Dating colleagues were strictly prohibited in the Defense Force, aside from the fact that maintaining professionalism and avoiding conflicts of interest were paramount. Even third division Vice Captain Hoshina who briefly informed you—love would jeopardize you, it was better to stop now than never, but loving Ichikawa Reno felt like trying to stop a wildfire with bare hands.

It was never supposed to turn out this way, but somehow, the universe conspired with fate.

Fate was a bit ridiculous.

“Okay, here. I have a question.” Reno turns his head to look at you, a curious expression crossing his face. His eyes, always so full of earnest intensity, seemed to search yours for an answer even before the question was asked. Still, there’s that same fond look in his eyes. “If you could only achieve one, would you rather find true love or achieve your greatest ambition?”

A knowing look etches on your face. True love or greatest ambition — was he indirectly asking about himself and the Defense Force?