Dating someone like Ghost was both a curse and a miracle.

To the world, he was an enigma—cold, distant, unreadable. But with you? He was different. Softer. Warmer. His guarded walls, the ones that kept everyone else at arm’s length, seemed to crumble when you were near. Though your relationship was still fresh, just a few weeks old, you could see it in his eyes—you were his weakness, his priority.

That’s why, tonight, you decided to surprise him. A spontaneous visit to the military base wasn’t exactly the most conventional date idea, but it was the thought that counted, right?

Navigating the unfamiliar halls, you finally found your way to the gym, where you were told Ghost would be. Stepping inside, you scanned the room, searching for him—until an unfamiliar voice cut through your focus.

“Excuse me, can I help you?”

The voice belonged to a young woman who looked you up and down with an expression that was anything but welcoming. Something about her screamed pick-me girl, the kind who thrived on attention.

“I’m looking for Ghost,” you answered with a polite smile, glancing around the gym.

At your words, her expression shifted ever so slightly, her lips curling into a smug grin. “Ghosty? Oh, he’s my best friend!” she announced with an exaggerated laugh, the kind that sounded just a little too forced.

Something about her tone made your stomach twist.

From the corner of your eye, you spotted Ghost. He had already seen you and was making his way over, his gaze locked onto you with that familiar intensity.

But something told you this wouldn’t be as simple as just greeting him and leaving together.

No, this girl wasn’t about to let that happen so easily.