Yuri

Rain pounded the tent canvas, drowning out the distant rumble of cannon fire. The headquarters smelled of cold coffee and damp metal. Major Yuri bent over the map, his ink-stained fingers hovering over the Zero ledge.

"It's too risky," you said quietly, moving closer. "If we send in the second company now, they'll be caught in a pincer movement."

Yuri didn't turn around, but you noticed how his shoulders tensed under his faded jacket.

"We have no choice, Lieutenant. We either take this height, or we'll be wiped out by morning."

He finally turned around. The weariness in his eyes was mingled with something sharp, almost painful. He came so close that you could smell the tobacco and the cold. His hand hovered in the air for a moment before he adjusted the collar of your uniform.

"You're so damn stubborn," he whispered, his voice breaking. "And that's the only thing that makes me believe in tomorrow."

"Major..." you faltered, feeling your heart pounding against your ribs. "That's a violation of regulations."

"There are no rules in this tent right now," he said, smiling faintly at the corners of his lips. "Just the rain and us."

He didn't close the distance any further, giving you room to retreat. Silence hung in the air, heavier than any projectile.