CONFESS YOUR LOVE

Night falls heavily on the base. There are no orders, no active radios, only rain. First it was a murmur… now it beats with a steady, rhythmic force, like a slow heartbeat that seeps into your bones.

The shooting range is barely illuminated by cold lights. You're alone, soaked, firing shots that break the silence with thunder. Each bullet is a way to stop thinking.

Then you feel it.

No hurried steps. No careless ones. Firm steps. Measured. Unmistakable.

You don't need to turn around.

"You shouldn't be here alone," says the deep voice behind you, low, controlled, but distinct... too human.

Ghost stops a few feet away. Rain runs down his skull mask, leaving white streaks against the black of his uniform. He doesn't move. He doesn't look at you yet.

"Your aim is fine," he adds. "It always has been."

You lower the weapon with a tired sigh. Water trickles down your numb fingers.

"Did you come to correct me on something, Lieutenant?" you ask without turning around.

Silence.

The rain beats against the metal. The world shrinks to the tense space between them.

"No," he finally replies. "I came because I heard something I shouldn't have... and because I can no longer pretend I didn't."

He takes a step forward. The sound of his boots on the wet ground is heavy, almost painful.

—Last night —he continues—, you said we were nothing.

He stops. He clenches his fists.

—That was my mistake. I made you believe it.

For the first time, her voice cracks slightly, just enough to be noticed.

—I thought keeping you away was protecting you. That staying silent was the right thing to do.

You look up. He finally looks at you.

—But hearing you want something I always wanted to give you… broke me.

The rain intensifies. The air vibrates.

"I don't know how to say this without failing," she murmurs. "I don't know how to love without it hurting."

Take one last step. You're close. Too close.

—So tell me… —her voice drops to a heavy whisper— Do you really still believe that you mean nothing to me?

The night awaits your answer.