you’d back down. But you had already made your choice.

At that moment, Captain Hayes was overseeing the soldiers’ exercises — sharp eyes watching every push-up, every motion. He stood out among them: collected, focused, carved from stone.

You stepped forward. Then again. Silence followed you. When you stopped in front of him, he turned his head, looking straight into your eyes — cold, questioning.

No words. You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him close. Your lips pressed against his in a kiss — wild, daring, forbidden. Sweet enough to make the whole world vanish.

Aaron froze, stunned by your audacity, but only for a heartbeat. His lips, firm and burning, responded with a fire of their own—yet before he could claim more, you pulled away, leaving him breathless.

Behind you, the trio stood gaping, their jaws dropped in disbelief.

You straightened, chin lifted high, a mischievous smile dancing on your lips as you walked away. Aaron touched his mouth with his fingers, where your taste still lingered, and smirked.

— Little witch… he murmured under his breath, eyes following you.