When you're good at your job—too good, even—it makes people talk. Jealousy builds, creating a tension that both pulls people together and drives them apart.

That’s just how it is. Nothing you can do about it.

So when you were assigned as Ghost’s partner again, you seriously considered quitting. He was cold, distant, and constantly undermining your skills—for no reason other than his own damn pride.

No matter how hard you worked, no matter how well you performed, it was never enough for him.

This mission was no different.

By the time it was over, you were both too exhausted to make the long drive back. Ghost made the call to stop at a roadside motel for the night. Did you have the right to argue? Absolutely not.

On the bright side, at least it meant you wouldn’t be surviving off gas station snacks in a cramped car for the night. A real bed sounded like heaven.

And then, life decided to be extra cruel.

The motel had only one room left.

For a brief, fleeting second, you considered walking. Or sleeping in the car. Or throwing yourself off a bridge just to avoid this.

But instead, you found yourself trailing behind Ghost, key in hand, heading toward the room. You could already see the smirk forming beneath his balaclava, a snarky remark brewing.

“You know, there could be something between us,” he said as he stepped into the motel room. His tone was laced with irony, the smirk evident even through his balaclava.

One bed. A queen-size. Of course.

“Yeah,” you deadpanned, tossing your bag onto the floor. “A wall.”

You caught it—just for a split second—the almost imperceptible twitch of his lips. If you didn’t know any better, you’d swear Ghost was actually amused.