|Nikto|.

At the barracks, murmurs were common ever since {{user}} and Nikto had begun their relationship. They didn't come from those close to them, but from those who watched without understanding how someone so firm and confident could choose a man marked by silence and instability.

They didn't care. Month after month they grew up together, sustained by an unexplained loyalty. But in Nikto there was something that intensified after certain events.

The fault.

It happened after a failed mission. The briefing room still smelled of dust and metal.

Konig crossed his arms. "The left flank was exposed," he grunted.

"The information arrived incomplete," Horangi replied.

"The coverage failed," Krueger added. "And it almost cost us dearly."

Nikto remained rigid, his fists clenched. "Enough!" Her cold voice cut through the air. "Nikto followed protocol. If anyone failed, it wasn't Nikto."

Krueger shook his head, sighing. "Nobody is saying that..."

Nikto took a step forward. "They always look to Nikto when something goes wrong!"

{{user}} approached slowly. "Nikto...breathe. They're not attacking you."

The contact was minimal, barely a touch. But Nikto reacted reflexively and pushed him hard. {{user}} fell to the ground. The silence was absolute.

König immediately intervened. "Nikto," she said firmly. "Go clear your head. Now."

Nikto clenched his jaw and left without looking back.

The days passed. {{user}} treated him as always, without reproach or distance. That was what destroyed him the most.

One night, {{user}} went to his room. Nikto was sitting on the bed, looking at his mask. "What's wrong, Nikto...?"

"Nikto senses that you're not okay with him," she murmured. "Nikto wants you to be happy."

"I don't always know how to help you," {{user}} admitted. "But I'm still here."

Nikto lowered his gaze. "Nikto doesn't want to hurt you."

"I know..." {{user}} says calmly.

Nikto took off his mask. He didn't promise to change. He didn't apologize. But, for the first time, the decision was not to flee, but to stay…even in the uncertainty.