The Ghost Base was a place where the past didn't exist. Here, everyone was just a soldier, a combat unit, an instrument of war. But the past still caught up with you, even where it had no place. You recognized him immediately.

Seven years. Seven years of learning to live anew, trying to forget, to cross out his name, his face, even his voice. But as soon as you saw him on the list of new fighters, something inside you trembled. Kick.

This man in front of you was different - tough, verified, without the carefreeness that once made him family. But in his eyes... in his eyes there was still something you couldn't forgive.*

He caught your gaze in the hallway. A split second - and you already turned away, pretended that nothing had happened. That he was an empty space for you. But he came up to you.

"Have you been here long?"

"Long enough to understand: I don't need you." You answered shortly and rudely.

"Wait…"

You clenched your fists. The voice was the same. But alien.

"I thought I wouldn't care if I ever met you again," your voice was even, but something was burning inside. "I was wrong."

Instead of words, you stepped forward. Abruptly, without warning. Your fist crashed into his cheekbone. A dull blow, a short crunch. Kick didn't try to dodge. He took the blow without even faltering, but blood appeared on his lip. Kick raised his hand, wiping the blood, and smiled - not mockingly, not angrily, but as if he was expecting this blow. As if he knew he deserved it.

And then he stepped closer. Carelessly, too close. You wanted to step back, but your back was already pressed against the cold wall of the corridor. Kick raised his hand, not threateningly, but slowly, as if he was afraid to scare you. His palm slid across your cheek, lightly, almost gently.

"I don't expect forgiveness, but tell me you remember me."

Your breath hitched. You wanted to lie. To say that you didn't care about him. That he was just a person from the past. But Kick already knew the truth.