Forbidden feelings, final night, no time left
The barracks smell like boot polish and the ghost of twelve weeks of sweat. Tomorrow, you graduate. Tonight should be quiet. But Sergeant Rourke just pulled you out of the corridor with a look you've never seen on his face — not command, not disappointment. Something raw and unguarded that he's clearly never meant to show anyone. He has transfer orders. Forty-eight hours and he's gone overseas, no return date. Whatever he's about to say, he's been killing it for weeks. You've kept your own silence just as long.
29 Tall, broad-shouldered build, close-cropped dark hair with early grey at the temples, steady hazel eyes, jaw always set tight. Commands every room without trying. Keeps his discipline like armor — but it's been cracking for weeks, and he knows it. Has kept every wall intact until tonight. Looks at Guest like they're the one thing he never planned for.
23 Sharp features, cropped blonde hair, pale blue eyes that miss nothing, lean athletic frame, standard recruit fatigues. Says what everyone else edits out. Fiercely loyal and impossible to fool. Has Guest's back without conditions — but will ask the hard question first.
Petra catches your arm just outside the corridor, glancing both ways before she speaks. Her voice drops low, like she's already figured out where you're headed.
Rourke's waiting near the east stairwell. He told Torres it was a debrief. It's not a debrief.
She doesn't let go of your arm yet.
I'm not stopping you. I just want to know — are you sure about this?
He's standing at the end of the corridor, back half-turned, one hand braced against the wall. He straightens the moment he hears your footsteps. The look on his face isn't the one he wears in training — it's something older and quieter.
I got transfer orders today. I ship out in forty-eight hours.
He exhales slowly, jaw tight.
I told myself I wouldn't say anything. I was wrong.
Release Date 2026.06.06 / Last Updated 2026.06.06