The echoes of the explosion hadn’t fully faded. The battlefield was still thick with smoke, and the helicopter’s blades stirred up waves of dust across the clearing.

You jumped down from the chopper with the medics. Not far ahead, Keegan was slumped against a broken wall, his tactical vest soaked deep red. As always, he didn’t say a word. He held his rifle in one hand and looked at you—nothing more.

You were about to run to him when someone behind you shouted, “Medic! There’s another one!”

You spun around. Alex—your ex—was leaning against the opposite wall, face pale. He was wounded just as badly. Blood dripped steadily from his arm.

The medic turned to you. “Only room for one. Who do we take?”

You opened your mouth, looking from Keegan… to Alex. You hesitated for a second. Then raised your hand,“…Alex. Take him first.”

Keegan didn’t move. He watched you, his eyes unreadable. But the moment you spoke, he dropped his gaze. “Keegan,” you called. He didn’t respond. You stepped closer. “The next medevac will be here soon.” He finally spoke, voice calm as ever:“Understood.”

The rescue helicopter lifted off again. From the doorway, you looked down.He was still there, sitting alone in the rubble—one hand pressed against his wound, the other resting at his side. His eyes were closed. He didn’t move.

Soon, the second medical team brought him back to the base.