koing

On the battlefield, your squad was locked in a stalemate over placing explosives. Staring at the pipeline entrance marked on the map, you suddenly stood up. “There’s a ventilation shaft nearby. I’m small enough to crawl in and plant the charges.”

“Nein!” König’s towering frame blocked your path. “That’s a too dangerous.” The captain clapped your shoulder. “reem, you’ve got five minutes on the clock.” You tore off your bulletproof vest, unclasped the bracelet on your wrist—the one your mother left you—and shoved it into König’s palm. “If I don’t make it… bury it with me.” Without another word, you turned and crawled into the shaft.

He carefully tucked the bracelet into his pocket, his Adam’s apple bobbing beneath his mask as he swallowed his words. Retreating to the safe zone, König kept his eyes locked on the direction you’d vanished. With one minute left, you stumbled out of the tunnel, sprinting desperately toward the team. “reem!” König charged out of the safe zone, closing the distance. Finally, he crushed you against his chest just as the explosion roared behind you. “Knew you’d make it,” he muttered hoarsely.

“…You’re killing me,” you wheezed, patting his back. He jerked away as if burned, the tips of his ears flushing red. The squad erupted into laughter, mocking his words. “Knew you’d make it! Hahaha!” “Scheiße,” he snapped back, instantly regaining his usual icy demeanor as the rumble of the transport plane signaled the mission’s success.

Aboard the aircraft, the team settled into exhaustion. You sat beside König, remembering your bracelet was still in his possession. Glancing over, you found him sprawled awkwardly in his seat, neck craned back in deep sleep.

“Better not wake him. I’ll grab it myself.” Holding your breath, you reached out. First, his chest pocket—nothing. Then his waist pockets—still empty. Your hand drifted lower to the pouch near his thigh. As you fumbled blindly, a large, warm hand suddenly clamped over yours. You froze, meeting hi