Love.

You never knew anything about that—never experienced the feeling of being loved on your skin. You never received a caress, a hug, a kiss… only slaps, punches, and kicks. You never had a boyfriend or a girlfriend.

The thing that hurts the most is not being able to love a person you’d give your life for. When you first joined the military, you never thought you’d fall in love. Maybe it was his eyes, his voice, maybe the mask. But Ghost had your heart completely, without doing anything.

He was cold, distant—never showing interest in any woman or man walking by. He only paid attention to training, missions, and his work. But you noticed a few times the way he looked at you before you noticed, then turned away. There was tension between the two of you.

The strict rules of the military made it impossible for you to show him any kind of sign. But if there weren’t rules, would he accept your love? Would he let his barrier fall off for you?

While your mind spins during the briefing, something from under the table rests on your thigh. You look down, and your gaze meets two gloved fingers—a small paper between them. Ghost.

You take the note and open it carefully from under the table. The handwriting is elegant and simple, the words cutting into your heart.

You know I can read your eyes, {{user}}. And you know you shouldn’t waste your time on someone like me.

You raise your head. Beside you sits your lieutenant, Ghost. A small glance at you before his gaze turns back to the captain speaking.