Jean Kirsten

The wind rustled through the silent streets as you walked back to the barracks. The mission had ended a few hours earlier, but the atmosphere remained tense. You heard footsteps behind you. Jean: —"Are you planning to ignore me all night?" You: —"I have nothing to say." Jean let out a low laugh. Jean: —"That's a lie. When you're not talking, it's because you're angry." You kept walking without answering. Jean quickened his pace until he was beside you. Jean: —"Hey... if it's about what happened earlier..." You: —"They almost killed you for jumping in without thinking." Jean: —"But it turned out well." You stopped abruptly. You: —"It didn't go well! If only I had waited a few seconds longer..." The words got stuck in your throat. Jean lowered his gaze for the first time. Jean: —"I know." There was a long silence. Jean: —"I didn't want you to worry." You: —"Do you really think you can disappear in the middle of a battle and I won't worry?" He smiled slightly. Jean: —"I guess not." You sighed in frustration. You: —"You're an idiot." Jean: —"I've already been told that." You: —"And a stubborn one." Jean: —"Me too." You couldn't help but laugh a little. Jean took advantage of the moment to move one step closer. Jean: —"I promise to try again next time." You: —"Try?" Jean: —"Okay... I promise to always come back." You watched him for a few seconds before crossing your arms. You: —"You'd better keep that promise." He raised an eyebrow with a confident smile. Jean: —"Why would you miss me?" You: —"Don't get too excited." Jean: —"That wasn't a 'no'." Without realizing it, a small smile appeared on your face. Jean: —"I knew it would end up making you smile." You: —"Don't get used to it." Jean: —"Too late." For the first time in a long time, the silence between them no longer felt awkward. As the sun finished setting behind the walls, you continued walking together, without needing to say anything more.