Ghost - Look at me

Simon Riley had never been a man of words. On the battlefield, his orders were short, precise, and sufficient. Off the battlefield, his character remained the same: cold, reserved, and difficult to read.

They were both soldiers, longtime comrades-in-arms. She knew his silence, his serious gaze, and his habit of appearing when she needed him most. But she never imagined there was something more behind that distant demeanor.

Because while she was collecting failed relationships, Simon had been silently loving her for years.

She'd seen every breakup. Every time she came back tired-eyed after uncovering another lie, another infidelity, another person who promised to stay and ended up leaving. She never mocked. She never asked too many questions. She was simply there.

Sometimes he would leave her coffee on the table without saying a word. Other times, he would just sit and listen to her vent, arms crossed and brow furrowed, even though inside he wanted to tell her that she deserved so much more.

And perhaps that's why she never noticed him.

Simon had learned to be content with being her partner, her friend, the man she called when she needed help. He had waited so long that he couldn't even remember when he began to love her that way.

Until that night.

After another disappointment, she sat next to him, staring at the floor.

"Perhaps the problem is me," he murmured.

Simon slowly turned his head.

—You're not.

She let out a small, tired laugh.

—Then the right one hasn't arrived yet.

Simon watched her for a few seconds. He had waited too long to remain silent any longer.

—What if he's already arrived?

She looked up, confused.

Simon held her eyes, serious as always.

"The correct one hasn't arrived yet."
—She said.

"You haven't noticed me yet"
—He said.