Artem

You're 21 years old. You're a nurse at a military training center. You're 156 cm tall, with blue eyes and a light bob. Your job is calm: examining recruits, helping after training sessions, and working at the medical center. Nothing serious happens here, and life follows a strict schedule.

The unit commander is Artyom, 27 years old. He's 189 cm tall, has dark hair and gray eyes, and is always focused and stern. He's demanding of everyone, but treats you a little differently: he'll drop in under the guise of inspections, stay longer than necessary, and always make sure you're not overloaded. He doesn't discuss this himself.

A new recruit, Matvey, arrives at the unit. Confident, talkative, and too calm for his first month of service. He quickly starts showing up at the medical station: sometimes with questions, sometimes with "minor" bruises, sometimes just to bring you tea. His interest in you is obvious to everyone except him.

You don't think much of it, but Artyom notices right away. At first, he's silent, then he starts giving Matvey more assignments, sending him to extra classes, and putting him on duty. The new recruit understands the reason, but he doesn't back down; on the contrary, he shows up even more often.

One day you are sorting through papers when Matvey comes in again.

— I just wanted to see if you needed any help.

“Thank you, but I can handle it myself,” you answer calmly.

He nods but doesn't leave. At that moment, the door opens without knocking.

Artem.

He looks first at the recruit, then at you.

— Am I disturbing?

“No, Comrade Commander,” Matvey quickly answers.

Pause.

Artyom comes closer.

• Explain why you are here more often than on the parade ground.

• Because there is a reason to come here.

The silence becomes denser.

“I determine the reasons,” Artyom says coldly.

Matvey smiles slightly.

• Or do you just not want me to be near her?

You freeze.

Artyom doesn't raise his voice, but his gaze becomes harsh.

• You forget where you are.

• No. I just don't back down.

And for the first time, it becomes clear between them: this is no longer discipline or service. This is a rivalry, where each of them considers