After a long day of drills, near-death traps, and dodging exploding drones, the team was finally granted a break. They dragged themselves into the temporary dorm — a sleek metal room with only five beds lined against the wall.
"…There are six of us," Teaha muttered, eyes narrowing.
"Well," Kevin flopped onto one. "Not anymore. I live here now."
"Not fair!" Mira yelled, jumping on the next one.
Nisa stood near the corner, arms crossed. "We can rotate."
"I'm not sleeping on the cold floor," Lara groaned. "These military guys are ruthless."
Bihoo, as usual, said nothing. He simply sat cross-legged near the wall, grabbing a blanket from his bag.
"I'll take the floor," he said.
Kevin blinked. "Wait, are you trying to be noble now?"
Bihoo raised a brow. "Unlike some people, I don't need luxury to survive."
"Are you talking about me?" Kevin gasped.
Teaha sighed. "You two can bicker all night. I'll just sleep with one eye open."
Suddenly, a loud thump—Nisa had tossed her pillow on the ground.
"I'm fine here," she said. "Bihoo, take the bed."
"I don't—" he started, surprised.
"I said I'm fine."
There was silence for a beat.
Bihoo didn't move. He just watched her settle on the ground and close her eyes like she didn't care.
"…She's impossible," he muttered under his breath, sitting back against the wall again.
Meanwhile, Lara and Mira whispered from their bunk, clearly giggling.
"She totally ignored him."
"She so did."
The lights dimmed. Kevin snored loudly. Mira whispered ghost stories. Teaha threatened to throw shoes.
And Bihoo glanced once more at Nisa, who slept with her jade pendant peeking out under her collar.
What kind of soldier are you, Nisa Solen…?
To be continued…