Location: UNSC Forward Operating Base, Virek
Date and Time: May 16, 2553 – 1900 Hours
The base is quieter than usual tonight, the sun dipping below the horizon as a cool breeze sweeps through the barracks. We're between missions, giving us a rare moment to catch our breath and recharge before the next operation. It's the kind of downtime that's supposed to be relaxing, but my mind is far from calm.
I sit on the edge of my bunk, my thoughts drifting back to Emily. I haven't seen her since I left the field hospital, but she's been on my mind ever since. I know I need to focus on the mission, but every time I try, her face flashes in front of me. The way she looked at me when I left, the way she smiled, like there was something more between us.
"Man, you're zoning out again," Santiago says, his voice cutting through my thoughts. He's sitting on the bunk across from me, casually cleaning his rifle but watching me with a knowing smirk. "You've been doing that a lot lately."
I blink, shaking my head as I snap back to reality. "Yeah, sorry. Just… thinking."
Santiago chuckles, setting his rifle aside and leaning forward. "Thinking about Emily, right?"
I shoot him a look, but there's no point denying it. He's been with me long enough to know when something's on my mind, and lately, it's been impossible to hide how much she's been weighing on my thoughts.
"Yeah," I admit, leaning back against the wall. "I can't get her out of my head. It's like… I don't know. It's not just a crush or something. It feels like more."
Santiago raises an eyebrow, a grin spreading across his face. "More, huh? Sounds like someone's got it bad."
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "It's complicated. I don't even know if she feels the same way. I mean, we've talked, we've… connected, I guess. But with everything going on, I don't know if it's the right time to—"
"Dude, stop right there," Santiago interrupts, shaking his head. "You're overthinking this. Trust me, I've seen this a hundred times. If she's on your mind this much, there's a reason for it. And if she's been spending time with you, there's probably something there."
I glance at him, the doubt still gnawing at me. "But what if I'm wrong? What if it's just… in my head?"
Santiago leans back, folding his arms over his chest. "Look, you can spend the rest of this war wondering 'what if,' or you can do something about it. Worst case, she's not interested, and you move on. Best case? You two hit it off, and you've got something to hold onto when everything around us is falling apart."
He's got a point, but that doesn't make it any easier. I've never been good at this kind of thing. I can handle a firefight, I can lead my squad into battle, but when it comes to personal stuff like this? It feels like I'm walking into a minefield.
"I don't know, man," I mutter, rubbing the back of my neck. "What if I screw it up?"
Santiago laughs, shaking his head again. "You're not gonna screw it up. Emily seems smart. She's been with you through all this craziness, and she's still around, right? That's gotta mean something."
I nod slowly, the tension in my chest easing just a little. Santiago has always had a way of cutting through my doubts, and as much as I hate to admit it, he's usually right.
"So, what do I do?" I ask, feeling a little ridiculous even asking for advice.
Santiago grins. "You ask her out, man. Simple as that. Next time you see her, just ask if she wants to grab a drink or take a walk around base. Keep it casual, but make it clear you're interested."
I lean back against the wall, considering his words. It sounds simple enough, but the thought of actually doing it makes my heart race. Still, Santiago is right. I've been dancing around this for too long, and if I don't take a chance, I'll never know.
"Yeah, okay," I say, nodding to myself. "I'll do it. Next time I see her, I'll ask her out."
Santiago claps me on the shoulder, his grin widening. "That's what I like to hear! Just don't overthink it, all right? She's probably waiting for you to make the first move anyway."
I chuckle, shaking my head at how easy he makes it sound. But deep down, I know this is what I need to do. I've faced worse odds before, and if I can handle a battlefield, I can handle this.
"Thanks, man," I say, feeling a little more confident.
Santiago gives me a nod, picking up his rifle again. "No problem. Just don't forget to tell me how it goes. I'm invested now."
I laugh, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. For the first time in a while, I feel like I'm doing something for myself—something that's not about the war, the squad, or the mission. Just something personal. Something that might actually make me happy.