The match had ended hours ago, but the storm it stirred hadn't even started to calm. Battleships across the quadrant were buzzing with one name now: Unit 404.
The footage of Kael and Tyren moving like two halves of one war machine had gone viral among the younger generation of pilots. Their deadly coordination, brutal precision, and raw ferocity made every other duo look like children with toy robots.
But behind the shine of celebration, emotions brewed—conflicted, messy, real.
---
Ziya stood stiffly near the bay window, eyes glued to the flickering hologram that showed Kael's Ravager in slow-motion. Her hands were clasped behind her back, tension evident in her shoulders.
She wasn't the only one.
Misha leaned against the console nearby, one eyebrow raised as she sipped on her protein blend. "You've watched that same clip six times."
Ziya didn't respond.
Rynn crossed her arms and smirked. "Careful, you'll burn holes into Ravager. Or maybe Kael."
Ziya blinked, then huffed. "I'm just analyzing movement."
Misha chuckled. "Yeah? Is that why you keep sighing every time Tyren appears in the frame?"
Ziya went red instantly. "I do not!"
Before the banter could continue, heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor.
Tyren appeared, fresh from the locker room, his messy hair damp and jaw still set from battle. His sharp amber eyes instantly caught Ziya's awkward posture.
"You look... stressed," he said flatly.
Ziya stiffened. "I'm not."
"Must be the lighting, then." He smirked.
Ziya narrowed her eyes. "Are you trying to provoke me?"
"Why would I?" Tyren asked, pretending innocence. "It's not like I noticed you staring at me all through the match."
Ziya flushed again. "I was not—!"
He stepped a bit closer. "It's okay. I know Brawler has that effect."
Even Misha had to hold back her laugh. Rynn turned away, smiling discreetly.
Ziya opened her mouth to say something—anything—but Tyren just ruffled her hair with a casual hand and walked past.
> "Cute when you're mad," he mumbled under his breath.
---
Meanwhile, in Kael's quarters…
Kael barely had time to catch his breath before the door slid open with a hiss.
Ryssa.
She stepped in confidently, her commanding stride softened by the curve of her smile. She was in her formal officer uniform, coat slung stylishly over one shoulder.
> "Nice win, Commander."
Kael leaned against the edge of the desk. "You break into everyone's room to compliment them?"
Ryssa raised an eyebrow. "Only the ones who make the galaxy hold its breath."
She walked over to him, slow, deliberate. Her fingers brushed a bruise on his jaw.
> "Took a few hits," she said, voice low.
Kael shrugged. "It's a warzone, not a dance floor."
Ryssa chuckled. "Well, you danced beautifully. Brutal, but beautiful."
There was a beat of silence—electric, charged.
> "I have a proposal," she whispered.
Kael narrowed his eyes. "This another reward-based offer?"
> "Not quite. More like a challenge."
She leaned in, close enough that he could smell her scent—mint and gunmetal.
> "Win the rest of the competition. Prove you're more than just a discarded number. And I'll give you something no one else has ever dared."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Dangerous game you're playing, Ryssa."
> "I like dangerous."
Suddenly, the door slammed open.
A young logistics officer froze mid-step, eyes bulging at the scene.
Ryssa turned, unfazed. "Didn't your mother teach you to knock?"
> "S-Sorry! I—I didn't know—Ma'am! Sir!"
The poor soul practically threw his tablet at Kael's desk and bolted like a spooked deer.
Kael groaned, rubbing his temples. "Now I'm never hearing the end of this."
Ryssa simply smirked. "Good. Let them talk."
She brushed past him but paused at the door. "Don't forget… you still owe me a win."
> "And if I lose?" Kael asked, folding his arms.
> "Then I'll make you win me some other way."
She winked and vanished into the corridor.
---
Back in the common area, Tyren caught Ziya pacing nervously with her datapad.
"You still thinking about the rumors?"
She jumped. "W-what? No!"
He narrowed his eyes, stepping close. "You sure? I heard some juicy ones. About us being secretly engaged. About you sneaking into my quarters."
Ziya nearly dropped her datapad. "W-what the hell! Who's saying that?!"
Tyren laughed, genuine and teasing.
> "Relax. I kinda like the idea."
She stared at him, mouth slightly open.
> "But next time," he added, voice softening just a touch, "say something before rumors do it for you."
And just like that, he turned on his heel, leaving Ziya speechless and Misha squealing in the background.