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Chapter Text

Rafeyal strode into the Head Colonel's office, his usual confidence in his step. After yet another string of rule-breaking incidents, command had finally had enough. As punishment—or correction, he was now reassigned to sit directly under the strictest officer in the entire Farspace Fleet.

He hadn't been told who that officer was. No heads-up, no warning. Typical. But as he stepped inside, his stride faltered.

His eyes widened the moment he saw who sat behind the desk.

"Caleb?"  he breathed.

The man didn't even glance up. He continued scanning a digital report, his voice cold and flat—just like the rumors had always said.

"Planning to just stand there taking up space?"

Rafeyal quickly straightened his posture, adjusting his tone to something more professional.

"No, sir."

He made his way to the designated seat, the one now permanently stationed across from the Head Colonel's desk. Sitting down, he tried to focus—but his eyes kept drifting back to the man behind the desk.

Caleb.

He watched Caleb quietly, thoughts racing.

Is he doing this on purpose? Or... does he really not recognize me?

For a long moment, the only sound in the room was the soft flicker of data scrolling across Caleb's screen. Then, finally, Caleb looked up. His eyes met Rafeyal's. There was no spark of surprise. No warmth. Nothing. Just that same icy stare, unreadable and sharp.

"So," Caleb said flatly, "you're the new one."

Caleb set his reports aside with deliberate precision, his gaze locking on Rafeyal like a blade finding its target.

"You're a natural troublemaker," 

he said sternly.

 "Or should I say, a rule breaker? You've been bounced around the fleet for three years. None of the colonels could manage you. You should be grateful you haven't been dismissed, Head Commander Qi."

Rafeyal met Caleb's gaze without flinching, his posture straight, professional. But behind his calm expression, something stirred, anger, disbelief, something older.

So this is the first thing you say to me after all these years? Our first meeting... and this is what I get?

Rafeyal remained silent, his expression unreadable, calm. Professional.

Caleb didn't miss a beat. His voice stayed cold, razor-sharp.

"Now that you're reassigned to me, understand this. I won't be as lenient as the other colonels. Head. Commander. Qi. Do you understand?"

Rafeyal stood and saluted with precision.

"Yes, sir."

He held the salute a second longer before lowering his hand and sitting back down, face still composed. But behind his stillness, his thoughts burned.

You motherfucker. If this is how you're going to play it—fine. I'll play the same game.

Five months had passed.

In that time, Caleb and Rafeyal worked side by side in their shared private office. Neither spoke more than necessary. Orders were given, reports were filed, and not once had Rafeyal disobeyed.

He followed Caleb's every command.

But deep down, something gnawed at him. Caleb still acted like they were strangers—as if they had never shared a past, never clung to each other in the cold silence of the orphanage nights.

Rafeyal sat at his desk now, sifting through reports from his subordinates. His brow furrowed, eyes scanning but his thoughts drifted.

It's been five months. And he's still pretending he doesn't know me? So I'm the only one who cares? This piece of garbage!

The pen in his hand snapped with a sharp crack.

Rafeyal blinked, startled. 

"Oops."

Across the room, Caleb glanced up, gaze sharp and cold.

"You've been breaking quite a few pens these last few months, Head Commander."

Rafeyal didn't respond.

Caleb's brows drew together.

"I'm speaking to you, Head Commander Qi."

Rafeyal finally looked up, eyes flat, tone clipped with annoyance.

"I just like to break pens. Sir."

But inside, his frustration seethed.

Whose damn fault do you think that is?

Caleb's tone dropped colder, like ice sinking into stone.

"Your sarcasm, don't try to pull it here. I'm not like the others, Head Commander. Control your strength. Or your temper."

Rafeyal's eye twitched, but he held back the surge of anger rising in his chest. His jaw tightened. His hands curled into fists beneath the desk. He said through gritted teeth.

"Yes, sir"

But inside, the fire burned hot.

You really want to play this game, huh? Pretending like I don't exist? Like none of it mattered? Fine. Play it.  Don't regret this, Caleb.

In the weeks that followed, Rafeyal changed.

He matched Caleb's coldness with one of his own. The warmth, the teasing glances, the quiet hope that maybe Caleb would remember—vanished. Gone. Replaced by clipped responses and silent glares. If Caleb wanted distance, Rafeyal would give him a void.

The shift didn't go unnoticed. Rumours began to swirl across the fleet like wildfire. Whispers in the hallways. Sidelong glances near the office doors.

They said the Head Colonel and Head Commander were at odds. That there was tension in the air thick enough to choke on. 

Some even joked that stepping into their office felt like walking into a dead zone, where words froze and glances could kill.

Things had clearly gone south.

Rafeyal, once always present at his desk, began to shift his routine—deliberately. He still completed his reports on time, but as soon as they were done, he was gone.

Instead of lingering in the shared office, he started showing up at the training grounds. Assisting the cadets with their regimes. Drills. Simulations. Physical training.

It wasn't required of someone with his rank—far from it. But Rafeyal was always there now, sleeves rolled up, barking instructions, throwing himself into the work like he was trying to outrun something.

Days passed where he didn't even cross paths with Caleb. And on the rare occasions he did, it was only to drop off a report or receive a new directive.

No words. No looks.

Just silence.

And to everyone around them, the message was clear: something had broken between the two highest officers in the fleet.

Chapter Text

Rumors had taken on a life of their own.

In the fleet's canteen, a group of training officers sat around their usual table, trays half-empty, voices lowered just enough to pretend they weren't gossiping.

"Nowadays, I really have nothing to do,"

one of them muttered, lazily poking at his food.

 "Seems like Head Commander Qi's taken over all our responsibilities. Why'd he suddenly get so involved in the cadet regime? That's not even part of his job."

Another officer laughed. 

"Yeah, well, I'm not complaining. Things have gotten a lot easier for us since he started showing up."

A third one frowned. 

"I don't think it's a good sign. His rank's too high to be wasting time on drills. Isn't his role supposed to be assisting Head Colonel Caleb?"

A fourth officer snorted. 

"Then why don't you go tell him we appreciate the help but we don't need it anymore?"

The second one said quickly, nearly choking on their drink. 

"Excuse you? Have you seen the Commander's face lately? It's darker than a black hole. I'm not about to volunteer myself for whatever storm he's carrying."

They all sighed at once, sinking into a shared moment of unease and helpless sympathy. None of them noticed the man sitting quietly at the table behind them.

Caleb.

Fork frozen halfway to his mouth, eyes unreadable as ever. He had heard every word.

A few hours later, Rafeyal dragged himself back toward the office, still sweaty from the cadet training grounds. He muttered under his breath, groaning quietly.

"Urghhhh— I don't even want to see him... Just finish the report fast and get out. Even if the regime's over, I can find something else to do."

He pushed open the office door and stepped in.

Caleb was there, as always, seated at his desk with a datapad in hand, eyes scanning through reports with clinical precision. Rafeyal gave a stiff salute, saying nothing, and went straight to his desk.

He sat, opened the report file, and began typing quickly, his eyes fixed on the screen, not on the man across the room.

Caleb didn't look up, but his voice cut through the silence.

"It's rare to see you in the office for more than an hour these days."

Rafeyal didn't pause. 

"There's duty to do on my part."

Caleb's tone tightened, the cold edge now laced with something else—something faintly mocking.

"You mean doing duties that don't belong to you?"

Rafeyal's fingers slowed on the keyboard, tension tightening in his jaw. But he said nothing. He resumed typing, even faster now, determined, mechanical. An hour passed.

He stood up, brisk and professional, gathering his datapad and heading toward the door.

Caleb didn't look up at first, but his voice stopped Rafeyal cold.

"You're in a hurry to go again."

Rafeyal didn't break stride, didn't turn around. His tone remained neutral, distant.

"Need to help out my fellow subordinates."

Caleb finally looked up. He picked up a pen and tapped it against the desk, a slow, deliberate rhythm. His gaze fixed on Rafeyal like a target scanner. He said, voice cold but sharp with implication.

"They don't need your help. You jolly well know that, Head Commander."

Rafeyal's fists clenched at his sides. Without another word, he turned, heading straight for the door. But Caleb's voice rang out, sharp and commanding, his tone leaving no room for argument at all.

"Head Commander Qi. Come back here. That's an order. Unless I personally assign you, you are no longer permitted to assist with any training regime."

Rafeyal stopped in his tracks, shoulders stiff. He turned his head back slightly, his brow furrowed.

"I can't even help them?"

Caleb, still seated, crossed his arms firmly, his expression carved from stone.

"No."

The room pulsed with silence.

Rafeyal's teeth pressed together. He wanted to shout, to laugh, to throw something. Instead, he turned back toward the door again, fully intending to ignore the order.

But Caleb stood. His chair scraped lightly against the floor, the sound subtle but sharp. He walked forward, slow and deliberate, his voice dropping low with frost.

"Avoiding me?"

Rafeyal turned to face him fully, his brow furrowed deeper now. His voice came out clipped, flat, every word deliberately calculated.

"No, sir."

Caleb stepped closer, his presence imposing, voice still cold as ice. Caleb said, eyes fixed on Rafeyal.

"Let's be honest here. Why are you avoiding me? Is it that torturous to share an office with the Head Colonel because of your inability to follow rules?"

Rafeyal's eyebrow twitched, his temper rising with every word. He gave a sharp, bitter smile.

"Let's use some common sense, shall we? Who wouldn't avoid the Head Colonel who's infamous for being cold and impossibly strict?"

Caleb's eyes narrowed, darkening like a storm gathering behind glass.

"Mind your tone, Head Commander."

Rafeyal clenched his jaw but stayed silent, holding back the heat. Rafeyal thought bitterly.

I don't want to mind it, Don't forget, you're the one who started this whole pretend game first.

Caleb let out a quiet sigh. His voice, though still cold, softened ever so slightly. And for the first time in five long months, he didn't address Rafeyal by rank. Caleb said, steady but unreadable.

"Rafeyal. Why are you avoiding me?"

Rafeyal froze.

His eyes widened, just a flicker, before narrowing. His fist clenched at his side, the weight of those words crashing into him.

"You're really asking me that?"

he said, voice low with restrained fury.

 "Why?"

His arms crossed tightly over his chest as he stepped back, finally shedding the professional mask.

"Then tell me, why did you start playing this little pretending game? Acting like we're strangers? Like our past meant nothing?"

Caleb's expression faltered, the cracks showing for just a moment.

"I..." 

His voice caught. 

"I needed time, Raf. It does mean something to me."

Rafeyal scoffed, the pain in his voice sharp, cutting. Rafeyal said bitterly.

"Well, congrats, You've used your time well. You've made things worse."

Caleb's eyes darkened. His jaw tightened. His voice came out, harsh and raw.

"RAFEYAL!"

Rafeyal snapped. His hand flew to his beret, yanking it off and hurling it to the floor with a loud thud.

"Just who do you think you are?!" 

he shouted, voice shaking with fury. 

"Do you even understand how I felt when you looked at me like I was no one? Like we were strangers? Like our childhood never even happened! Like it was all nothing!"

His chest heaved, his words sharp and bitter.

 "Since you acted like that, why the hell shouldn't I?"

Caleb stood frozen, eyes wide, caught off guard by the outburst. He tried to compose himself, slipping back into that familiar cold mask.

"I care, I just didn't show it. And.. don't throw your beret on the floor."

Rafeyal laughed, angrily, hollowly.

"To hell with the beret. And to hell with your care." 

His voice cracked, rising with pain. 

"You didn't care! I cared! Because for me... it hurts!"

Caleb snapped, his voice hardening.

"Rafeyal!"

But Rafeyal cut in, shouting now. His eyes burned with unshed emotion.

"Don't 'Rafeyal' me! I gave you time. Plenty! But it's eating me alive, Caleb! That's why I've been avoiding you! You've made everything worse. Congrats."

He stormed forward, snatched the beret off the ground, and threw it at Caleb's chest hard. It hit and fell, landing in silence between them.

Rafeyal turned sharply and marched out of the office, fists clenched at his sides. He thought bitterly, blinking rapidly as he walked faster.

I hate you.  Staying there any longer... I'd cry. And I'm not crying in front of you.

Chapter Text

Caleb stood still, staring down at the beret that had hit him square in the chest.

Slowly, he bent down, picked it up, and brushed off imaginary dust, though there wasn't a speck on it. His movements were careful, mechanical, like something fragile might break.

He stared at the beret in his hands for a long moment, then let out a deep sigh and sank into his chair. Pulling off his own beret, he set it gently on the desk beside Rafeyal's.

"I messed up,"

he muttered under his breath. 

"For real this time..."

Just outside the private office, silence hung thick in the air. The officers stationed nearby sat frozen at their desks. Work remained untouched. Reports halfway written. Screens dimmed from inactivity.

They had heard everything. The shouting.

The names. The beret hitting something .. or someone.

One officer finally exhaled slowly.
"So..."

Another finished grimly.
"...We're technically dead meat starting tomorrow?" 

 A third said, nodding.
"Yeah, We're definitely gonna face their wrath."

Another leaned back in their chair, whispering under their breath,
"I'm taking leave. I don't care. I am not working between two emotional High Ranking officer."

Everyone silently agreed. And no one dared approach the office door.

Rafeyal stormed across the fleet base, boots slamming against the metal corridors until he reached the enormous training ground. The doors slid open with a hiss, revealing rows of pristine combat dummies prepared for the next day's cadet drills.

His fists trembled. His heart was still pounding.

Without a second thought, Rafeyal summoned his Evol, the air around him shimmered, waves of heat pulsing outward as flames licked across his fingertips.

"Seriously?! You care?!"

 he shouted at no one, voice echoing through the empty grounds.

"Doesn't seem like it!"

His fury surged.

"CALEB!! YOU PIECE OF HANDSOME IDIOT— I HATE YOU!!"

A massive blast of fire erupted from his hands, engulfing the rows of dummies in a roaring inferno. Within seconds, they were reduced to blackened, smoking heaps of melted joints and scorched padding.

Silence returned.
Rafeyal stood there, chest heaving, smoke curling from his fingers. He stared at the charred remains, expression slowly softening as the fire died down.

"...I don't even know why I'm so angry anymore,"

he muttered.

 "I shouldn't even be angry..."

And yet, he was.
With a sigh, Rafeyal turned around, marched toward the storage units, and began dragging out replacements for every dummy he'd just obliterated.

One by one.
A disruptive Head Commander, indeed.

The next few days were worse than anything Caleb had braced for.

Rafeyal didn't just avoid the office anymore, he straight-up ignored protocol. He stopped showing up in the morning altogether, choosing instead to head straight to the training grounds. Orders? Irrelevant. He was in full defiance mode.

And though he said nothing directly, his actions spoke volumes.

The training officers, once thankful for his help, now silently wished he'd stop. His presence was suffocating. His commands were sharp, his eyes colder than space itself. There was no warmth left in the Head Commander who used to joke between drills.

Everyone knew. No one dared speak of it. But the whisper ran through the fleet like a current:

The Head Colonel and Head Commander are at war.

The fallout was real. Not even the bravest dared to enter their shared office. Walking past it felt like passing a vacuum chamber, one wrong breath and you'd get sucked into emotional annihilation.

Caleb, seated alone at his desk, flipped through a report for the fifth time without reading a word.

He'd had enough. This has gone on too long.

Just then, as if fate aligned with his intent, the door slid open with a hiss.
Rafeyal entered, his face blank, jaw tight. Likely here just to drop off reports and vanish again.

Caleb looked up, eyes narrowing with quiet determination.
Now or never.

Rafeyal entered the office with the same blank expression he'd worn for days now. Silent. Cold. He headed straight for his desk and sat down, ready to dive into his report without even glancing at the man seated across from him.

Caleb's eyebrow twitched, irritation bubbling under his carefully controlled exterior. He said coldly.

"Not going to show respect to your superior?" 

Rafeyal paused, eyes flicking toward Caleb with matching frost. He stood up stiffly, raised a salute with mechanical precision, and sat right back down.

The gesture was textbook, yet empty.
And it only made Caleb angrier.

"You've been defying my orders ever since that argument,"

Caleb said, his voice growing sharper with every word.

"I am your superior, and you are expected to adhere to my commands. I made it very clear, you are not to assist with the training regimes unless I authorize it."

Rafeyal said nothing. He kept typing. Deliberately.

Caleb's mouth twitched, his patience fraying at the edges.

"Head Commander Qi."

His voice was low and dangerous now.

"I'm talking to you. You do realize I have the authority to dismiss you from your rank. Don't test it."

At that, Rafeyal finally stopped. His hands stilled on the keyboard.

He looked up slowly, eyes locking with Caleb's, no fear, no hesitation. Just that same unbearable cold.

"Then dismiss me."

Caleb let out a sharp breath through his nose, tension thick in his jaw. He stood from his desk and walked toward Rafeyal's, stopping right in front of it. His voice was cold, clipped with command.

"Stop your work. That's an order."

Rafeyal didn't even blink. His fingers kept moving over the report, stubborn and defiant.

Caleb snapped.
In one swift motion, he circled the desk and seized Rafeyal's chair, spinning it sharply toward him. Before Rafeyal could react, Caleb gripped the front of his uniform, yanking him up from the chair with startling force. The pen in Rafeyal's hand clattered onto the desk.

They were chest to chest now, barely inches apart.

"So this is it?"

Caleb growled.

"You've decided to go fully against me, Head Commander Qi?"

Rafeyal's eyes widened for a split second, caught off guard by the sheer speed and closeness—but he quickly masked it. His voice came out low, defiant.

"And what if I have?"

Caleb roared, his voice echoing off the walls of their private office like thunder.

"RAFEYAL!" 

Just outside the room, every officer on the floor froze. Keyboards stopped clicking. Conversations died mid-sentence. A deathly silence filled the corridor.

They all turned toward the closed door with the same horrified expression.
One officer exhaled like he'd just dodged a missile.

"Oh my god... If this keeps going, the entire floor is going to become their warzone."

And then it happened.

Rafeyal's voice exploded through the door, even louder than Caleb's had been.

"CALEB!! DON'T YOU DARE SNAP AT ME LIKE I'M THE ONLY ONE AT FAULT HERE!!"

Around the corridor, officers began scrambling.
Some slipped on noise-cancelling earpieces with military-grade speed. Others grabbed headsets and pretended to be deep in long-distance comm calls.

One officer muttered under his breath like a mantra.

"We are not here. We are not here..." 

Another whispered,

"Head Commander Qi really is the rule-breaker legend of Farspace Fleet... shouting back at the Head Colonel like that? He's gonna get court-martialed.. or married."

Everyone wisely decided not to get involved.

Chapter Text

Caleb stood frozen for a moment, stunned by Rafeyal's furious retort. His own voice still echoed faintly in the silence of the room but Rafeyal's had cut deeper.

He exhaled slowly.
His anger simmered down, and in its place came something quieter. Something honest.
Caleb said, his tone finally soft, no longer cold. 

"Rafeyal...Can we talk calmly for once?"

Rafeyal's eyes darkened, jaw tight.

"You started it."

Caleb didn't argue.

Instead, he removed his beret and placed it carefully on Rafeyal's desk. His hand reached out, gripping Rafeyal's shoulders, not hard, just firm, grounding. Caleb said quietly.

"I'm sorry, I should've done this from the start. I thought I was doing what was best for us. But... I was wrong."

Rafeyal's eyes flickered with pain, voice still edged with lingering hurt.

"What's best for us... was you not pretending I didn't exist. That we didn't exist."

His tone began to soften too, just a little.

"So... are you still gonna keep acting like you don't know me?"

Caleb's grip tightened slightly, protective, not forceful.

"No,"

  he whispered.

"I'm sorry."

And without another word, Caleb stepped forward and pulled Rafeyal into a tight embrace, one that didn't ask for permission, one that clearly said I'm not letting go.

Rafeyal's eyes went wide in shock, frozen in place. He thought wildly.

Wha—att?? I— Oh— Okay...

His arms twitched slightly, unsure what to do, caught somewhere between wanting to push away and wanting to melt.

Caleb's mind, in contrast, was clear for once. He thought, holding Rafeyal tighter still.

I should have done this from the beginning

Rafeyal hesitated, arms slowly lifting to return the embrace—but lightly, uncertain. His brow furrowed. He asked, voice muffled against Caleb's shoulder.

"You're being serious, right?"

Caleb didn't loosen his grip. His voice came out firm and steady, a quiet promise.

"Yes. I'm sorry, okay?"

Rafeyal buried his head deeper into Caleb's shoulder, trembling slightly. He tried not to cry.
He failed.
Rafeyal whispered, voice cracking.

"You mean idiot... You know this was really hard for me..."

Caleb's eyes widened. Panic rose in his chest—not from anger, but guilt. Guilt for all of it. He hugged Rafeyal tighter, hand patting his back in quiet, rapid comfort.

"I'm sorry... It was hard for me too, I just... I didn't think. Not about you."

There was a pause then Caleb glanced around quickly, fumbling into one of his uniform pockets. He pulled out a grape-flavored sweet, one of the few things he'd never stopped keeping on him.

He unwrapped it swiftly.

"Open your mouth."

Rafeyal shook his head, face still hidden, trying to shield his tears with all his stubborn pride.
Caleb sighed heavily.

"Raf..."

Without waiting, he gently cupped Rafeyal's cheek, turning his face to him with unexpected tenderness. Rafeyal blinked, startled but before he could protest, Caleb popped the candy into his mouth with gentle insistence.

"There,"

Caleb said quietly, thumb brushing the corner of Rafeyal's eye.

"I'm sorry, Raf... Don't cry anymore, please."

Rafeyal blinked, stunned, not by the candy, but the intimacy. The way Caleb looked at him. The way it made everything real.

He bit into the sweet slowly, tasting the familiar burst of grape on his tongue.And just like that...The tears stopped.

Days passed.

The storm that had once rocked the Farspace Fleet's command floor finally began to settle. The icy tension that had hung like a cloud over the shared office of the Head Colonel and Head Commander slowly, almost cautiously, lifted.

Rafeyal and Caleb no longer played the game of cold silence or forced indifference. They spoke. Sometimes they bantered, sometimes they argued—but now, it was sharp but harmless, like flint and steel instead of a battlefield.

They worked together. Efficiently.

Caleb remained his usual strict, no-nonsense self. Rafeyal remained... Rafeyal. Occasionally defiant, often unfiltered, and still prone to bending rules when it suited him. But now, his defiance came with a visible smirk instead of silent fury—and Caleb's reprimands, while stern, were more practiced restraint than true outrage.

Outside their office, the change was palpable.

For the first time in weeks, officers moved freely past their door without holding their breath. Laughter returned to the corridors. Conversations resumed without fear of being interrupted by shouting.

In one of the lounges, a few officers sat huddled, sipping hot drinks during their break. One muttered, eyes flicking toward the now-quiet office down the hall.

"I really thought it was going to stay like that forever" 

 Another whispered, relieved.

"Luckily, it's not"

A third leaned in, voice hushed.

"Please don't jinx it. We all know the Head Colonel is still terrifying. I flinched when he sneezed earlier."

The first officer added with a tired sigh,

"I'm just saying, if it turns into a warzone again, I'm putting in a leave request before someone throws a chair."

They all nodded solemnly, the memory of echoed shouting still vivid in their minds.
For now, peace had returned.

At last, after months of routine and duty, the most anticipated event in the Farspace Fleet calendar loomed on the horizon.
The Farspace Annual Hunt.

Set to begin in just two days, the energy across the fleet was unmistakable. Officers, cadets, and support staff buzzed with excitement, their voices humming through corridors and mess halls like the static before a storm.

Every year, this event turned the disciplined structure of Farspace into a stage for raw instinct and skill.

The Hunt was more than a challenge—it was a tradition. A one-week, all-out expedition into the DeepSpace Tunnels and Ground Zones, where wild and volatile energy gathered and strange creatures known as Wanderers roamed. It was a celebration of survival, courage, and unity—a way to commemorate all those who had joined and served within the fleet.

Every rank participated.

Except for Commanders and above, who were strictly forbidden from joining the hunt themselves. Their role was to supervise, coordinate, and protect from afar.

The rules were clear:

No solo hunting.

All hunting must be done in teams.

Any violation results in immediate recall.

Still, even with those restrictions, the anticipation was palpable. Weapons were being tuned. Armor fitted. Gear distributed. And maps of the deep tunnels were studied like sacred texts.

Even Rafeyal couldn't completely hide the glint of excitement in his eyes.

Though, knowing him...Rules were more of a suggestion.

One day before the long-awaited Farspace Annual Hunt, the mass briefing was held in the grand Assembly Hall of the fleet station. Officers of every division filled the vast space, uniforms crisp, eyes alert—or, in some cases, struggling to stay open after long shifts.

At the helm of the meeting stood Brigadier General Lucius, his presence commanding the room with ease. Beside him, at the front of the room, sat Head Colonel Caleb, rigid, precise, watching everything with his usual ice-cold stare.

And seated among the Commanders was Head Commander Rafeyal Qi, legs casually crossed, arms folded, exuding the very definition of barely pretending to care.

Lucius's voice rang out sharp and unwavering.

"We will now go over the final rules for the Annual Hunt. I expect strict adherence from everyone, regardless of division or past participation."

The room was quiet. Until Lucius, without even looking up from his datapad, continued dryly:

"Let me be extremely clear. The Annual Hunt is not the time for freelancing. Rules exist for a reason. No solo hunting. No cross-boundary behavior. And above all. Commanders and above are not participants, only supervisors."

He paused. Then glanced up, voice dropping slightly in tone, deadpan and tired.

"I would also like to remind a particular officer, who has broken protocol three years in a row, that this will not be tolerated again. This is now the fourth year. Please spare me the effort of repeating this speech next year."

The hall was silent. All heads slowly turned to glance toward Rafeyal, who remained motionless, still half-sunk in his chair.

Their collective thoughts, loud in unspoken unison:

Definitely talking about Head Commander Qi.

From the front row, Caleb didn't bother to hide it. He turned his head slowly and shot Rafeyal a cold, unimpressed stare that could freeze an entire sun.

Rafeyal met it with a smirk, shrugged, and leaned back in his seat, pretending to listen, eyes half-lidded, utterly unbothered.

His thoughts?

Definitely not talking about me.

Chapter Text

Among the chaos, Rafeyal Qi strode toward the troops assigned to his charge, wind sweeping through his uniform, face impassive.

When the officers saw who was approaching, their eyes widened in disbelief—and then lit up with excitement.

"Is that—"

"Head Commander Qi?!"

"Wait, he's our supervisor?! We got the legend himself??"

Murmurs flew in hushed amazement. The infamous rule-breaker. The fiery wild card of Farspace. Their squad leader for the Hunt.

Rafeyal didn't bother with greetings. He simply jerked his head toward the transport jet, his voice flat but firm.

"Let's go."

No questions. No hesitation.
The troops moved, adrenaline pumping as they boarded with military precision—each of them eager, even honored, to follow behind the Head Commander Qi.

Back at Farspace HQ, Caleb stood by the observatory window, arms folded tightly behind his back as he watched the waves of jets disappear into the clouds and stars.

His eyes narrowed slightly as one particular craft lifted off. Caleb muttered under his breath, expression flat.

"...Rafeyal, Don't do anything rule-breaking for once this year."

The first two days of the Farspace Annual Hunt had gone... surprisingly well.
Too well.

Rafeyal had done everything by the book. He stood back. Supervised. Watched over his elite troop as they executed clean formations and flawless strikes across the high ground. If assistance was needed, he provided it—efficient, no flair.

Not even a single protocol breached.
But by the third day, that streak of lawful behavior began to itch under his skin.

Inside the transport jet, Rafeyal stood near the hatch, arms crossed as the troop prepared for landing. His eyes flicked to the terrain outside. Remote. Rugged. Perfect.

He smirked to himself, thought simmering.

Have been good for the past two days... Hehe... Today. time for something different.

The jet touched down with a gentle jolt.

His troops, sharp, disciplined, and ready, stood at attention, weapons at the ready. Rafeyal kept his tone clipped, all authority and none of his mischief showing.

"Split into duos or more. Maintain visuals with your partners. You may proceed to hunt. Comm me directly if you need backup. I will remain in supervision position today."

His tone was perfect. Too perfect.

The troops saluted in unison.

"Yes, sir!"

They exited in swift formation, disappearing into the terrain to begin their third-day objective. Rafeyal watched them vanish into the brush.

Waited ten seconds. Then grinned.

"Now..."

He cracked his knuckles, stretching his shoulders.

"Time for a solo hunt."

He stepped off the jet, his footfalls light, quiet. His eyes glinting with excitement. No comms. No backup. Just him and whatever was lurking in the deeper, unmarked tunnels just past the map boundaries. Thoughts to himself.

Hehe...

Rafeyal moved like a shadow through the rocky crevices and jagged edges of the deep ground terrain, slipping between ridgelines unnoticed. His troops had already dispersed across the high ground, too far now to see or sense him. Other units? Nowhere nearby.

Perfect.

He reached the center of the terrain—open, wide, dangerous. The kind of place any sane officer would tell their cadets to avoid.

Which made it just right.
Standing alone, he exhaled slowly, eyes scanning the dark edges of the ground. A smirk tugged at his lips.

Then, without hesitation, he activated his Resonance Evol.

A deep, electric hum radiated from his body, reverberating through the cracked earth. The air shifted, rippled. Energy pulsed like sonar, unseen to the eye but echoing far.

It didn't take long.

From the cliffs, shadows stirred. From the ravines, low snarls echoed. Within seconds, fast, agile-type Wanderers, bone-bladed, sleek, snarling, rushed in from all directions, drawn by his amplified energy.

Rafeyal's grin only widened.

"Now... this is the fun part."

His eyes flared bright blue, glowing like twin neon stars. With a fluid gesture, he materialized his dagger, sleek and sharp with veins of glowing fire running through the blade.

One breath. Then he moved.
A blur of speed.

He leapt forward, dagger flashing, striking Wanderers mid-pounce. A flick of his finger, and a circular arc of Fire Evol burst outward, igniting the creatures. Their screeches rang across the terrain as flames engulfed them.

Then, without missing a beat, he pushed Resonance Evol again, amplifying his fire. The heat intensified, burning brighter, faster, hotter. Wanderers exploded in crimson flame. The very earth beneath him cracked, scorched black by the intensity.

Ash swirled around him as the last of the Wanderers collapsed into smoldering heaps.
Silence fell.

The entire clearing was blackened and steaming.
Rafeyal stood at the center of it all, sheathed in faint smoke, dagger dripping embers. He clapped his hands together, slapping off imaginary dust, smirk still on his face.

"Now... this is done."

The ground trembled.
Cracks splintered across the once-stable terrain like spiderwebs of warning.

Then, with a thunderous roar, an enormous Despairra Wanderer erupted from beneath the rock and dust, towering, armored in jagged obsidian plates, its body pulsing with unstable, deep-space energy.
Its maw split open in a monstrous screech, eyes locked directly on a single target: Head Commander Qi.

The killing intent was unmistakable. Rafeyal's eyes widened for a moment then lit up in absolute glee.

A slow, feral smirk curled across his lips. Rafeyal muttered, lifting into the air with calm, theatrical ease.

"Now that's what I want... Alright, Mr. Rocky Docky... let's play."

As the Wanderer lunged, claws ready to tear through anything in its path, Rafeyal's body flared with Resonance Evol, a dazzling cascade of energy that shimmered like starlight across his skin. His eyes turned a brilliant pinkish-blue.

The air shifted. Heat bloomed.

Flames erupted across the field as Rafeyal raised his hand, five enormous fire-forged swords materialized above the battlefield, each blade burning with a heat that warped the very air.

The Despairra came crashing down.

Rafeyal responded in kind. He clapped his hands once.

The five fire swords circled like predators before slamming down, impaling the ground in synchronized fury, each strike releasing a concussive boom that fractured the terrain, cracks ripping through stone, soil trembling, and the shockwave leveling a swath of land.

The Wanderer screeched, staggering under the sheer weight of the assault.
Rafeyal floated above the chaos, hair dancing in the rising heat, grin as wide as ever.

"This is fun!"

Far across the terrain, a squad of officers stumbled as the ground beneath them shuddered. The air thickened with smoke. Fire bloomed unexpectedly in the distance.

"What was that?!"

"FIRE?! FIRE IS SPREADING!!"

"WHY IS THERE FIRE ON A GROUND-TERRAIN HUNTING ZONE?!"

"WHY ARE WE RUNNING FROM FLAMES INSTEAD OF A WANDERER?!"

Another squad commander, standing with a different group on higher terrain, narrowed his eyes at the chaos in the distance, watching the flames rise like a miniature apocalypse.
He exhaled slowly, face paling.

"Oh no..."

A long pause.

"...I have a very strong hunch someone broke the rules."

Another commander officer beside him sighed grimly.

"Definitely not from our group."

The first one nodded, dead serious.

"...Yeah. That's gotta be Head Commander Qi Again this year."

Chapter Text

Rafeyal hovered proudly above the battlefield, flames still roaring across the terrain, a victorious smirk dancing on his lips.

Then his smirk faltered. His eyes widened in realization.

"Oh shoot... the fire."

The blaze was spreading fast, far beyond the Despairra Wanderer's impact zone.

"Oops."

He dropped from the air like a meteor, slamming one hand onto the scorched earth. Energy pulsed outward as his Resonance Evol surged, combining with his Fire Evol, this time not to attack, but to absorb and seal. The flames hissed and curled inward, extinguished in a dazzling pulse of light.

Silence returned to the terrain. Well, brief silence.

Because in the next moment, Rafeyal sprinted—no, bolted—across the battlefield, dashing straight past his own troops stationed nearby. They stared in stunned silence as their commander, hair tousled, soot on his cheek, zipped by with incredible speed.

As he passed them, he hissed, voice fast and sharp:

"Shhh—just don't say anything when we get back to HQ!"

Then, just as quickly, he climbed aboard the landing jet and stood tall, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder, hands behind his back in perfect posture like he'd been there all along.

When his troop finally caught up, still panting from the run, they found him standing composed and professional. He gave a small, entirely unnecessary cough.

"Ahem. Understood?"

Without missing a beat, the soldiers snapped to attention, saluting with absolute loyalty.

"Yes, Head Commander!"

But their thoughts? Uncontainably giddy.

"So the tremble and fire were caused by our own in-charge..."
"what a rule breaker.."

The return jets lined up across the Farspace Fleet HQ landing bay, one after another descending with precision. Dust stirred, engines cooled, and steel ramp doors hissed open.

From one of the central jets, Rafeyal Qi stepped down behind his squad, posture sharp, expression composed, every inch the picture of an elite Head Commander who had done absolutely nothing suspicious that day.

Behind him, his squad moved in perfect order, as if the whole day had been smooth protocol. But the illusion wavered the moment the other commanders from surrounding units began disembarking.

One by one, they turned. They didn't speak.

They didn't need to. Their eyes said everything.

Narrowed stares. Raised brows. A few soft scoffs.
And all of them thought in deadpan unison:

That was definitely you. That tremble wasn't even remotely light.

Rafeyal, unfazed, arched a single brow in return. He glanced around innocently, hands behind his back.

"...What?"

A shrug.
That same roguish smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as if he was the one wondering what they were up to.

His own troops stopped in line formation as he turned to face them.
Rafeyal ordered sternly, slipping effortlessly back into command tone.

"Dismissed. We report back here same time tomorrow, fourth day of the Annual Hunt."

The soldiers saluted in sync.

"Yes, sir!"

But just before they turned, Rafeyal tilted his head slightly... and winked.

Cheeky. Unmistakable. A shared secret passed silently between him and his squad.

Don't. Say. A word.

The troops all stood straighter and filed out like disciplined soldiers but in their hearts, they were grinning like kids in on the coolest secret ever.
Their thoughts, almost glowing:

Head Commander Qi is really cool... but... will he really not get caught?

Just as Rafeyal was about to call it a day, the HQ doors slid open with a familiar, quiet hiss.
Caleb stepped out, his presence immediate, commanding, and unmistakably cold. Every officer in the area stopped what they were doing.

A wave of crisp salutes followed.

"Head Colonel."

Caleb returned the gesture with a sharp nod, his expression unreadable—until his eyes landed on Rafeyal.

"Head Commander Qi. Come here. Back to our office before ending work."

Rafeyal blinked, caught mid-step. He raised a brow.
Rafeyal replied with professional sharpness, saluting.

"Yes, Head Colonel" 

He followed behind Caleb, the air thick with suspicion and dread.
The moment the door to their private office closed behind them, Caleb turned the lock. The sound echoed like a death sentence.

He sat at his desk without a word, opened his datapad, and tapped through security files in icy silence. Then, he let out a long, deliberate sigh, clearly not for dramatic effect, but from sheer exasperation.

He spun the datapad around and slid it across the desk. The screen played a high-altitude drone recording.

There it was, in full 360 capture: Rafeyal, floating in the air. The Wanderer. The five fire swords. The explosion. The fire. The cracked terrain. All of it.

Caleb's voice cut through like a blade.

"Explain this to me. Why did you solo hunt?"

Rafeyal froze, eyes widening in genuine horror as the reality hit him.

"There was a drone?! Why wasn't I informed there was surveillance at that quadrant?!"

Caleb's voice dropped lower, colder.

"This is exactly how you get caught. Every year. And now you know."

He straightened, eyes narrowing with formal authority.

"Now answer me, Head Commander Qi. Why did you disobey direct instruction?"

Rafeyal stood stiffly, still staring at the footage.

In his head:
Fuck. I'm seriously dead. Stupid drone.

He opened his mouth, then closed it.

The silence in the office hung thick, until Caleb stood up, his expression unreadable, but his voice cold and cutting.

"Head Commander Qi. Every year, you break the rules. Every year, the same warning. And now... you're doing it again. Is this fun to you?"

Rafeyal looked down, his usual defiance nowhere in sight. His voice was quiet.

"...No, sir."

Caleb's gaze didn't soften.

"You'll be punished, after the Annual Hunt. Until then, you remain in charge of your assigned unit."

That caught Rafeyal off-guard. He looked up, eyes wide.

"You're serious, Head Colonel?"

Caleb's jaw tightened. His hands clenched at his sides as the words snapped out like whiplash.

"Or would you prefer I ground you right now?"

He took a sharp step forward, fury rising behind his cold tone.

"Look at what you did to the terrain. Your Resonance Evol doesn't behave like others. It amplifies. You know that. You've known that. And still, you used it like this was some personal arena!"

Rafeyal winced.

"I— I did it far from them—"

Caleb slammed his hand on the desk.

"RAFEYAL!"

That single shout silenced everything.

"You are not a cadet. You are not a reckless trainee looking to show off. You are a Head Commander and every single person out there looks up to you. You think doing it far from them makes it okay?! Look at the footage! The fire spread half a sector. You think that's controllable?"

Rafeyal stared at him, unable to speak.
Caleb closed his eyes and let out a long, exhausted breath. His voice lowered but didn't soften.

"...Dismissed, Head Commander Qi."

Rafeyal nodded once, quietly.

"Yes, sir."

He turned and left the office, his steps slower than usual. The door slid closed behind him with a quiet hiss. And in the corridor, as he walked away, one thought looped in his head:

"I... didn't expect it to spread that far..."

Chapter Text

The morning air was crisp, charged with energy as day four of the Farspace Annual Hunt began. The open terrain training ground was filled with cadets and officers alike, gathered before the towering digital board.

At the front, Head Colonel Caleb stepped onto the podium. Clad in full uniform, his expression unreadable, Caleb's voice rang out with that signature icy composure:

"Today is the fourth day of the Annual Hunt. We have three more days ahead. You've all performed adequately thus far."

A brief pause.

"From today onward, I will personally be taking part in the Annual Hunt. Due to certain circumstances, troop compositions have been altered. Officers in charge, check the board before departure."

Another pause, long enough to suggest he meant what he just said.

"Dismissed. And stay alive."

The crowd murmured at the unexpected announcement, quickly scattering toward the board as instructed.
Rafeyal approached with a casual gait, arms crossed as he scanned the listing. His brows furrowed.

"...No changes to my team?"

He blinked, suspicious.

"I thought I'd get reassigned or have half my troop pulled after yesterday..."

He turned on his heel and began walking back toward his group by the jet, rolling his shoulders and letting out a breath, until he noticed something.

Caleb. Approaching.
Directly.

The tall, cold presence of the Head Colonel moved through the formation like a glacier through mist. Rafeyal's troops turned at once, snapping into salute.

"Head Colonel!"

Rafeyal saluted as well, brow raised, eyes narrowing in mild concern.

"Head Colonel. Something wrong—?"

Caleb cut in with his tone sharpened to edge-of-command.

"Head Commander Qi. I will be in charge of your troop from today until the final day of the Annual Hunt."

Silence. Complete silence.
Rafeyal blinked.

Once. Twice.
His jaw dropped.

"...Huh?"

Internally?

No wonder he let me off the hook... he's not giving me a second chance, he's handcuffing me directly. I can't even sneak off now, he's literally attached himself to my troop like a walking banhammer.

Behind him, his troops stood stiffly at attention.
But in their minds?

We're all dead.

We're being babysat by the strictest man in the fleet.

This is karma.

One particularly anxious cadet whispered to another from the corner of his mouth:

"...So. Should we start writing goodbye letters home?"

The atmosphere inside the jet was suffocatingly silent.
No chatter. No movement. Just the low hum of the engines and the looming presence of Head Colonel Caleb standing at full height near the front.

Beside him stood Head Commander Qi, posture professional, eyes forward, trying—trying—to pretend the silence didn't crawl under his skin.

Arghhhh... so silent... Can someone cough? Breathe louder? Anything?

The moment the jet slowed over the High Terrain Hunting Ground, the cadets stood with robotic discipline, practically tripping over each other to escape the tension. As the jet doors opened, Rafeyal took a step forward, clearing his throat.

"Be safe. We'll be supervising from above. Comm us if you need assistance."

A unified salute followed by lightning-fast disembarkation. Not one cadet lingered.

Not one dared to even glance at Caleb on the way out.
Rafeyal watched them vanish into the open terrain below, arms folded as he sighed to himself.

Can I comms you guys instead? I'm the one who needs help...

Rafeyal felt the ice chill before the voice even came.

"Try solo hunting here."

Rafeyal flinched slightly, glancing sideways at Caleb, who hadn't moved, just watched.

"If you dare,"  Caleb finished.

Rafeyal gave a crooked, guilty smile and rubbed the back of his neck.

"N-No sir. Wouldn't dream of it."

Caleb's lips tugged upward into a cold, knowing smirk.

"You didn't seem too concerned yesterday. Solo-hunting like a fire-wielding lunatic."

 Caleb turned slowly to face Rafeyal fully.

 "Take a good look out there."

Caleb pointed.
Below, far in the distance, a blackened stretch of terrain stood out like a bruise on the land—smoke-scorched, uneven, and very obviously man-made destruction.

"See that? That's your artwork. The ground looks like it got punched by a sun."

Rafeyal winced, muttering as he stepped off the jet with mock cheer.

"Ha...haha... I mean... maybe the terrain looks nicer charred? Gives it... texture?"

Caleb slowly turned to glare at him. The kind of glare that could curdle milk and evaporate confidence.

Rafeyal fell silent immediately.

Cool. Cool cool cool. Maybe I'll go supervise this rock here for the next five hours.

The silence didn't last.

BZZZT.

Rafeyal's walkie vibrated against his side. The voice that came through was filled with static, panic, and the unmistakable sounds of chaos.

"Head Commander! Head Colonel! Requesting immediate assistance! There's—ARGHHH!—multiple Despairra Wanderers—more than fifteen—!"

The transmission cut out in a burst of static. Rafeyal's eyes widened.

He snapped the walkie to his mouth, voice firm and clear:

"Coming right up. Hold your ground."

He turned toward Caleb, shrugging lightly, trying to mask the spike in adrenaline.

"Okay, well... now I actually have to help. And just so we're clear, I didn't ask for this. Not trying to solo hunt—there's just, you know.. fifteen Despairras."

Caleb's face was stone.

"Don't explain. Move."

No hesitation.
Caleb launched forward first, his boots kicking off from the edge of the jet ramp. Rafeyal dashed after him, cloak flaring behind, matching his pace as they soared across the landscape with unmatched speed.

Rafeyal, in mid-dash, thought to himself, 

Wheww... permission granted. For once, it's not my fault.

As soon as they landed, the chaos hit them like a shockwave.

All across the rocky terrain, Despairra Wanderers—massive, grotesque creatures of catastrophic tier. were tearing through formations. Their screeches echoed through the valley, and debris scattered with every clash. At least fifteen of them, attacking not just Rafeyal's unit but others as well.

Rafeyal's eyes widened.

"What the hell?!"

Beside him, Caleb didn't hesitate.

He thrust his hand forward, eyes narrowing, gravity distortions erupted in the air like ripples through steel. In a single wave, all fifteen Despairras were slammed into the ground, forcefully pinned.

Troops across the terrain gasped.

"They're here!!"
"W-Woah... Head Colonel really is terrifying..."

While the Wanderers were down, Rafeyal's voice boomed across the field with practiced authority:

"All units, retreat now! Injured, get to the jet medic immediately!"

Soldiers began falling back in order, some limping, some helping others. Rafeyal dashed to intercept one of his own, catching him before he fell.

"Why are there so many here?! This isn't normal—!"

Before the troop could answer, Caleb called out, still controlling the battlefield with ruthless precision:

"This is their terrain. That's why it's the Annual Hunt ground. The Hunt isn't just for sport—it's survival."

And just as he said it, the Wanderers erupted.

All fifteen broke free, bursting through the gravity field with enraged screeches. Some tore through the lines, targeting other Vice Commanders and cadets. Caleb's evol, powerful as it was, couldn't restrain them all now that they'd scattered.

Rafeyal cursed under his breath and slammed his palm to the ground.

A radiant pulse of energy erupted from his hand—Resonance Evol igniting the entire terrain like a heartbeat. A shimmering dome spread wide, protecting squads, repelling incoming strikes and shielding cadets in its pulse.

Vice Commanders shouted from behind the barrier: 
"We can't hold them! They're too strong!"

Caleb's figure blurred, he appeared beside Rafeyal in a blink. His voice was cold but this time, gentler. Almost... familiar.

"Head Commander Qi. For once... you're permitted to use your Evol fully."

Rafeyal looked up, sweat clinging to his brow, eyes burning with restrained power.

"You serious?"

Caleb didn't respond immediately. He crouched beside him, one knee to the dirt, speaking low enough that only Rafeyal could hear, his tone dropping all rank.

"Raf. Remember when we were kids?"

Rafeyal blinked, confused. Caleb continued.

"Tried Resonating together in the orphanage yard... and ended up blasting half the garden into orbit?"

A slow grin pulled at the corners of Caleb's mouth.

"Let's do that again."

Rafeyal stared then grinned, wild and ready.

"Hell yes."

Chapter Text

Rafeyal smirked, sharp, wild, ready.

With a flick of his wrist, his dagger materialized, flames licking along its edges. He dashed forward, moving like wildfire, and swung once.

A single, sweeping arc.

Flame burst in a crescent slash as his dagger cut across the line of Despairra Wanderers. Not enough to destroy but enough to distract, to break their momentum, to draw their focus away from the cadets and vice commanders struggling to hold the line.

In that moment of chaos, Rafeyal turned and stepped toward Caleb, eyes sharp but strangely serene.

He lifted his hand and placed it over Caleb's chest, fingers glowing with soft, pulsing resonance.

Caleb didn't flinch.

Instead, his own hand came up, resting over Rafeyal's, his face uncharacteristically soft as he smiled, just barely.

"Let's do this."

Rafeyal closed his eyes, lips curling into the faintest smile.

His resonance evol activated, and a brilliant light bloomed from his palm, amplifying Caleb's gravity evol instantly. The energy surged between them, synchronizing. A rare, dangerous harmony only they could pull off.

Together, they began to float, slowly, steadily, above the terrain. Caleb's arm slipped around Rafeyal's waist, steadying him, grounding them mid-air even as resonance currents pulsed like waves.

Rafeyal's eyes opened again, glowing with radiant blue light as his evol expanded outward.

A sudden, controlled shockwave pushed every cadet and vice commander back, just far enough to remove them from danger—not a single soldier harmed.

Then Caleb moved. His free hand stretched outward, his eyes cold, commanding.

A singularity formed in the air.

A black hole, swirling and crackling, ripping through reality, its pull growing with each second. One by one, the Despairra Wanderers were dragged in, roaring in defiance but unable to resist.

With a single, downward gesture from Caleb, gravity spiked.

BOOM.

The Wanderers were slammed into the earth, the force shattering stone and shaking the terrain itself.
A deep crack split the battlefield, dust erupting like smoke from a volcano. The air trembled.

Far in the distance, troops and officers stood frozen, shields half-raised, mouths half-open in disbelief.

"Incredible..."
"Head Colonel... he's unreal..."
"That was... coordinated. Like they've done this for years..."

Just as the last of the Despairra trembled under the force of the black hole, Caleb moved.

With a flick of his wrist, gravity surged beneath Rafeyal's feet, lifting him smoothly into the air. Rafeyal's body rose above Caleb's, floating effortlessly as the pressure held him aloft.

Caleb released him, trusting, precise.

Rafeyal smiled faintly, eyes glowing brighter now, a pinkish shade of luminous blue, like fire burning through twilight. Then, with a soundless roar, six enormous fire-forged swords burst into existence, hovering behind him and Caleb. The air shimmered from the heat.

Rafeyal extended one hand and gently placed it on Caleb's shoulder.
A quiet pulse. A hum.

His resonance evol lit up, threads of energy coiling down his arm and into Caleb—amplifying, connecting.

The swords behind them began to spin slowly—gravitational currents weaving around the flames, glowing brighter, heavier, more deadly. The weight of the cosmos now swirled with the fury of inferno.

With his other hand, Rafeyal reached down and gripped Caleb's hand, fingers intertwining.

Together, they raised it.
And then—swung it down.

Rafeyal said with a devilish smirk.

"Good day, Rocky docky! I had fun."

The black hole Caleb had been sustaining pulsed, just once and then imploded inward.

A beat of silence.
Then the six gravity-fire swords slammed downward, aimed precisely at the trapped Wanderers.

BOOM.

The ground shattered.

A titanic blast erupted, more than an explosion—a rupture in the terrain itself. Shockwaves carved deep trenches in the ground, fire laced with gravitational force consuming everything in its wake.

The Despairra Wanderers?

Gone. Not ash. Not scattered.
Erased.

The terrain trembled in stunned silence.

Before the force could echo outward, Caleb's hand twitched, gravity folded around them like a dome, shielding both himself and Rafeyal from their own cataclysm.

As dust and energy cleared, Caleb gently drew Rafeyal back down, using his evol to float them to the cracked earth.

He landed first then guided Rafeyal down by the waist.
Still holding him, Caleb gave a faint smile.

"Nice one, Raf."

Rafeyal smile cheekily,

"Thank you?"

From the far ridge, several officers stood in stunned silence, watching the scorched terrain below still ripple with residual energy. The ground cracked wide like broken glass, smoke rising in soft tendrils. The echo of the explosion had long faded but the awe remained.

One officer slowly lowered his field tablet, blinking.

"...Are their compatibility levels 100%? No way, right?"

Another exhaled through his teeth, arms folded tightly.

"That kind of firepower... that wasn't just control. That was synergy. They could fight an entire army... alone."

A third officer, clearly still recovering from the shock, muttered,

"I've never seen resonance evol sync like that outside of classified high-rank units."

There was a pause as all their eyes remained locked on the two figures standing together in the distance. Caleb, composed and cold as ever; Rafeyal, grinning like he'd just pulled off the world's greatest magic trick.

Then someone finally said what they were all thinking.

"Then why the hell do they argue every single time they're in the same room?"

The rest sighed in unison.

"Thank god they're on our side."

One of them added quietly,

"If they weren't... Farspace Fleet wouldn't have a damn chance."

The week of the Farspace Annual Hunt finally came to an end. Officers returned to their usual duties, bruised but buzzing with stories from the hunt. The corridors of Farspace HQ returned to their steady rhythm.

But for Rafeyal Qi, life didn't exactly return to normal.

The announcement came directly from Head Colonel Caleb, as formal and public as it could get. A transmission sent fleet-wide, a written notice pinned to the main bulletin board, and a direct message to every department.

"Effective immediately, Head Commander Qi is prohibited from participating in any physical training, combat drills, or officer training regimes for the next three months. This directive is to be enforced by all departments. No exceptions."

Caleb made sure of that.
Even the training officers received a follow-up message underlined in red: 
"If he tries to 'volunteer,' report it."

Rafeyal stood in front of the board, arms crossed, reading his own punishment like it was a menu.

He scoffed.
"Three months. Seriously?"

A young officer cautiously passed by, saluted, and sped up his pace the moment Rafeyal turned his head.
Rafeyal muttered under his breath.

"Publicly crucified. Nice touch, Caleb."

He turned away from the board, already plotting five different ways to sneak past the restrictions. But Caleb was always two steps ahead.

When he got back to the office, a giant red label had been added to his datapad: 
"TRAINING ACCESS: LOCKED"

He groaned and dropped into his chair with a dramatic sigh.
Across the room, Caleb didn't even look up from his reports.

"Before you ask, no. You can't override it. And yes, I told all department heads. You're boxed in, Commander."

Rafeyal tilted his head slowly, glaring.

"Are you enjoying this?"

Caleb finally looked up, unfazed.

"A little."

Chapter Text

Two months into the punishment, Rafeyal had almost—almost—gotten used to the new rhythm. No field drills, no training regimes, no chances to burn off energy with his evol in the open. Just paperwork. Lots of it. Piles of reports from cadets and junior officers that seemed to breed more of themselves overnight.

Today was no different.

He was hunched over his desk, eyes scanning lines of logistical numbers, incident logs, and performance reviews. The door to their shared office buzzed gently, followed by a firm knock.
Caleb said without looking up.

"Enter" 

A vice commander stepped in, saluted both superior officers sharply, and made a straight path to Rafeyal's desk.

"Sir. The report."

Rafeyal looked up with a smile, polished, professional, but effortlessly attractive. He always looked like he belonged in a recruitment poster, even while buried in paperwork.

"Just leave it on the desk. Thank you"

The officer nodded and quickly excused himself.
Once the door closed, Rafeyal's smile dropped into a frown. He eyed the fresh stack of files with visible distaste, and muttered under his breath,

"There's so much to review. Tsk. I'd rather be dragging cadets through sandstorms than this."

From across the office, Caleb finally looked up, his expression unreadable except for the slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"One more month, Rafeyal."

Rafeyal groaned and dropped his head against the back of his chair, arms limp at his sides.

"That's thirty whole days. Seven hundred and twenty hours. Forty-three thousand two hundred minutes of boredom."

Caleb raised an eyebrow.

"And exactly zero wanderers destroyed in that time. I call that a win."

Rafeyal pouted dramatically, spinning his pen in slow, deliberate defiance.

"You're enjoying this too much."

Caleb didn't deny it. He leaned back in his chair, still smirking—but there was a softness in his eyes, a fondness behind the cold exterior.

"Maybe. But you've been more productive these two months than your last three year combined."

Rafeyal narrowed his eyes.

"Can i rebel again?"

Caleb's smile widened ever so slightly.

"Try me. I dare you."

A week later, just days before White Day, the Farspace fleet buzzed with quiet anticipation. Unspoken excitement drifted through the halls like a soft current. Officers and cadets alike subtly prepared small tokens, sweet gestures, hidden crushes, silent admiration. The annual tradition approached like a tide, and Rafeyal? He remained blissfully unaware.

What he didn't know was that he'd become something of a star within the fleet.

His reputation for being rowdy, unpredictable, yet deeply reliable—paired with that casually attractive charm of his—had made him incredibly popular. Officers and cadets, regardless of rank, had their own soft spot for the Head Commander who grinned through reprimands and always had a hand ready to help.

And Caleb? The exact opposite.

The cold, commanding Head Colonel was no less admired. With sharp discipline, silent confidence, and a face that looked carved from ice, he had his own legion of secret admirers. But where Rafeyal welcomed interaction, Caleb shut it down without so much as a blink.

Today, like every other day this week, the shared office was filled with the soft rustling of paper as the two men worked through their reports. A knock broke the silence. Caleb didn't even look up.

"Enter,"  he said flatly.

An officer stepped inside, straight-backed and professional. She gave a crisp salute to both commanders before approaching Caleb's desk. Without a word, she placed a small, elegantly wrapped box of chocolates on the corner of his desk.

"For you, sir,"  she said quickly, bowing slightly before turning on her heel and leaving.

Caleb stared at the box like it had personally offended him. Rafeyal, seated across from him, watched the interaction with poorly contained amusement.

He leaned back in his chair, grinning.

"You know, for someone so cold and terrifying, you sure attract a lot of warm attention."

Caleb didn't answer immediately. Instead, he reached to his side, opened a plain white plastic bag, and dropped the chocolate in with a sigh.

Inside were at least five others, each untouched, still neatly wrapped but more.

"And I don't like it one bit" 

Barely five minutes after the last chocolate delivery, another knock came at the office door.

Caleb didn't lift his head. "Enter."

Two young men stepped inside, both cadets, their posture straight and respectful. They saluted smartly, first to Caleb, then to Rafeyal.

Rafeyal blinked in surprise, recognizing their faces. He asked, keeping his tone professional.

"Aren't you two... from the last training regime?"

The cadets smiled, stepping forward.

"Yes, sir," one said with a nod. "We trained under you three months ago."

the other added, eyes bright.
 
"You were really patient with us,  we just wanted to say thank you."

Before Rafeyal could respond, they each placed a small box on his desk, wrapped in purple foil and tied neatly with a ribbon.

Grape chocolates. His favorite.

The first cadet said cheerfully.
"These are for you, Head Commander Qi"

 The second one added, beaming.
"Happy early White Day"

And with that, the two turned and exited the room, leaving the atmosphere... dense.
Rafeyal blinked again, this time slower. He stared at the chocolates like they might explode.

"... huh??"

From across the room, Caleb's chair creaked softly as he shifted his position. Then, his voice cut through the silence, icy cold, quiet, and unmistakably irritated.

"So... you attract even the male cadets, do you?"

Rafeyal flinched slightly at the tone, turning toward Caleb, only to see his superior's narrowed eyes locked on the boxes sitting innocently on the desk.

"Grape chocolates,"

Caleb continued, voice like frost.

"Your favorite. How very thoughtful of them."

There was a long pause.
Rafeyal laughed awkwardly, scratching his cheek.

"Ahh... well, I mean, I did train them, so maybe it's just appreciation? Y'know, professional gra—"

Caleb's voice slowed deliberately, emphasizing each word with a quiet growl.

"Head. Commander. Qi."

Rafeyal sat a little straighter, suddenly very aware of how tense the room had become. He stared at the grape chocolates, then glanced at Caleb again.
Rafeyal thought,

They're bold, I'll give them that. I... honestly don't know how to deal with this now.

Rafeyal looked down at the chocolates. Then back at Caleb. Then back at the chocolates. He thought to himself.

Why is he angry?

The Farspace fleet canteen buzzed with low chatter and clinking cutlery. Amidst the packed tables, two high-ranking figures sat side by side—Head Commander Rafeyal and Head Colonel Caleb. The contrast between them was striking: one eating casually, fork twirling in practiced laziness; the other composed, posture straight, eyes fixed, as if the act of chewing was a military task itself.

Halfway through their meal, footsteps neared. A group of male cadets approached with slightly nervous energy, snapping a crisp salute.

"Head Colonel. Head Commander."

Rafeyal blinked mid-bite, raising an eyebrow. Caleb didn't even lift his head.
The cadets stepped forward, one cradling a bundle of various chocolates wrapped neatly in silvers and purples.

 The lead cadet began, smiling nervously.

"Head Commander Qi, Sorry to interrupt your lunch, but... we wanted to thank you for your help during our training sessions."

The others chimed in with nods, one even blushing as he placed a chocolate box in front of Rafeyal.

"You're... really inspiring, sir."

Rafeyal stared at the growing pile of sweets in front of him, chopsticks frozen mid-air.

"Uh...?"

He blinked again.

 "Oh—ahh, no worries. Thank you. It's my job, after all,"  he added with a small awkward laugh.

Caleb slowly set his utensils down, the sound of metal softly clicking on the tray. His voice was like frost scraping glass. He said without looking at them,

"If you're truly sorry, then don't interrupt again. Leave."

The cadets stiffened, color draining from their faces. They saluted again in a hurry, stammering their farewells.

"Y-Yes, sir! Apologies, sir! Have a great lunch—!"

They scattered like birds fleeing a storm. From the nearby tables, a few Vice Commanders snickered under their breath.

"Head Commander Qi really doesn't realize how popular he is, does he?"
"Two handsome officers at one table—but total opposites."
"The cold tyrant and the rowdy sunshine. Love that dynamic."

Their whispers didn't last long. Caleb turned his head ever so slightly, fixing a sharp glare at their direction. The whispers stopped instantly. Everyone resumed eating with military precision.

Rafeyal bit back a innocent smile and popped a chocolate into his mouth, making sure to let out a very soft

"Mmm."

Caleb's chopsticks snapped mid-bite.

Chapter Text

Over the past two days, chocolates had piled up in Caleb and Rafeyal's shared office—half for Caleb, half for Rafeyal.

Caleb never kept his. Every box went straight into a plastic bag, ready for disposal by day's end.
Rafeyal, on the other hand, just left his neatly stacked on the side of his desk, not touching them, but not throwing them away either.

Caleb's mood had shifted, colder than usual.
Maybe it was the chocolate.
Or maybe... something else.

A knock came at the door. Caleb said flatly.

"Enter"

The door opened, revealing Colonel Kevi. He stepped in with a sharp salute toward Caleb, then turned and walked straight to Rafeyal's desk. 
Kevi said, calm and composed.

"Head Commander Qi, Can we talk privately? I have something to tell you."

Rafeyal looked up from his report, one eyebrow raised. He returned the salute.

"Sir? Not looking for the Head Colonel this time?"

Colonel Kevi offered a polite smile.

 "No. This time, it's you."

From his desk, Caleb didn't even look up as he spoke, voice like ice.

"Colonel Kevi, may I know why?"

Kevi replied smoothly.

"Personal, sir. It'll be quick."

There was a pause.
Caleb's fist tightened silently on his pen, eyes fixed on his datapad, though he wasn't reading it anymore. 
Caleb said coldly.

"...Go ahead, Make it quick."

Rafeyal stood from his desk and followed Colonel Kevi, throwing a cheeky glance back at Caleb. He gave a small, playful hand sign near his face, mouthing silently with a smirk, "

I'll be quick~

Caleb didn't respond at first. He only stared, cold as always but there was a softness behind that glare. A flicker of something unspoken. 
Caleb thought to himself, his jaw tightening.

Personal?  What's so personal?

Colonel Kevi led Rafeyal down the quiet corridor and into one of the resting rooms. The room was empty, dim with soft lighting, a calm contrast to the bustling fleet halls.

He turned, leaning casually against the wall, looking at Rafeyal with a gentle expression.

"I'll keep this short," 

Kevi said. 

"Remember last year, when you were under my supervision?"

Rafeyal folded his arms, posture straight. 

"Yes, sir."

Kevi chuckled. 

"You were a complete rule-breaker. Always defiant. I couldn't tolerate it back then."

Rafeyal raised a brow. 

"So I broke your heart by disobeying your orders?"

Kevi laughed, leaning his head lightly against the wall. 

"That's cute. But no."

There was a pause. Then, Kevi's expression softened as he continued.

"This is personal," 

he said, voice quieter now.

 "Tomorrow is White Day. I was wondering... if you're free, would you spend it with me?"

Rafeyal blinked.

"...Huh?"

His thoughts scrambled.
What's going on?
Colonel Kevi?
He... hated me, didn't he?
I was truly defiant back then... right?

He looked at Kevi, completely stunned. 

Rafeyal blinked a few times, unsure if he had heard correctly. 

"Colonel Kevi... is this a joke?"

Kevi laughed, not in a mocking way, but relaxed, almost fond. He pushed off from the wall and stood up straight, walking a little closer.

"That's why I'm intrigued by you, Head Commander Qi,"

 he said calmly. 

"You have this natural, unintentional charm. That confident, rowdy attitude... and yet, you're thoughtful. You've always had something that pulls attention without even trying."

Rafeyal took a small step back, still processing everything. His posture remained professional, but his face betrayed the swirl of surprise and confusion. Rafeyal stood frozen. His thoughts scrambled.

"Huh???? What ???????"

Colonel Kevi stepped closer, now standing just inches in front of him. His voice was calm, gentle, even cool. Kevi said simply, eyes holding Rafeyal's gaze.

"Reject me if you don't like it"

Rafeyal's eyebrows shot up, completely confused by everything happening. Before he could respond, Kevi began to lean forward, clearly intending to kiss him.

But before their faces could even get close—

SLAM!

The resting room door burst open violently.

Caleb stood there, eyes dark and furious. Without hesitation, he marched in, coldly shoving Colonel Kevi back. Caleb snapped.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Kevi stumbled slightly, surprised, but quickly regained composure. Rafeyal, on the other hand, was still frozen, eyes wide in complete shock as Caleb grabbed his wrist, pulling him behind like he was claiming possession.

Caleb's voice cut like ice.

"Colonel Kevi, so this is the personal matter you were talking about?"

Kevi blinked, then straightened his posture and answered calmly, despite the tension.

 "Yes. It is."

Caleb stepped slightly forward, positioning himself fully in front of Rafeyal, shielding him with a rigid, protective stance. His tone was razor-sharp, voice cold.

"I believe he's not cut out for falling in love with anyone in the Farspace fleet, Colonel."

Behind him, Rafeyal's eyebrow twitched, clearly annoyed. He glared at the back of Caleb's head. Rafeyal fumed silently.

You then not cut out for falling in love with anyone in the Farspace fleet! You cold monster!

Colonel Kevi chuckled at the tension, completely unfazed by Caleb's hostility.

"I think he's clearly suited for me," Kevi said confidently. His eyes slid past Caleb, landing directly on Rafeyal. 

"Head Commander Qi, so.. what's your answer?"

Caleb's eyes darkened, his posture stiffening. His jaw clenched visibly, but he remained silent, watching.

Rafeyal leaned to the side to peek out from behind Caleb's shoulder, eyebrow raised in disbelief. 

"Are you confessing?"

Kevi grinned.

"Yes."

A long pause settled in the air. Caleb's hand slowly balled into a fist by his side, knuckles turning white. Just glancing slightly at Rafeyal. His thoughts ran loud, even if unspoken.

Who gave you the permission to be this cute?

Rafeyal stepped out from behind Caleb, straightening his uniform collar with a smug little grin, clearing his throat in theatrical fashion. His eyes sparkled with confidence. He thought to himself.

"Let the star shine,  I can handle this well. You both watch."

He looked Colonel Kevi straight in the eye and spoke with a practiced air of charm and grace.

"Ahem! Colonel Kevi, thank you for confessing. I'm honoured. But I have to reject. I'm not interested in anyone, sir."

Kevi raised an amused brow, chuckling at Rafeyal's poised response. He tilted his head slightly, smile unfading.

"Aites. I got it. I'm rejected. Can you come over here for a sec? Just a short while. Since I'm already rejected."

Rafeyal nodded professionally, smiling politely. He celebrated silently.

Yeah, look at the professional rejecting! Ha!

He took a step forward toward Kevi.

The moment Rafeyal got within reach, Kevi grabbed his wrist and swiftly pulled him in, pressing a soft, daring kiss to his lips.

Rafeyal's eyes shot wide open in disbelief, frozen.

Or maybe I'm not professional at this at all???

Before Rafeyal could even move, the air snapped with tension.

Caleb was no longer calm.

In a blur, Caleb yanked the two apart with sharp force—and without a word—threw a fist clean into Colonel Kevi's face.

Crack.

Kevi staggered back, holding his jaw. Blood smeared across his thumb as he wiped the corner of his lip. Despite the hit, he smirked coolly.

"Head Colonel," 

he said, voice calm.

 "That was uncalled for."

Chapter Text

Caleb clenched his fist, his cold aura intensifying as he took a slow, deliberate step toward Colonel Kevi. His voice dropped to a chilling murmur.

"And that kiss was uncalled for."

Sensing the storm about to erupt, Rafeyal quickly rushed between them, waving his hands in a panic.

"Ah—hahahahha... okay, okay, let's all breathe! Colonel Kevi, that was really unexpected, and—I really don't like it, alright?"

He turned to Caleb quickly, trying to calm the fire. 

"Head Colonel Caleb, are you trying to get yourself court-martialed?!"

Then without thinking, he added awkwardly,

 "I think... I might get myself court-martialed first at this rate."

Kevi let out a short laugh, clearly enjoying the chaos, then stepped slightly closer to Caleb, lowering his voice just enough for only Caleb to hear.

"You like Head Commander, don't you?"

The moment those words landed, Caleb's eyes darkened further, and his fist twitched—he was about to swing again.

Rafeyal, completely confused but alarmed, grabbed both of Caleb's arms, holding them tightly.

"Head Colonel! Nono! Oh fish—! Don't you dare!"

Kevi stood still, almost nonchalant, and shrugged lightly.

"I apologise for the kiss. Head Commander Qi, you really are cute. And honestly? That punch. I deserved it. It's fine."

But Caleb didn't let it go. Without hesitation, he grabbed Kevi by the collar with a cold, dangerous grip, yanking him forward just enough that their eyes met. Caleb said icily.

"You're not going near him anymore"

Rafeyal stared wide-eyed, frozen by the sudden intensity. His hand instinctively reached out and clutched Caleb's uniform gently. His voice came out small and dry.

"If you hit him one more time... I'm hitting you with a can of juice."

That made Kevi laugh harder than before, even as Caleb held his collar.

Kevi lifted both hands in mock surrender, still wearing that frustrating smirk.
"I back off."

Caleb let go of his collar with a final glare and immediately turned, grabbing Rafeyal's wrist with a firm grip.

 Rafeyal blinked, stumbling as he was dragged forward

"Hey—Caleb? I can't catch up!"

But Caleb didn't stop. He walked fast, his grip tight, his expression dark. Officers they passed along the corridor saluted stiffly, eyes wide at the scene. Rafeyal, flustered, nodded quickly back at them while being half-dragged, brushing past like a gust of confusion.

Once they reached their shared office, Caleb slammed the door shut behind them. The lock clicked.

Rafeyal didn't have time to breathe before he was yanked forward again, shoved down into Caleb's desk chair.

"Wha—at was that for?!"  Rafeyal winced, glaring up, ready to retort—

But Caleb snapped first.

"Are you dumb?! You didn't know he was interested in you?!"

The shout echoed through the office.

Rafeyal froze, blinking rapidly. His back straightened against the chair, completely caught off guard. He answered softly, genuinely bewildered.

"I—I didn't know?"

Rafeyal sat frozen in Caleb's chair, his back pressed against the backrest as Caleb leaned over him, one hand gripping the armrest beside him.

Caleb said, voice low and sharp.

"He kissed you just like that"

Rafeyal's eyes widened. 

"I—I didn't know he was going to! Why are you so angry?"

Caleb let out a tense breath.

 "This White Day thing is ruining my mood."

He calmed himself, then looked Rafeyal dead in the eyes.

 "Tell me something, Raf. If someone did the same thing to me, kissed me out of nowhere, would you be angry too?"

Rafeyal blinked, caught off guard. 

"Wait—huh? I mean... I don't think anyone would even dare."

Caleb said, his tone firmer now.

"Answer seriously"

Rafeyal hesitated. 

"Giving chocolates is fine, but... kissing?"

He frowned, finally answering. 

"Then I guess... no. I wouldn't like it."

Caleb's cold smile tugged at the corner of his lips. 

"Do you know what you just said?"

Rafeyal blinked again.

 "What...?"

Caleb smirked, eyes glinting with mischief, and without another word, leaned down and kissed Rafeyal.

It wasn't rushed, it was deep, firm, and full of everything Caleb hadn't said until now. Rafeyal's eyes flew wide, frozen for a second in shock. He didn't even register that he'd been holding his breath until he pushed Caleb away, panting lightly for air.

His face flushed red, Rafeyal stared at Caleb, completely flustered.

"What was that for?! Is this a kissing competition now? What's wrong with today?!"

Caleb just chuckled lowly, the sound sending a chill up Rafeyal's spine. Without warning, Caleb pulled him close again, one arm wrapped firmly around his waist.

"I like you,"

 Caleb said simply, his voice softer now, sincere.

 "More than you think."

Rafeyal blinked, speechless, his heart skipping a beat.
"—Huh??"

Caleb leaned in again, his voice barely a whisper against Rafeyal's lips before he kissed him once more.

"Since young... the moment you held my hand and asked me to stay... I've already fallen hard."

The kiss was gentler this time, not rushed or possessive, just honest.

Rafeyal froze, his eyes wide in shock, heart pounding in his chest. The words echoed in his mind like a slow ripple: Since young...

He couldn't think. Couldn't move. His lips trembled slightly beneath Caleb's, and yet... his hands didn't push him away.

Instead, one hand slowly lifted, hesitating for a moment, then lightly rested around Caleb's neck, unspoken permission.

Caleb's eyes widened faintly mid-kiss, feeling the subtle shift in Rafeyal's body. There was no resistance.

Rafeyal's thoughts were in chaos.

Caleb... this whole time...?

The office, usually cold and professional, now felt like it had melted into something warm, confusing and terrifyingly real.

The air between them softened, thick with years of tension finally breaking free.

Caleb closed his eyes for a brief second, forehead resting gently against Rafeyal's. His voice was lower now, raw and sincere.

"These past few years... when we separated, it was never easy for me,"

 he said, thumb brushing lightly across Rafeyal's cheek. 

"Even when I knew you'd joined Farspace, I didn't act. I couldn't. I didn't know if you'd ever feel the same. But now... I can't keep it in anymore."

Rafeyal looked at him, his cheeks warm with the blush he couldn't hide. But there was something softer in his eyes too, understanding, maybe even a flicker of affection.

He smiled, gently placing his hand over Caleb's.

"I don't know exactly what I'm feeling," 

Rafeyal said truthfully, 

"but I think... it's mutual."

His heart beat faster in his chest as he thought quietly to himself:

Maybe all this time, I actually do like him more than I thought.

They stayed like that for a while, no rush, no orders, no titles. Just two people finally seeing what had always been there.

Chapter Text

The soft breeze carried laughter and music from the nearby theme park, but for Caleb and Rafeyal, it felt like their own quiet bubble formed at the edge of Skyhaven.

Caleb stood cool and composed near the railing, his sharp features drawing passing glances from admirers. His expression softened the moment he spotted Rafeyal approaching—hands in pockets, lazy smile playing on his lips, effortlessly charming in his own way. A few heads turned as Rafeyal passed, but he only had eyes for the man waiting for him.

Caleb smiled, eyes warm beneath his usual calm exterior.
"Hello, sunshine."

Rafeyal smirked back, tilting his head cheekily.
"Hello my sunshine?"

Caleb chuckled quietly, the sound low and smooth. He stepped forward, resting a hand over Rafeyal's shoulder and leaning in to press a soft kiss to his forehead. It was casual, yet intimate—like it was something he'd been waiting to do for years.

 Caleb asked, voice calm but fond.

"Want to play first or eat first?"

Rafeyal blinked, the light kiss still lingering on his skin. A soft blush bloomed across his cheeks. He instinctively reached up and touched his forehead with his fingers, then glanced away before smiling.
He said, his voice quieter than usual.

"Let's eat first" 

Caleb nodded, already guiding him gently by the shoulder.

"Then food it is."

The scent of grilled seafood still lingered faintly as Caleb and Rafeyal stepped out of the restaurant. Rafeyal looked fully satisfied, licking the last bit of sauce from his thumb like a happy child who just had their favorite treat.

Caleb chuckled quietly, watching him with that rare soft look only Rafeyal ever got to see. Without a word, Caleb reached out and gently took Rafeyal's hand, interlacing their fingers and pulling him along as they made their way into Skyhaven Theme Park.

The bright lights, distant screams of thrill-seekers, and playful music surrounded them, giving the whole scene a surreal, almost dreamlike charm.
Caleb asked, glancing over at him.

"Where do you want to start first?" 

Rafeyal smirked, placing one hand on his waist dramatically like a self-declared hero.
"I shall challenge the high rides today!"

Caleb raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Are you sure? I remember very clearly you don't like high rides."

Rafeyal frowned but in a playful, defiant way.

 "I'm on today. Only today!"

Caleb laughed, an actual laugh, not just his usual amused exhale and leaned in slightly, whispering with a teasing edge,

"Let's see if you'll still be on when we're dangling from a hundred meters in the air."

Rafeyal rolled his eyes but squeezed Caleb's hand tighter.

"Challenge accepted, Head Colonel."

Caleb smirked, already guiding him toward the towering rollercoaster in the distance.

"Let's see if the Head Commander still has the guts to scream."

The rides had been loud, chaotic, and full of Rafeyal's screaming. By the end of the third one, his legs were wobbly and his face pale.
Rafeyal huffed dramatically, nearly collapsing into Caleb's side. 

"I want ice cream. I need sugar to survive this high-ride nightmare."

Caleb laughed, steadying him with a hand on his back.

"Alright, alright. Let's get my sunshine an ice cream."

They strolled through the lively theme park, weaving between food stalls and groups of laughing families. Rafeyal was happily munching on his ice cream, eyes sparkling again. Caleb walked beside him, hands in his pockets, glancing over with quiet amusement every so often.

Then, without warning, Rafeyal stopped walking.
Caleb noticed a few steps ahead and turned back.

"Rafeyal?"

Rafeyal didn't answer at first, just stood there in the middle of the crowd, smiling brightly. Caleb tilted his head, confused but curious, and walked back toward him.

Rafeyal gestured with a teasing wave of his fingers. 

"Lower your head a little."

Caleb raised an eyebrow but leaned down.

From his pocket, Rafeyal pulled out a necklace. A silver apple charm hung from the chain, paired with a small tag carved neatly with Caleb's name. With care, Rafeyal reached up and placed it around Caleb's neck.
Rafeyal said cheerfully,

"Happy White Day. My Apple Sunshine."

Caleb froze for a moment, eyes wide in surprise. He looked down at the necklace, then back at Rafeyal, visibly stunned.

He reached up, fingers gently brushing over the charms. The corners of his lips lifted into a small, rare smile, one filled with something soft, something real.
Caleb asked quietly.

"You planned this?" 

Rafeyal shrugged, grinning.

"Yup. Figured it was my turn to make your heart race."

Rafeyal tiptoed slightly, leaning up just enough to plant a light kiss on Caleb's lips. His smirk was playful, eyes glinting with mischief and warmth. 
Rafeyal said gently, his voice teasing but soft.

"And it's my turn to return the kiss"

Caleb stood frozen for a heartbeat, eyes wide—then without hesitation, he pulled Rafeyal into a tight embrace. His arms wrapped around him protectively, like the rest of the world didn't exist. The crowds, the noise, the stares—it didn't matter.

Not today. Not on White Day.

Caleb murmured close to his ear, voice full of quiet emotion. 

"Happy White Day, Raf. And... thank you."

Rafeyal chuckled lightly, hugging back just as tight.

In the months that followed, life at the Farspace Fleet returned to its usual rhythm. Rafeyal's punishment had long ended, and he was back in full swing, overseeing training grounds, conducting visual supervisions, and, of course, bending Caleb's instructions every now and then just to annoy him.

Despite the occasional mischief, Rafeyal never once slacked in his duties. His troops admired him, and even the higher-ups who once frowned at his behavior had always acknowledge his results.

Caleb, on the other hand, remained the cold and stern Head Colonel during working hours. Orders were followed, structure was maintained, and nothing went unnoticed under his watchful eyes. But when they were alone, behind closed doors or during quiet moments between tasks, he'd gently let his guard down.

The rank faded then, and all that was left was Caleb, the man who would quietly bring Rafeyal his favorite seafood snacks after a long shift, who listened to his chaotic rants, and who smiled softly at him when no one else was looking.

Their relationship remained a quiet secret. Not hidden, but carefully tucked away, like something too valuable to expose to the politics of their world. And both of them were fine with that.

Chapter Text

On an otherwise ordinary day, Caleb made his way to the Brigadier General's office, his expression unreadable, posture sharp. As he stepped in, he saluted crisply, his voice calm and professional.

"May I know what's the issue, sir?"

The Brigadier General didn't waste time. His expression was grave, his fingers drumming against the polished surface of his desk.

"This stays strictly between us, Head Colonel,"  

he said, voice low. 

"There's a spy within Farspace. I believe it's someone from the upper command ranks. We haven't confirmed who it is yet but we suspect the spy is affiliated with an organization known as the Backtrackers."

At the name, Caleb's eyes widened, just for a split second, before returning to their usual steely calm. But inside, his thoughts stirred.

The Backtrackers... They were the scientists who ran the orphanage. The ones who 'raised' us. So they're still operating... and now one of them is in Farspace.

He straightened, jaw tight, and saluted once more.

"Yes, sir. I'll find out who it is."

As Caleb exited the office, his expression hardened. The cool corridor felt heavier now, shadows whispering behind every corner.

They're experimenting again. And one of them is among us. What are they planning?

Caleb returned to their shared private office, the door sliding shut behind him with a soft hiss. His footsteps were calm but heavy with unspoken weight.

Rafeyal looked up from a stack of reports, resting his chin lazily on his hand.

"You're back."

Caleb gave a short nod, walking straight to his desk without much expression.

"Remember the Backtrackers?"

That name instantly made Rafeyal pause. He blinked, his casual posture straightening slightly.

"The people who took care of us in the orphanage?"

he asked, eyebrows raised.

"What about them?"

Caleb shook his head, pulling out a datapad and sliding into his chair.

"Nothing. Just asking."

Rafeyal stared at him for a beat, lips slightly parted as if to say something. But then, he looked back down at his own report, lips twitching into a subtle frown.

That's not "nothing".  But if he's not ready to talk, I won't push... not yet.

Over the past few days, Caleb had grown quieter than usual, not the kind of cold distance his officers were used to, but a deep, thoughtful silence that even Rafeyal noticed.

While working through daily reports and inspections, Caleb had been discreetly observing everyone. Watching for patterns. Cross-checking logs. Reading between every line of deployment records.

He knew the spy wasn't a recent infiltrator, they had to be someone who had earned enough trust to be placed in the upper ranks. Someone who had stayed under the radar for years.

To reach this level... they must've joined after we left the orphanage. When the Backtrackers changed their methods. When they started experimenting more... dangerously.

Late into the nights, Caleb would study old personnel files, tapping into restricted logs he had clearance for as Head Colonel.

Each time he reviewed a name, a face, or a service record, he measured it against every memory he could recall from their time with the Backtrackers — the cold corridors, the "caretakers," the hidden labs.

One of them slipped through. And they're still working for that organization... right under our nose.

He said nothing to Rafeyal, not yet. Not until he had something solid. Because if he was right, this wasn't just about a spy.

It was about someone from their past. Someone who knew everything.

It was a normal afternoon at Farspace Headquarters.

Caleb was in a high-level meeting with the other Colonels, leaving the shared office unusually quiet. Rafeyal sat at his desk, immersed in paperwork. The hum of the screen and his focused writing filled the room.

A sharp knock broke the silence. A cadet stepped in and saluted.

"Head Commander Qi. Colonel Kevi requests your assistance for his training regime."

Rafeyal raised a brow but stood, slipping on his beret with a professional nod.

"Lead the way."

Rafeyal thought as they walked. 

This is going to be awkward.  He confessed months ago, and now this?

They arrived at the training ground, but it was empty. Only Colonel Kevi stood in the middle, smiling.
 Kevi said casually.

"You're here, Head Commander Qi"

Rafeyal saluted.

 "Sir. Where are the cadets?"

Kevi replied, still smiling.

"They're not here"

Rafeyal frowned and glanced between Kevi and the cadet.

"What?"

Without warning, the cadet stepped behind Rafeyal and jabbed a needle into his neck. A cold sting spread instantly. His body went numb as a dizzying wave of drowsiness hit.

Kevi stepped forward, voice calm but apologetic.

"You're always by Head Colonel Caleb's side. This was the only time I could act. I'm sorry, truly."

Rafeyal staggered, clutching his neck.

"You... what are you doing...?"

The world spun. His knees buckled and darkness closed in.

Kevi caught him before he hit the ground, cradling him with practiced ease. His expression was unreadable as he turned to the cadet and gave a quiet command.

"Objective secured. Move out."

And with that, they disappeared into the shadows, leaving no trace behind.

Inside the sleek, glass-paneled meeting room, Caleb stood at the front, explaining strategic plans to the gathered Colonels. His tone was cold and composed, until he paused, scanning the room with a frown.

His brow furrowed. Caleb ask sharply.

"Where's Colonel Kevi? This meeting requires all Colonels present."

The room shifted awkwardly. Some Colonels glanced at each other.

One spoke up.

"Sir, we're not sure. He mentioned needing to take a call."

Before Caleb could respond, the doors burst open.

A young Vice Commander rushed in, panting and red-faced, saluting stiffly.

"S-Sir! Apologies for the interruption... I—I saw Head Commander Qi being carried away... by Colonel Kevi. It looked suspicious."

The entire room fell into stunned silence.

Caleb's eyes widened in a rare moment of visible alarm. Then—without a word—he slammed his pen down hard on the table.

It's him. The spy.
Kevi. He waited until I was in this meeting. He's after Rafeyal—!

Without hesitation, Caleb turned and stormed out of the room, his coat whipping behind him as he moved with deadly purpose.

The remaining Colonels stood, stunned.

"What's going on?"

Colonel Kevi stepped into the hidden facility of the Backtrackers, the cold, sterile scent of metal and chemicals filling the air. His grip tightened around the figure in his arms. He moved quickly through the corridor, finally entering a dimly lit lab.

There, he gently placed Rafeyal onto a padded lab chair. The young man was still unconscious, his face peaceful, too peaceful for what was coming.

A white-coated scientist turned from a glowing screen, nodding with satisfaction.

"Good work, Kevi. We knew only you could get close enough to bring him in."

Kevi shot the scientist a glare, his jaw tight.

"I only did this to repay the debt. You saved me back when I was a kid, this makes us even."

The scientist chuckled dryly, unconcerned.

"Call it whatever you want. What matters is—he's here. Finally."

Another lab worker typed rapidly on a panel, muttering.

"We're just waiting for Leon to arrive. Then the procedure starts."

The first scientist smiled grimly, eyes fixed on Rafeyal.

"After all this time... we've finally retrieved the best specimen from the orphanage. He's grown perfectly. Exactly as predicted."

Kevi looked away, unable to meet Rafeyal's face, because somewhere inside, a part of him knew this had already gone too far.

Chapter Text

Rafeyal stirred, his eyelids fluttering open. A dull ache throbbed at the base of his neck, but his mind cleared quickly, too quickly for the scientist standing nearby.

He blinked twice, then tried to move. Straps held him firmly to a cold, metallic chair. His wrists and ankles were bound, and the sterile scent of chemicals filled his nose.

Across the room, one of the scientists stepped forward with a pleased smile.

"Well, well... Welcome back, Rafeyal."

Rafeyal's eyes sharpened, his voice low and cold.

"You... You were one of the scientists back then. At the orphanage. The Backtrackers."

The scientist's smile widened, almost proud.

"Yes, dear. Your memory serves you well. Even after all these years."

He gestured toward the monitors behind him, where glowing charts flickered with data.

"Your resistance to toxins is remarkable. That cadet's injection should've kept you under for hours. And yet... here you are. Awake already. Just as we suspected, our best specimen. We never should've let you go."

Rafeyal clenched his fists against the restraints, thoughts racing.

Colonel Kevi... So he's with the Backtrackers too? All this time? Then that confession months ago... It was just part of the plan? A lie?

The lab door hissed open. Someone said.

"He's here—Leon"

A tall figure entered, dressed in black with a calm, chilling presence. The room fell into an eerie silence as the scientists nodded with deference.

Leon walked slowly toward Rafeyal, eyes fixed on him with a mixture of reverence and possession.

"Rafeyal... Rafeyal..." 

he said, smiling faintly. 

"I've missed you. It took us far too long to bring you back. But now..." 

He leaned closer. 

"Now you're finally here."

Rafeyal gritted his teeth and tried to summon his fire Evol—tried to feel the familiar warmth surge through his veins.
Nothing.
Not even a flicker.

His eyes widened in alarm.

"What—?!"

Leon smirked from where he stood beside the lab table.

"Don't bother,"

he said coolly.

"The injection that cadet gave you? It wasn't just to knock you out. It suppresses your Evol too. You won't be able to use it for at least two hours."

Rafeyal struggled against the restraints, muscles tense with fury.

"Just what the hell do you want from me?!"

Leon stepped closer, casually brushing a hand along the edge of Rafeyal's uniform, as if examining a prized relic.

"I want to test your maximum Evol capacity,"

he said, almost fondly.

"We've tried it on many other hunters. Most only reach 70%. You? You reached 90%, when you were still a kid. Now, I want to push it to 100%."

Rafeyal glared, voice low and cold.

"That was in the past. I'm different now. I'm the same as everybody else."

Leon shook his head, chuckling darkly. He picked up a syringe filled with a glowing, viscous liquid.
"That's where you're wrong. You've never been the same, Rafeyal. You've always been unique. It's in your blood, your DNA."

He paused, gaze narrowing.

"The only thing that kept us from unlocking your full potential back then... was that boy. Caleb."

Rafeyal flinched.

"Caleb...?"

Leon's expression twisted with annoyance.

"He ruined every chance we had to test you properly when you were young. Always getting in the way. Always protecting you."

He scoffed.

"He's special too, of course. His Evol once peaked at 80%, but getting close to him? Nearly impossible."

Rafeyal's eyes lowered, stunned as the realization hit him like a wave.

So Caleb... was protecting me this whole time? Even back then...

The vehicle roared through the dusty road, the engine pushed to its limit. Caleb's eyes were razor-focused, his hands gripping the wheel tightly. His jaw clenched, fury seething beneath his calm exterior.

Hold on, Raf. I'm coming.

He activated his comms, voice sharp and cold.

"Brigadier General, this is Head Colonel Caleb. I'm en route to the Backtrackers' base. I've pinpointed the location. They've taken Head Commander Qi. I need immediate backup—elite forces only. Sending coordinates now."

There was a brief pause before the General's voice responded, equally serious.

"Coordinates received. Elites are moving out. Caleb—just leave one alive. The rest, do whatever you want."

Caleb's eyes darkened as he floored the accelerator.

"Understood, sir."

And with that, he sped forward, the only thing on his mind, rescuing Rafeyal.

The dark, hidden facility of the Backtrackers lay deep beneath Skyhaven, just as Caleb remembered it. The towering lab walls, the cold steel corridors, it hadn't changed.

Caleb's eyes narrowed as he approached the entrance, memories flashing briefly through his mind.

We were lucky we were sent back to Linkon after the first experiments. But now... they've started again.

With a flick of his wrist, gravity pulsed from him. The guards at the front gate were immediately crushed to the ground, groaning under the pressure. Caleb didn't even glance at them. He stepped forward, took a guard's ID pass, and tapped it at the scanner. The door slid open with a quiet hiss.

He entered the facility silently, coldly. The moment the door shut behind him, he drew his gun and fired twice, two guards down in seconds. He kept walking, unfazed.

Meanwhile, in the depths of the lab, Rafeyal thrashed against the straps that held him to the experimentation chair. Leon stood beside him, casually tapping the syringe filled with a glowing liquid.
Leon said, his voice calm and cruel.

"Take this well, Rafeyal" 

Rafeyal's eyes flared with fury.

"You mutt! Let go of me!"

Leon didn't flinch.

"Hold his shoulders. I don't want our precious specimen to spoil."

Two scientists stepped forward, each gripping Rafeyal by the shoulder, pinning him down firmly. Rafeyal grunted, trying to shake them off, but it was no use.

With a smooth motion, Leon injected the contents of the syringe directly into Rafeyal's forearm. Almost immediately, Rafeyal arched his back, gritting his teeth as intense pain surged through his body.

"Arghhh! What—arghh! What is—this?!"

Leon simply smiled.

"The first dose. It will push your evol to reach 100% capacity. Isn't that exciting?"

Rafeyal's struggles grew weaker. His strength was fading fast, the injection draining his energy and igniting a burning storm inside his body. His breathing turned sharp and uneven, as sweat dripped from his forehead.

And yet, despite the pain, his eyes still burned with resistance.
Leon leaned closer to Rafeyal, eyes gleaming with twisted excitement.

"I like those eyes of yours," 

he said, smirking. 

"So pretty... and still full of defiance. Let's see how long that lasts."

He picked up the second syringe without hesitation and plunged it into Rafeyal's forearm.
Rafeyal jerked hard in the chair, his body trembling as pain exploded through him again. He gritted his teeth, a strangled cry escaping.

"Hnnggg! Arghhh! Let... go... of... me..."

His breathing grew ragged. His heart pounded so violently it echoed in his ears. Every part of him screamed with pain—it felt like being stabbed from the inside out, over and over again. His vision blurred.

Then the door hissed open.
Colonel Kevi walked in, cold and composed, until his eyes landed on Rafeyal strapped to the chair, drenched in sweat and barely conscious. His expression shifted, tense.
Kevi said sharply.

"This... isn't right, Leon" 

Leon glanced back with a wide, unsettling smile.

"I missed my chance back then," 

he replied. 

"But now? Now I'll finish what I started. Can't you see it, Kevi? He's perfect. The ultimate weapon. Alive and breathing. Beautiful."

Kevi's jaw clenched.

On the chair, Rafeyal blinked slowly, his body shaking. His eyes barely opened, but he recognized the figure standing at the door.

"...Colonel Kevi...?"

His voice was weak, barely a whisper. His body trembled, pain rippling through every muscle as he tried to lift his head.

Kevi stared back at him, silent.

Chapter Text

Kevi stood still, eyes locked on Rafeyal who was trembling in the restraints, skin pale and drenched with sweat. His hands clenched into fists as guilt and anger swirled in his chest.
 Kevi murmured, barely audible.

"...Sorry, Rafeyal..."

Leon chuckled from the counter as he prepared the third syringe, his tone mocking.

"What's there to be sorry about? You did your part. We saved you, remember? You owe us. Be grateful, Kevi. Without us, you'd be dead."

Kevi didn't reply. His jaw tightened as he watched the scene unfold, watched Rafeyal suffering, the fire in those eyes slowly dimming. He thought bitterly to himself:

The confession... At least that was real.

More scientists moved in. Coldly, efficiently. They stripped Rafeyal's upper uniform and began placing electromagnetic pads on his body, two more were fixed to his temples. Rafeyal stirred weakly, lifting his head with difficulty.
Rafeyal asked hoarsely.

"Wha–what... are you doing...?" 

Leon turned toward him, smiling like a man possessed.

"To fully stimulate your body, of course. Push it to its limits. 100% evol output. And maybe, if we're lucky..."

He tapped the side of his own head.

"We'll erase those troublesome memories too."

Rafeyal's eyes flew wide in shock. Kevi's expression cracked.

At the same time—
A heavy blast echoed through the lower corridors of the base. Caleb had arrived.

He walked through the facility like a storm. Cold, relentless. Every guard who crossed his path was either shot or crumpled under his crushing gravity evol. Bodies littered the halls in a grim line behind him.

He stopped in front of one of the panicked scientists, who barely had time to turn before Caleb grabbed him midair with a single flick of his hand, gravity locking him in place.
Caleb asked coldly, voice like ice. 

"Where is Rafeyal? You remember me, don't you?"

The scientist was shaking.

"D-Deep inside! The furthest lab chamber! You need a pass! Leon's pass! It won't open for anyone else!"

Caleb muttered, tightening the invisible grip until the man's body folded inward with a sickening crunch. 

"I don't need a pass. I just need answers."

He let the remains drop.
Then, without looking back, he strode forward—deeper into the heart of the facility, where Rafeyal was waiting.
A trail of blood and silence followed behind him.

The needle pierced skin once more, the third syringe, and the moment the serum entered Rafeyal's veins, the scientists activated the electromagnetic pads.

Pain exploded through Rafeyal's body.

"ARGHHHHH! HNNNGGG! LET GO OF ME!!"

His scream echoed across the cold steel walls. His body arched against the restraints, tears streaming down his face as the current surged through his nerves, his muscles spasming violently.

Leon stood over him, eyes glowing with mad satisfaction.

"Yes—yes! This is what I wanted! Look at that response! The best specimen!!"

Inside the agony, Rafeyal's mind burned. Images flickered through the chaos: a small hand reaching for his, a quiet promise beneath the stars, Caleb's voice, Caleb's warmth.
 His whole life—his bond with Caleb—flashing before him like a reel unraveling.

The pain was unbearable. But the memories kept him tethered.

Across the room, Kevi's eyes widened in horror. He took a step forward, fists clenched.

"Leon! This has to stop!"

Leon didn't even look at him, his voice sharp and crazed.

"No! We finish it! This is what we've been waiting for! Rafeyal is a unique multiplier, a resonance evol and a fire evol user! No one else has ever held both! Do you even understand how powerful he'll be once this is complete?!"

Kevi snapped, yelling back.

"You already tried this once! He blew up the entire lab when he was a child! You couldn't control it then!"

Leon turned, his eyes darkening with obsession. He pointed straight at Rafeyal, whose body convulsed under the agony of the experiment.

"And this time, we will. We'll finish what we started. No more interruptions."

Then he glanced at his watch, jaw tightening.

"...Kevi. Guard the door. There's an intruder. I want no one getting in."

Kevi froze, his expression torn. Outside, a storm was coming.
Caleb was near.

Elsewhere, just outside the lab chamber, Caleb ran.

Rafeyal's body trembled violently in the chair. His arms and legs strained against the restraints as waves of electric pain coursed through him. His skin glistened with sweat, and his eyes were hazy with tears.
Rafeyal gasped, barely clinging to consciousness.

"Hnnngg... urghhh... let... go... of... me..." 

Leon stood close, smiling with twisted delight. He gently touched the tears on Rafeyal's cheek, voice disturbingly soft.

"Just a little more, Rafeyal. Soon the memories will be gone, and so will the pain. You'll be reborn, as the perfect weapon. A walking nuclear bomb."

Rafeyal flinched under his touch. More flashes of memory burned in his mind—Caleb's face, his voice, their laughter as children, the hand that had always reached for him when he cried. Now, those memories began to blur, melt, and fade.

 Rafeyall whispered, barely audible.

"No... Caleb... hnnngg... help... me..."

Elsewhere, just outside the lab chamber, Caleb ran.

The screams, Rafeyal's screams, echoed down the sterile corridor, shaking something deep inside him. His breath came fast, eyes sharp with fury.

"Raf!"

He turned the corner, only to find Colonel Kevi standing at the door. Guarding it.
Without hesitation, Caleb thrust out his palm, his gravity evol slamming Kevi into the wall with violent force. The metal groaned.

Kevi winced, blood trailing from the corner of his lip, but he quickly reacted, raising a wall of earth evol in front of the lab door.

"Head Colonel,"

he said grimly,

"not now."

Caleb didn't hesitate. He fired his gun. Kevi barely dodged in time, the bullet grazing his cheek.

Caleb's voice was sharp, cold.

"Don't call me that, Backtracker. Was your confession to him fake too?"

Kevi's eyes narrowed, but his voice was quiet and certain as he lunged.

"That wasn't a lie."

Caleb dodged the strike effortlessly, eyes burning with rage.

"Then you shouldn't have betrayed him."

The lab door rumbled as the two men clashed, one to protect, the other too torn to step aside. Inside, Rafeyal's life and his memories—hung by a thread.

Inside the lab, Rafeyal's body trembled, barely clinging to consciousness. His breath came in short, painful gasps. Tears streamed down his face, and his heart pounded violently inside his chest.

His mind was slipping, memories blurring like watercolors in rain. He tried to hold onto the images of Caleb, their childhood, their time in Farspace. But everything was fading.

"Ca... leb... hnnggg..."

Despite the pain and memory loss, something inside Rafeyal surged. A pulse. A flare. His Evol, now unchained, began to rise, fierce, uncontrollable, and growing.

Leon stared at the datapad clutched in his hands, his eyes widening in shock... then glowing with twisted excitement.

"His Evol... it's spiking! Ninety-six percent!"

 he exclaimed, a manic grin spreading across his face.

"This is incredible!"

Gasps echoed around the lab as the other scientists looked on, stunned. One whispered, unable to look away.

"This... this is insane. He's really... different"

Leon laughed, pride thick in his voice.

"At least this time,"

he said, eyes fixed on the trembling Rafeyal,

"he hasn't exploded the entire lab."

For now.

Chapter Text

Reinforcements stormed the Backtrackers' facility, clearing every corridor with swift precision. Soldiers arrested fleeing scientists, dismantling the corrupted operation from within. Amid the chaos, Caleb was still locked in battle with Colonel Kevi just outside the main lab.

Kevi fought with everything he had, refusing to let Caleb through. He launched walls of stone with his Earth Evol, but Caleb's gravity Evol surged in retaliation, pressing down on Kevi like the weight of a collapsing world.

With a final wave of his hand, Caleb crushed Kevi's resistance, the ground buckling beneath them.

Each step Caleb took radiated immense gravitational energy, the air heavy and still around him. His voice was low, cold.

"Backtrackers... I let them be, because they gave us a life. But if Rafeyal's part of this—"
"Then there's no reason to hold back."

He reached up and touched the necklace Rafeyal had gifted him, the tiny apple charm cold in his hand.

Then Caleb shouted with all the strength in his chest, knowing he might be too late.

"RAFEYAL!"

Inside the lab, Rafeyal's body twitched in pain. His consciousness had nearly vanished—memories disintegrating, his identity slipping through his fingers.

But then...a voice.

"Ca... leb...?"

His lips trembled. A tear rolled down his cheek.
Leon, who had been monitoring the procedure, snapped his head toward the sealed door, eyes wide.

"It's that boy again! Move faster!"

A scientist reached for the control panel but suddenly froze in confusion.

"The memory erasure—! It's dropping!"

The numbers on the screen blinked in reverse:
97%... 85%... 73%...

But the Evol levels surged:
98%... 99%...

Leon ran forward and stared at the datapad, disbelief on his face.

"No... not again... how—?"

Then the memory hit him.
He remembered that day, years ago.

Rafeyal, just a child, strapped to the chair.
And Caleb, younger but no less fierce, bursting into the room screaming his name.
The lab had exploded. Guards were injured.
And yet, Caleb had walked away untouched, shielded by Rafeyal's raw, untrained Resonance Evol.

Leon's face contorted with rage, realization hitting like lightning.

"CALEB! YOU AGAIN!"

Inside the lab, Rafeyal's body trembled, his heart racing like a war drum. His Evol surged.

100%.

His memories, instead of fading, came crashing back all at once, clearer, sharper. Every moment with Caleb, every battle, every emotion.
And then, his Resonance Evol activated, amplifying his Fire Evol far beyond what his body could handle.

The restraints melted, vaporized in flame. Rafeyal's eyes burned a bright pinkish-blue, his chest heaving.

"C—Caleb..."

And then....the lab exploded.

Outside the lab, Kevi prepared to lunge at Caleb again, even with wounds bleeding down his side. But before he could strike—

BOOM!

The lab door exploded outward. Leon flew through the air, slammed against the far wall, and crumpled, coughing up blood. Flames poured out behind him, eating the air.

The force of the blast knocked both Kevi and Caleb backward. Kevi threw up a wall of rock with his Earth Evol, shielding himself. Caleb reacted instantly, using his Gravity Evol to brace and push against the fiery shockwave.

They both stared in stunned silence.

Kevi shouted, rushing forward.

"LEON!"

Leon's body twitched as he choked on blood. His eyes narrowed, burning with hatred as he glared up at Caleb beside Kevi.

"You... ruin it again... You always ruin it!"

Caleb coldly aimed his gun, hand steady, ready to end it.
But then—

A hoarse voice broke through the smoke.

"Ca...leb..."

A voice. Weak, staggering.

Rafeyal stepped out of the smoke, leaning heavily on the wall. His body trembling, his eyes glowing faintly. Tears streamed down his face.

Caleb's heart dropped.

"Rafeyal..."

He began to lower the gun.

But suddenly, more Backtrackers poured into the corridor, weapons drawn, shouting commands. They were ready to eliminate both Rafeyal and Caleb.

Kevi's eyes widened, he shouted desperately.

"NO! DON'T!" 

But it was too late.

Rafeyal raised his head, eyes filled with pain, fear and fury. Tears streamed down his face as his Evol flared again, uncontrollable.

"DON'T... YOU GUYS... COME... NEAR ME!!"

His Fire Evol ignited, surging out of him in a devastating blaze. The entire corridor lit up in blinding flame.

Caleb reacted fast, slamming the ground with his gravity, creating a force field. Kevi raised rock walls in a panic, shielding them both.

The air crackled. Heat shimmered. Metal screamed and twisted under the fire.

Kevi winced, straining under the pressure.

"Damn it... he's too strong..."

But Caleb stood firm, eyes fixed only on one thing—Rafeyal, who trembled in the center of the blaze.
Kevi thought in awe and fear.

He's not even grunting..."

Kevi glanced at Rafeyal, burning with unfiltered Evol. 
Kevi whispered to himself.

"It's happening again. Only now... it's even worse..."

Every step Rafeyal took forward, his Evol surged, fire bursting violently from his body. Flames tore through the walls and scorched the floor, leaving nothing but molten metal in his path. He staggered, gripping the wall, body trembling, and tears streaming down his face.

"YOU... GUYS... DON'T... GET... TO TOUCH ME. NO MORE!"

Rafeyal words carried raw pain and power.

With a crack like thunder, his flames shattered Kevi's earth wall, reducing it to scorched dust. Kevi and Leon both stood frozen in shock.

Caleb, standing between them and the chaos, braced himself. He pushed his gravity evol to the limit, creating a dense shield around Kevi and Leon as flames licked the air around them.
Caleb growled coldly, eyes hard. 

"I need you both alive. You're being interrogated."

Kevi nodded and turned to Leon, voice low.

"I'm grateful you saved me before... but this is too much. Not Rafeyal. You've done this to others, but to him—"

he paused, trembling.

 "—I can't let it go. I'm sorry, Leon."

Leon's glare was sharp, fury flaring in his weakened eyes.

"You dare defy me?!"

He swung and knocked Leon unconscious, letting him slump to the ground. Then he looked back at Caleb, who stood firm, shielding them with unwavering strength.

Leon looked ahead to Rafeyal, now crouched, shaking. And deep inside, his heart clenched.

I'm sorry...

But Rafeyal's fire did not forgive.

It blasted forward, igniting everything. Caleb braced, shielding with gravity. The flames passed him. straight into the Backtrackers ahead.

They had no chance.

Screams erupted as the corridor was filled with fire. Not even water, wind, or earth evols could stop it. The fire moved with a will of its own, as if Rafeyal's soul was lashing out.

Rafeyal dropped lower, eyes wide, arms around himself as if to hold his body together. He began to laugh, a cracked, sobbing laugh. Tears spilled, and his body trembled.

"Hah... hah... why... what am I..."

Then—Rafeyal fell completely to the floor seated sobbing. And the moment he plop on the ground—

Half the facility erupted in a massive explosion.

Flames shot upward, a column of fire lighting the underground base in a hellish glow. Metal screamed and bent. The shockwave thundered through the walls.

Caleb's eyes widened.

He threw up a massive gravity barrier, catching the flames and shielding what remained of the base from total annihilation.

Rafeyal stood at the epicenter, a glowing silhouette in a storm of blue and pink flame.

Outside, the backup forces finally arrived.
Generals, Colonels, soldiers—all stopped in place. Their eyes went wide. The sight before them was beyond anything they had ever trained for.

"What... the hell...?"

The corridor was a nightmare. Backtrackers reduced to ash, walls melting, and Rafeyal at the center like a collapsed star.

Some officers began to approach, not understanding what they were walking into.
Caleb turned sharply, face pale, eyes wide.
Caleb shouted.

"DON'T COME NEARER!"

They froze in place. All shock.

Chapter Text

Caleb's voice cut like steel, filled with command and urgency.

"Everyone out. Now."

He turned his glare on the approaching officers, eyes hard.

"Any closer, and you won't survive."

The generals nodded, faces grim as they glanced at the raging storm that was Rafeyal. Fire crackled and surged with every breath he took, uncontrolled and wild, like a living creature feeding off his pain.

One of the generals lowered his head respectfully.

"Understood. Head Colonel. Comms us once it's safe... For now, please..."
"Bring Head Commander Qi back."

Caleb gave a sharp nod, but his eyes never left Rafeyal.

Behind him, Kevi moved in silence, dragging Leon's unconscious body across the scorched floor. His expression was dark and resigned. The backup officers moved quickly, surrounding them.

A pair of generals stepped forward, securing Leon with handcuffs, his unconscious form slumping like a broken puppet. They turned to Kevi.

"Colonel Kevi," 

One of them said coldly. 

"This is... unexpected. Deeply disappointing."

Kevi didn't answer. He didn't flinch, didn't argue. He simply nodded silently, accepting their judgment, and stepped into line with the restrained.

As they began leading them away, Kevi couldn't help but look back.
His eyes lingered on Rafeyal, still crouched in the center of the destroyed corridor, wrapped in flickering flames, trembling between pain and power.

Softly, almost inaudibly, Kevi whispered.

"Rafeyal..."

And then, he was gone from sight.

Caleb stepped forward, slowly and steadily, the fire crackling all around him like a living beast.

"Rafeyal..."

Rafeyal's eyes snapped up from where he sat in the center of the destruction, tears streaking down his soot-stained face.

"Ca—Caleb? No! Don't come near me!"

The moment he shouted, a massive wave of fire surged toward Caleb. But Caleb didn't flinch. He raised his hand, his gravity evol shielding him as the flames slammed into the invisible barrier, roaring violently.
Caleb shouted over the sound of flames. 

"Rafeyal! It's fine! Throw the fire at me! it's okay! Let it out!"

Rafeyal shook his head, fear and panic in his eyes.

"No! I—I can't control it now. Just don't come... near me..."

But Caleb only smiled gently, his eyes steady and unwavering. Around his neck, the necklace Rafeyal had given him swayed with the waves of energy.

"I'm letting go of the shield."

Rafeyal's eyes widened in terror.

"NO!"

But it was too late. Caleb dropped his shield.

The fire rushed forward with explosive force, a flood of heat and fury. But instead of burning him, the flames swirled around him gently, coiling like ribbons in the air, dancing along his body but never touching him with harm.

They embraced him. Like they recognized him.
Caleb chuckled softly, continuing his steps toward Rafeyal.

"You protected me before, remember? Back then, when we were young. You just don't remember... but I do."

His voice was calm, almost tender as the flames lit up his face.

"The lab exploded that time too. But not like this. Still, even then, I wasn't hurt. Because your evol—you—never wanted to hurt me."

Rafeyal stared in disbelief. The wild, deadly fire that had scorched everything in its path now drifted around Caleb like warm sunlight. It made no move to attack.

Rafeyal's tears slowed, and a shaky breath left his lips. For the first time, he felt relief.

"Wha... what?"

Caleb finally reached Rafeyal.

He stood right in front of Rafeyal, then slowly crouched down to his level. Around them, the fire no longer raged, it moved like a living thing, circling them both, gentle and rough at the same time, crackling softly as if listening.

Caleb smiled, eyes soft.

"See? I'm fine, dummie."

He reached out, wiping the tears off Rafeyal's face, his touch gentle. Then he leaned forward, pressing his forehead gently to Rafeyal's.

"Resonate with me."

Rafeyal's breath caught. At Caleb's touch, something in him stirred. His tears flowed again, but not from pain, this time, from something deeper.

Slowly, Rafeyal raised a trembling hand and placed it on Caleb's chest. His eyes fluttered shut as a faint smile appeared on his lips.

And then...he let go.
In that instant, Rafeyal's resonance evol surged to full power—a glowing, pulsating energy radiating from his body.

At the same time, Caleb's gravity evol responded, flaring to its maximum.

The two powers merged, their resonance amplifying one another. The very air around them twisted and bent, as if the world itself was being pulled inward.

A massive gravitational vortex bloomed above them—a dark void, pulling in the remnants of the Backtracker base, collapsing debris and shattered structures into nothingness.

Outside the facility, the ground shook. The generals and colonels shielded their eyes, watching in shock as a swirling, unnatural black hole formed in the sky above the ruins.

"Wh-what was that?!"
"Is that... an actual black hole from space?!"
"Are you dumb? Does that look like a real black hole to you?!"
"It has to be Head Colonel Caleb. That's his gravity evol."
"But what about Head Commander Qi?! Is he going to be okay?!"

No one knew the answer.
They could only watch as the vortex swallowed the past, and Caleb and Rafeyal stood in the center of it all.

Rafeyal looked up at Caleb, a tired but warm smile on his face.

"At least I didn't hurt you... You came."

Caleb smiled gently, kneeling beside him. Without a word, he slipped off his coat and draped it over Rafeyal's bare upper body.
Caleb said softly, brushing Rafeyal's hair back from his face.

"And you never hurt me. Explosive fire idiot."

Rafeyal let out a soft chuckle, weak, but genuine. Then, his body relaxed completely, and he slumped forward, unconscious. Caleb caught him easily, cradling him close to his chest.

Holding him carefully, Caleb rose and walked out from the cracked ruins of the Backtrackers' facility. Around him, the remnants of chaos—charred walls, crumbled stone, and scorched steel, stood silent.

As he stepped into the open, the elite team and generals who had come for backup looked up. Their tense shoulders dropped with relief.
Caleb said coldly but calmly, not breaking stride.

"He's safe now. All head back. And thanks for the backup."

One of the generals let out a long breath.

This is the first time in years we've been called for something this big... That power—"
"It was beyond anything we've faced,"

 another added. 

"I'm taking a long break after this."

Caleb didn't respond. His eyes were fixed only on Rafeyal, now sleeping peacefully against his chest, wrapped in his coat, his face free of pain.

He held him tighter. Caleb whispered.

"Let's go home now,"

And with quiet steps, he walked into the fading sunlight, carrying the one he never stopped protecting.

Chapter Text

Rafeyal had been unconscious for two days in Farspace's medical wing. Caleb stayed close the entire time, barely sleeping.

When the lead doctor finally called him into the private consultation room, Caleb entered with his arms folded, his expression unreadable.

The doctor looked both amazed and confused. 
The doctor began.

"This is insane! His recovery rate—it's off the charts. The toxins, the dosage from those syringes? Completely gone. It's as if his resonance evol absorbed and nullified everything."

Caleb narrowed his eyes slightly.

"And his evol? Still unstable? Is it holding at 100%?"

The doctor shook his head, smiling.

"No, actually—it's dropped. Stabilized at 80% now, same as yours. Before the incident, his reading was only around 60%. Whatever they did to him, it pushed his ability up. But... mentally, I can't say. There could be trauma or phobia. That kind of experiment—"

He paused, glancing at Caleb.

"He can be discharged. But I recommend he stays with someone, preferably you. I've issued a month's medical leave."

Caleb nodded silently. He'd already applied for a month off the moment Rafeyal was admitted. The approval came back instantly, no questions asked.

Rafeyal now stayed in Caleb's apartment.

The first week was rough. There were moments when Rafeyal would suddenly get pale and rush to the bathroom to vomit. Sometimes, he'd sit in silence for long stretches, eyes distant. Other times, he'd wake up at night trembling, heart pounding.

Caleb never said much but his worry was obvious. He stayed nearby, quietly preparing meals, making sure Rafeyal ate, slept, and had someone beside him. But when Rafeyal was out of sight for too long, Caleb's expression would darken, his mind racing.

I should've wiped them out the moment I joined Farspace... I should've never let them continue.

By the end of the second week, things began to shift.

Rafeyal bounced back. No more symptoms, no more nightmares. He had energy again—maybe too much. Now, he was up and about, trailing Caleb around the apartment like a restless cat.

One evening, Caleb was in the kitchen, carefully slicing meat on the cutting board. Caleb snapped without looking up.

"Will you stop? Can't you see I'm trying to cook here?"

Rafeyal grinned, cheeky as ever, pacing circles around him.

"Is there seafood today?"

Caleb glanced at him, smirking faintly.

"If you behave."

That was all it took.
Rafeyal's eyes lit up. He dashed to the living room and flopped dramatically onto the couch, hugging a pillow to his chest.

"Okay! I'm well-behaved now! I want seafood!"

Caleb laughed under his breath, shaking his head as he returned to the cutting board.

"Idiot."

But his smile lingered.

Caleb's knife moved steadily across the chopping board, slicing the meat into clean strips. The rhythmic sound of the blade against the wood echoed softly through the apartment.

But his mind wasn't in the kitchen anymore.
His thoughts wandered back to the doctor's words from earlier that week.

100% compatibility is nearly impossible," 

the doctor had said, eyes wide behind his glasses. "

But yours and Head Commander Qi's... it's exactly that. One hundred percent. Something must've happened when you two were younger, right? If not, how could such compatibility exist?"

Caleb had been silent for a moment before replying, arms folded, gaze distant.

"I was experimented on too. In the same orphanage as Rafeyal. But... I wasn't made to destroy him."

"They experimented on me to counter him. To stop him, without killing him, if he ever lost control."

"There was a scientist, a kind one. She disobeyed the others. She was the reason the experiments on me weren't harmful. She just wanted Rafeyal to be safe. Wanted to protect us both. But she's long gone now."

The doctor had gone quiet, jaw slightly slack in surprise.

"Now I understand..."   he had murmured.

Back in the present, Caleb moved on to chopping vegetables, his motions slower now, thoughtful.

He muttered quietly under his breath.

"And I'm glad... I was experimented for Rafeyal."

He paused, looking out the kitchen window briefly. The sunset was bleeding orange and gold across the horizon. In the background, Rafeyal was humming softly on the couch, hugging a pillow, completely unaware of the weight behind Caleb's thoughts.

Caleb glanced over his shoulder, watching him with a soft smile.

"If protecting you was the reason they made me... then it was worth it."

A month passed.

Farspace Fleet returned to its usual rhythm, as if nothing had happened. The incident with the Backtrackers was buried under strict command—General Brigadier's orders were clear: no one was to speak of it.

Rafeyal didn't seem to mind. In fact, he was back to being his usual self, carefree, cheeky, and occasionally rebellious. He often strolled through the base with his usual lazy swagger, sometimes skipping protocol, sometimes challenging orders in ways only he could get away with.

Yet, behind all that playfulness, he took his duties seriously when needed. Most afternoons were spent beside Caleb in their shared private office. Rafeyal lounging on the couch or reading reports with a rare seriousness, while Caleb sat at his desk, typing away with cold efficiency.

Of course, that didn't mean peace.
Caleb's sharp voice echoed through the office one morning.

"Head Commander Qi!" 

Rafeyal jumped slightly, looking up from the datapad he'd clearly stopped reading ten minutes ago.
He blinked, trying to act innocent.

"Uh, yes?"

Caleb didn't even look up.

"Why is there a 'DO NOT TOUCH' label on the training drone... and a footprint on its head?"

Rafeyal grinned.

"Oh. That. I was just testing how stable it was under pressure."

Caleb sighed, finally raising his cold gaze.

"You kicked the drone, didn't you?"

Rafeyal whistled and turned back to the datapad, clearly avoiding the answer. Caleb pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I should write you up for this."

Rafeyal said with a cheeky smirk.

"But you won't" 

Caleb glared.

"You're grounded from training runs for the next two days."

Rafeyal groaned and slumped on the couch, hugging a pillow.

"Abuse of power! I'm reporting you to yourself!"

Caleb couldn't help the faintest smirk at that. Despite everything, the office felt lighter now. They had come back from something dark, burned, but alive.

It was a random afternoon, quiet in the Farspace Fleet's resting lounge.

A group of vice commanders and colonels were huddled together on the couch, eyes glued to a single phone screen. The atmosphere was oddly intense—some leaned forward with serious faces, others smirking as if watching a secret mission unfold.

Rafeyal strolled in casually, sipping a cup of water. He paused.

He tilted his head.

"...What are they even watching so seriously?"

Curious, Rafeyal stepped closer, quietly peeking over the couch to see what all the fuss was about.

The second he caught a glimpse of the screen, he spat his water out in shock.

"PFFT—WHAT THE—!"

The cold splash sprayed over several unfortunate colonels. One of them groaned and wiped his face off with his sleeve.

Rafeyal, eyes wide and cheeks burning red, pointed at the phone.

"Are you guys seriously watching bondage videos in the rest lounge?!"

The entire group froze.
One of the vice commanders glanced around nervously and hissed,

"Ssshhh! It's just... curiosity, alright? Kinky curiosity. We're wondering if... maybe we should try ordering some of that stuff online..."

Another colonel coughed, awkward but grinning.
Rafeyal, still flustered, wiped his mouth and muttered,

"Does it even feel good...?"

That was all it took.
The group of men slowly turned toward him, eyes glinting, smirks spreading like wildfire.

"Well well..."

 one of them murmured.

"Are you interested too, Head Commander?"

Rafeyal leaned in, staring at the screen with innocent curiosity.

"...I think so?"

The entire room erupted.

"OH?!"
"Head Colonel Caleb would kill us if he finds out!"
"Should we... start a private chat group?!"

As the teasing continued, Rafeyal's blush only deepened. Somewhere in the back of his mind, one thought floated through:

...I probably shouldn't have asked.

Chapter Text

It had been a week, and Rafeyal was still glued to his phone.

Every time he finished reviewing reports in their shared office, he would silently scroll through his screen, eyes wide, occasionally gasping under his breath as if he just uncovered a galaxy-level secret.

Across the room, Caleb sat at his desk, flipping through his own files—but his sharp eyes never missed a thing. Especially not the way Rafeyal kept reacting like a scandalized schoolboy.

Rafeyal stared at his phone again, the screen reflecting on his wide eyes. 
He whispered to himself, blinking furiously.

"You... You can use it like that? Woah..."

Caleb's pen paused mid-sentence. He glanced up slowly, voice cold.

"What's so amazing about your phone? You've been glued to it for a week."

Rafeyal looked up innocently and flashed a smile, quickly locking his phone and slipping it into his pocket.

"Just some... chats. Information."

Caleb raised an eyebrow, not buying it.

"Chats. Information. With who?"

Rafeyal leaned back lazily in his chair, waving his hand.

"Colleagues. It doesn't hurt to chat with colleagues, right?"

Caleb set his pen down and tapped it once, cold and deliberate, against the desk.

"Privately one-on-one... or a group chat?"

Rafeyal blinked.
"...Group?"

Caleb stared at him for another long second, then went back to his reports with a cold tone.

"Then it's fine."

Rafeyal exhaled in relief, turning slightly away to check his phone again under the desk.
A new message popped up in the 'Kinky Curiosity Unit 👀🔥' group chat.

Vice Commander Lian:
"We found a new one. Hands tied, blindfolded, but using evol to tease. Legendary."

Rafeyal covered his mouth with a palm and gasped quietly again.
Caleb's pen stopped.

"...Rafeyal."

"Y-Yes?"

"Put. The phone. Away."

"Y-Yes, sir."

The next few days passed with Caleb growing increasingly suspicious.

Every rest period in their shared private office, Rafeyal would finish his reports with surprising efficiency, then dive straight into his phone like it contained the secrets of the universe. His expressions changed rapidly—wide eyes, gasps, the occasional dropped pen—clearly caught up in something intensely fascinating.

And today was no different. Rafeyal scrolled through the group chat labeled: 'Kinky Curiosity Unit 👀🔥'

His eyes scanned the latest messages.

Rafeyal:
You can use that small whip to hit the manhood??? It's not painful?

Vice Commander Lian:
Apparently, you climax!

Colonel Keith:
The entrance too!

Rafeyal's hand froze. His pen, which had been spinning between his fingers, slipped and hit the floor with a clatter.
He stared at the screen in disbelief.

"Okay... That's new. Really not painful?"

From the other side of the room, Caleb's head slowly turned.

"...What's not painful?"

Rafeyal looked up like a deer caught in headlights.

"Ah! N-Nothing. Just... a meme?"

Caleb stood, walked over slowly, arms crossed.

"A meme made you gasp, drop your pen, and mutter to yourself again?"

Rafeyal held his phone close, clutching it to his chest with forced innocence.

"Very educational meme."

Caleb narrowed his eyes.

"...You're blushing."

"I am not!"

"You are."

Caleb leaned closer, voice lower.

"Is it that group chat again?"

Rafeyal blinked.

"Wh—what group chat?"

"...The one you're trying very hard to hide."

Rafeyal scooted his chair back, grinning nervously.

"You know what! I should go get coffee. You want coffee? I'll bring—"

Caleb placed a hand on the armrest, pinning Rafeyal in place with a calm but dangerous smile.

"...Show me the meme."

Rafeyal clutched his phone tightly to his chest, frowning like a sulky cat protecting its toy.

"No can do."

Caleb stood across from him, arms crossed, voice cool and calm.

"If it's just a meme, then there's nothing dangerous, is there? So show me."

Rafeyal shook his head stubbornly.

"Nope!"

Without a word, Caleb raised one hand. The air around them shifted slightly as a faint, pulsing aura of gravity energy rippled from his fingers. In a flash, Rafeyal's phone was yanked clean from his grip, suspended mid-air in a soft swirl of Caleb's gravity evol.

"Caleb! No!"

 Rafeyal scrambled up, reaching for it, but Caleb calmly raised his other hand. A light pressure slammed Rafeyal gently but firmly, back down onto the chair. His arms were pinned, legs locked. He couldn't even wiggle.

 Caleb said coldly, catching the floating phone into his hand.

"You said it was just a meme. Then this shouldn't be a problem."

"Wait—waitwaitwait! Caleb, it's—it's not what it looks like!"

But Caleb was already reading.

The screen glowed brightly in his hand as he scrolled up the very active group chat.

Group Name:
'Kinky Curiosity Unit 👀🔥'

Caleb blinked. Then frowned. Then scrolled again.

Rafeyal:
You can use that small whip to hit the manhood??? It's not painful?

Vice Commander Lian:
Apparently, you climax!

Colonel Keith:
The entrance too!

Commander Soren:
Not just whip. Blindfolds together with it. You can't see, so your senses get super sensitive.

Colonel Philip:
Buy at this website... It's good quality. I'm planning to buy one for my girlfriend.

Colonel Keith:
Anybody buying dildo? I need recommendation. Large one please. Vibrator too.

Vice Commander Lian:
Anybody buying for yourself?

Caleb's eyes slowly widened with each line. He finally lowered the phone, looking at Rafeyal, who was still stuck to the chair, face burning red.

"...This is your idea of a meme?"

Rafeyal squeaked, looking away.

"It was informative! You always say I should learn new things!"

Caleb pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing deeply.

"You're banned from using group chats for a week."

"Wh—what?! That's abuse of authority!"

"I'm your superior officer and your partner. That makes it legal."

"CALEB!"

Caleb walked away, phone still in hand, muttering.

"Interesting..."

When work finally ended for the day, Rafeyal stomped toward Caleb, a deep frown on his face. He reached out with an expectant hand.

"My phone."

Caleb stood up from his desk calmly, eyes cool and unreadable.

"We've got no work on the weekend. So... staying at my apartment?"

Rafeyal narrowed his eyes, lips tightening into a pout.

"Phone first."

Caleb tilted his head slightly, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Agree first."

Rafeyal folded his arms stubbornly.

"Fine!"

"Good."

Caleb walked past him, slipping on his coat.

"I'll return it once we're inside my apartment."

Rafeyal groaned in frustration, still pouting.

"Hmph! I want delicious dinner! cooked by you!"

Caleb reached over, patting Rafeyal gently on the head like a mildly spoiled cat.

"Yes, yes. Head Commander Qi. Let's go."

Later that evening, the scent of sizzling seafood filled Caleb's apartment. Rafeyal sat at the table, happily munching away at his favorite dish, completely forgetting about his confiscated phone.

Caleb leaned on the counter for a moment, arms crossed as he watched Rafeyal eat with unfiltered joy. A soft smile played on his lips.

"Bathing after this?"

Rafeyal swallowed his last bite, sighing in satisfaction.

"Yeah. Gonna go now. Feel dirty after the whole day."

Caleb nodded, standing and gathering the empty plates.

"Go ahead. I'll clean up."

As Rafeyal stood up and headed toward the bathroom, Caleb glanced at the phone still resting on the shelf where he left it, smirking quietly to himself.

Chapter Text

Rafeyal stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a soft bathrobe, towel in hand as he casually dried his hair. Water still clung to the tips of his bangs, his steps light as he moved toward the living room. He plopped down onto the sofa, humming cheerfully to himself.

"Feels so good~ there's no work for the next two days~ it's the weekend~"

He grinned to no one in particular, shaking out his damp hair and patting it dry.

A few minutes later, Caleb emerged from the bathroom, equally robed, his expression unreadable and calm. Something small was in his hand, unseen by Rafeyal. He said nothing as he approached, silent as a shadow.

Rafeyal, still humming, didn't notice until the fabric slid over his eyes. 
Rafeyal yelped, hands shooting up to remove the sudden blindfold. But before he could reach, a subtle shift in the air swirled around him—Caleb's gravity evol activated.

"Wha—?!" 

Rafeyal's wrists were gently, firmly restrained mid-air, unable to move an inch. The towel fell from his grasp as he struggled in surprise.

"Caleb?! What the—what is this?!"

Still without a word, Caleb moved with eerie ease, scooping Rafeyal into his arms. The gravity field kept his hands bound, but carefully, like a gentle harness. Rafeyal's legs fluttered as he kicked instinctively, blindfolded and confused.

"Caleb! What's the meaning of this?!"

No answer. Just footsteps. Steady. Purposeful.

Rafeyal felt himself being carried, his back met the soft sheets of Caleb's bed. The moment his body touched down, the room filled with an unfamiliar tension, equal parts heat and confusion.

"C-Caleb?"

Rafeyal called again, voice smaller now, unsure if he should panic or—
The bedroom door clicked shut.

The cool brush of metal around his wrists jolted Rafeyal. He gasped softly, confusion turning quickly into shock as he felt a second click, this time at his ankles.
Rafeyal stammered, his voice small.

"C-Caleb? What are you doing? Why are you cuffing me?"

A low chuckle answered him, Caleb's voice calm, cold, but teasing.

"The group chat. You wanted to know how it feels, didn't you?"

He leaned close, breath brushing Rafeyal's ear.

"Let's test it."

Before Rafeyal could respond, the blindfold was gently removed, and light flooded his vision. His eyes adjusted quickly and widened as he took in the cuffs binding his limbs. His entire body flushed a bright red.
Rafeyal sputtered, squirming as much as the restraints allowed.

"I—I was just curious!" 

Caleb smirked.

 "Then let's satisfy that curiosity, Head Commander."

He reached for the edge of the bathrobe, and with calm fingers, he slid it open and off Rafeyal's body. The air hit bare skin, and Rafeyal flushed even deeper.

"Hey—wait! I—"

But Caleb silenced him with a look, eyes intense but oddly soft. From a nearby table, he picked up a small bottle of clear liquid. He poured it into his palm and slowly rubbed it between his fingers, eyes never leaving Rafeyal's.
Caleb said in a whisper that made Rafeyal's breath hitch

"For now. Enjoy."

Caleb stroke Rafeyal manhood with the liquid smooth and twirling around Rafeyal entrance.
Rafeyal jerk, slightly moaning. struggling but the cuff keep the restraint.

"Urghhhhh... arghhhh! Caleb!"

Caleb smirk and he goes harder on the stroke at the manhood and at the same time, entering one finger into Rafeyal entrance. twirling. 
Rafeyal body arch, trying to grab Caleb hands but can't, the cuff stopping it. the pleasure coming in slowly all at once.

"Arghhhh! hnnnngggg...! Ca--leb.."

Caleb slowly inserting the second finger in, going deeper, now twist twirl, hit. Hitting the spot. Repeatedly. 
Rafeyal body arch suddenly, his eyes widen. And his hands struggling to stop Caleb, but can't.

"No--- Caleb! Arghhhh!! Hnnnggg!!"

Caleb's strokes grew firmer and more deliberate, his touch quickening in rhythm. Rafeyal's breath hitched, soft moans escaping him as his legs trembled involuntarily. He tried to kick out, but the cuffs held him firmly in place.

Without missing a beat, Caleb gently lifted Rafeyal's chained legs, positioning them to reach deeper, pressing just right to heighten every sensation. Rafeyal's body arched instinctively, moaning hard.

"ARGHHH! CALEB! HARGHHH!"

Caleb paused, a slow smile curling on his lips as he gently placed the blindfold over Rafeyal's eyes once more.

"Now,"

 he murmured softly,

 "how about we make this feeling even more intense, Raf?"

Rafeyal's eyes widened beneath the cloth, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson. His body trembled as a soft moan escaped him, voice shaky and hesitant.

"No—Caleb—I don't know if I can take this... hnnggg..."

Caleb slid two fingers gently back inside Rafeyal, moving with deliberate, steady rhythm. Immediately, Rafeyal's body arched instinctively, a sharp gasp turning into a deeper moan as the sensation overwhelmed him. His hips twisted and turned, pressing against Caleb's touch, every movement driving deeper into the spot that made him tremble.

Caleb's fingers moved with purpose, hitting just the right place again and again, each stroke drawing louder, more desperate sounds from Rafeyal's lips.

"Hnnggg---- arghhhh!"

As Caleb's fingers worked inside Rafeyal, his other hand moved faster, stroking Rafeyal's manhood with steady, teasing speed. Rafeyal's breath hitched, growing heavier with each stroke, moans escaping uncontrollably despite the blindfold covering his eyes. Every touch sent waves of sensation rippling through him, intensifying the pleasure coursing through his body.

His legs kicked reflexively, desperate to move free, but the cuffs held him firmly in place. The restraint only heightened the tension, making every sensation sharper, every touch more electric.

"Caleb.. uncuff.. hnnnggg.. Arghhh!"

Caleb's hands moved with expert patience, teasing and edging Rafeyal for nearly an hour. Every touch was calculated, sending waves of pleasure that left Rafeyal gasping for breath. His whole body arched with every stroke.

Rafeyal's nipples hardened, standing out against his pale skin.

Caleb's fingers brushed lightly over one nipple, sending a shiver through Rafeyal that made him moan sharply. His cuffed hands shook hard, powerless against the overwhelming feelings flooding his body. Completely limp now,

"Arghhhh!.. No.. Caleb! hnnnggg.."

Caleb smirk. 

"Let's try making you climax for the first time shall we?"

Rafeyal shook his head weakly, his moans escaping in soft, breathy gasps. His body was limp, every inch tingling with sensitivity, and words failed him, his mind felt like a blank canvas, overwhelmed by the rush of sensation. Blindfolded, he was left completely vulnerable.

"No.. Nooo..hnnnggg.. i can't.. sensitive.."

Caleb now hitting the spot at the entrance inside with three fingers, twist twirl hit. repeatedly fast.
And stroking Rafeyal manhood fast at the same time. Now Rafeyal moaning hard in high pitch. body arch high. legs and hands shaking, struggling by the cuff.

"ARGHHHH! CALEB! NOOOO-- HARGHHHH!"

And Rafeyal came, the cum shoot out and landed at his own stomach. 
Rafeyal breathing hard, sobbing in pleasure. gasping for air. His whole body tremble hard, fully sensitive and weak. 

Caleb remove Rafeyal blind fold and gently rub away rafeyal tears.

"I haven't fully started raf."

Rafeyal shake his head weakly in pleasure.

"Nooo.. hnnggg.."

Chapter Text

Caleb now took off his bathrobe, smirking. His big manhood, spring lively. Shocking Rafeyal stuttered.

"That's.. too big.."

Caleb smirk.

"You can take this."

Caleb uses his gravity evol and lift Rafeyal up, facing Rafeyal to Caleb. Rafeyal floating bare naked. Flushing hard. His hands and leg swinging, Cuffed.

"Ca--caleb! hnnngg!"

Caleb releases his evol and Rafeyal entrance plunge in to Caleb manhood deep, hitting the spot. Rafeyal facing Caleb eyes widen, gasp hard, struggling to breathe. Body twitching uncontrollably. Back arch.

"ARGHHHHH!! CA--LEB! HNNGGG!"

Caleb groan in pleasure. Started moving, pulling Rafeyal both hands down grabbing the cuff chain, pushing him down deeper. Rafeyal moan hard, eyes widen. Shaking his head everytime Caleb move.

"ARGHH-- HNNNGGGHH-- ARHHH-- NOO-- "

Rafeyal sob in pleasure begging Caleb to stop as it's too much.

"Caleb... hnnggg.. arghhh.. stop... i can't breathe.."

Caleb kiss Rafeyal deep hard, and start moving fast. Rafeyal eyes widen, moaning inside Caleb mouth. Body trembling with his back arch twitching. 
Rafeyal eyes well up with tears of pleasure.

While Caleb hit deep, kissing Rafeyal hard at the same time. Caleb uses his hand and slap Rafeyal ass cheek hard. 

Caleb release the kiss, and slap harder at Rafeyal butt cheek again. While hitting the spot everytime. Rafeyal moan hard and crying.

"ARGHHH! STOP! NO! HNNNGGG!"

The pain from the slap to Rafeyal butt, the hit to the spot, the chain restraining Rafeyal. All at once, Rafeyal only can moan and scream to the pleasure. Twitching non stop and fluttering his chain legs.

"Caleb.. hnnnggg... i.. can't... uncuff me.. please.."

Caleb smirking, totally enjoying.

"No. Raf. You need more."

Rafeyal shake his head moaning, sobbing to the pleasure while being hit all at once.

"no.. hnnggg. i.. don't want it anymore.."

Caleb lifted Rafeyal high using his gravity evol, temporary out of Caleb manhood. Rafeyal eyes widen at the action, moaning and twitching from it. 
Rafeyal chain hands and ankles, dangling limping. 

"hnnngg...Caleb.. what are you doing?"

Caleb just smile.

"What happen if i plunge you down from this height raf?"

Rafeyal eyes open wide, face flush fully. Shaking his head hard looking down at Caleb manhood.

"nonono.. Caleb.. It will hit deep, very deep! nono! i can't take this! please!"

Rafeyal swing his cuff hands and ankles hard, but Rafeyal just dangling in the air higher a bit, with the chain swinging making noise.

"Caleb.. hnnggg.. no please.."

And Caleb gesture with one hand.
Next thing, plunging Rafeyal down hard. Repeatedly, doing it. Hitting the spot all the way deep. 

That plunge make Rafeyal back arch, eyes widen with tears, pleasure all coming in one shot. 
He screamed, moan, trembling.

"ARGHHHH! HNNNGGG! ARHHH! CALEB! CALEB STOP! HNNGG!"

Repeating for nearly another hour, slapping Rafeyal butt as well. 
Rafeyal totally limp, just moaning and sobbing now. Every plunge Rafeyal feel, he cum. Body twitching involuntarily. 

The slap to Rafeyal butt now red and sensitive, making Rafeyal moan harder.

"Hnnnggg... arghhhh.. ca-leb.. arghhh.."

The cuff making Rafeyal unable to break free, just the sound of the cuff chain swinging and Rafeyal begging sobbing. While Caleb continue.

And finally Caleb without warning, plunge in hard to the point Rafeyal belly form a small hump of Caleb manhood. Not letting Rafeyal go. Cumming inside Rafeyal.

Rafeyal eyes widen, trembling, twitching, moaning, crying. Both cuff hands and legs, swing hard twitching. While at the same time Rafeyal climax the last time, cum splurt at the bed.

"ARGHHHH! HARGHHHHHH!!!"

Rafeyal's body gave out, breathless and trembling, and he collapsed forward, faint from the overwhelming sensations. Just before he could fall face-first onto the bed, Caleb caught him gently by the chest, pulling him close. His own breathing was still heavy, but a soft, satisfied smile played on his lips as he held Rafeyal steady in his arms.

"You don't know how long I've wanted this,"

 Caleb whispered, brushing his lips against Rafeyal's damp temple. A quiet chuckle followed as he added,

"Thanks to that ridiculous chat group."

Caleb exhaled softly and leaned over, gently unlocking the cuffs around Rafeyal's wrists, then his ankles. Each click of metal sounded final, like the closing of a door to the wild storm they'd just weathered together.

Rafeyal, still limp from exhaustion, barely stirred as Caleb gathered him into his arms. His skin was warm, flushed, and glistening with the remnants of sweat and effort. Carefully, Caleb carried him to the bathroom, the steam from the filled tub curling into the air like a blanket waiting to embrace them.

And Caleb changed the bedsheets that full of Rafeyal cum.
Finally Caleb place Rafeyal at the newly changed bedsheets, smiling. Hugging Rafeyal before Caleb doze off.

"We have more to go.. my explosive cutie."

Rafeyal slowly opened his eyes the next morning, wincing as a dull ache spread across his lower back. His cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and lingering warmth.

"Arghhh... that monster..." 

he muttered softly, a shy smile tugging at his lips. 

"That was... intense... but good..."

Caleb walked in, wearing an apron and a bright smile.

"Morning, explosive cutie. Just rest here. I'll bring breakfast in soon."

Rafeyal blushed hard and tossed a pillow at Caleb.

"Is that how the play works?"

Caleb caught the pillow and laughed.

"Nope. That was the mildest one."

Rafeyal's eyes widened, his blush deepening.

"Mildest? Then what happens if it gets more intense? Won't I just faint even harder?"

Caleb chuckled, tossing the pillow onto the bed.

"You'll get used to it."

Rafeyal readied to throw the pillow again, but Caleb dashed off, back to the kitchen to cook breakfast.

And ever since then, Rafeyal quietly left the group chat. No one asked why, but it was clear to everyone that it had something to do with Caleb.

Sometimes, when Rafeyal starts acting defiant, Caleb can't help but tease him—bringing up how Rafeyal fainted on the bed during that time. The moment Caleb mentions it, Rafeyal freezes, cheeks blazing red, and immediately snaps back to his work, muttering curses under his breath.

"You maniac! How dare you use that every single time!"

He grumbles, half embarrassed, half annoyed, though secretly, a small smile tugs at the corner of his lips.

A year passed, and though Rafeyal never quite got used to Caleb's intense bondage kink, he couldn't deny that he liked it—liked the thrill, the closeness, the way Caleb's touch made him unravel. But it was always too much. Every time, the pleasure pushed him to his limit, and more often than not, he found himself breathless, flushed, and begging Caleb to stop—his safe word, "Apple," gasped between moans when it became overwhelming.

And when it was all over—when the cuffs were off and he finally stirred awake, sore and sensitive—he'd often reach over with a half-hearted glare and punch Caleb lightly in the chest.

"You maniac..."

he'd mumble, too embarrassed to meet Caleb's grin.
But Caleb would always catch his hand, kiss the knuckles, and smirk.

"You keep saying that, but you never run."

"...Shut up,"

Rafeyal would mumble, burying his face into the pillow.
And Caleb would just chuckle, pulling him into a warm embrace.

Chapter Text

During the week Rafeyal was assigned to lead cadets through the deep-space tunnel, Farspace HQ found itself... unusually quiet. The private office Caleb shared with him felt colder without the usual rustle of disobedience, the cheeky humming, and the not-so-subtle rule-breaking that only Rafeyal dared to get away with. Caleb sat at his desk, reading reports in silence—no flying pillows, no hidden snacks, no "accidental" naps on the couch he'd warned Rafeyal about too many times.

Peaceful, yes. But dull.
And worse, it didn't last.

Trouble came crashing back into Farspace in the form of Head Colonel Han—the infamous loudmouth, arrogant, short-tempered warrior who had just returned from an eight-month Martial Court punishment. His crime?
Publicly challenging Caleb to a fight in the Assembly Chamber.

A challenge that ended with Han being restrained by three Colonels while Caleb calmly filed a report with zero expression on his face.

Han's resentment for Caleb was no secret. To him, Caleb's rapid rise to power, his cold perfection, and his position of influence were nothing more than the result of favoritism and manipulation. And while others might fear Caleb, Han had none of it. His return meant one thing... 
tension.

As Han stepped into the shared command floor, the air thickened.
He smirked as he caught sight of Caleb at his desk, completely unfazed.

"Well, well... the golden child still sits on the throne, I see."

Caleb didn't even glance up.

"Did you lose your sense of direction during the court, Han? This is the Command Hall, not a tavern."

Han's grin widened.

"Still the same frozen bastard. Let's see how long that mask holds with your little plaything gone for the week."

Caleb paused, eyes lifting slowly,cold and sharp.

"Careful, Han. You just got back. It'd be a shame if your second welcome turned into a goodbye."

The two locked eyes, quiet, simmering war between gravity and fire, waiting for the first spark.
And everyone in the hallway knew: Rafeyal might be gone for now... but the real storm just walked back in.

During the long and tension-filled meetings, as Head Colonel Caleb continued speaking in his usual calm, authoritative tone, unbothered by Han's constant barbs and smirks, every other high-ranking officer sat in growing discomfort.

Head Colonel Han, lounging in his chair like the room owed him something, would scoff at nearly every report.
"Is this Farspace Fleet or a daycare center? Pathetic."
"Are we really trusting his numbers again?"
"Maybe next time, Caleb, try leading with your mouth shut."

Still, Caleb didn't react. His sharp eyes stayed on the holo-display, his tone unchanged. Steady. Measured. Professional.

But the rest of the room? Silently raging.

Vice Commander Lian bit her inner cheek, eyes narrowed.

Colonel Keith tapped his pen against his datapad, trying not to break it.

Commander Soren stared at Han like the man was mold growing in a sterile room.

And in all of their minds, one identical thought echoed in frustrated unity:

"Isn't he using his rank too? What the fuck?"

Eight months of martial court, and Han had learned nothing.
He still strutted like the stars owed him glory, still spoke like respect was automatic, still spat venom at anyone who outshined him, especially Caleb.

It was lunchtime in the officer's mess hall. Head Colonel Caleb sat alone at his usual spot, quietly eating his meal. Without Rafeyal around to chatter or cause trouble, the room felt unusually silent.

That silence didn't last long.
A tray slammed loudly onto the table across from him. Caleb didn't need to look up to know who it was.

Head Colonel Han.

The atmosphere in the room changed immediately. Officers paused mid-bite, glancing at one another with uneasy expressions. A few higher-ranking officers narrowed their eyes, thinking the same thing:

Is that idiot trying to pick a fight with Head Colonel Caleb again?

Han sat down with a cocky grin, clearly expecting a reaction.

"Still eating alone, Caleb? Where's that explosive brat of yours?"

Caleb didn't flinch. He calmly placed his utensils down and looked up with his usual sharp, unreadable expression.

"Manners don't suit you, do they?"  he said coldly.

Han scoffed.

"Neither does that fake noble attitude. You really think silence makes you untouchable?"

Caleb stood slowly, his gaze never leaving Han. The room grew tense, like everyone was holding their breath.

"No,"

Caleb replied calmly.

"But composure makes me respectable. Something you still haven't learned."

Han opened his mouth to respond, but the moment passed. Caleb had already picked up his tray and walked off, leaving only silence and shame behind.
Some officers whispered under their breath. Others shook their heads.

Han clenched his jaw, glaring at Caleb's back. But as always... he had no comeback.

The training yard was filled with exhausted cadets, their bodies pushed to the limit under Head Colonel Han's stern gaze. His expectations were relentless—if they couldn't keep up, they wouldn't rest. Whispers of frustration had been spreading through the Farspace Fleet for days, and now Caleb had heard them too.

Caleb approached the training ground with a calm, commanding presence. His voice cut through the noise sharply.

"Head Colonel Han, I need a word with you."

Han turned abruptly, his eyes narrowing as he strode over and crossed his arms.

"Speak."

Caleb mirrored the stance, folding his arms, his tone steady and professional.

"Complaints have been going around in the fleet. You're not treating your cadets well. They're cadets, not dogs, Han."

Han's face flushed with anger as he jabbed a finger at Caleb, drawing sharp, heavy breaths from his exhausted cadets.

"Who do you think you are to care? They're my cadets. It's called living up to the standard—unlike yours, all pampered and soft."

Caleb's expression didn't waver. His voice stayed cold and steady.

"That's called respect and care. Something you, as a Head Colonel, don't seem to understand."

Without hesitation, Caleb raised his voice to cut through the tension.

"All cadets, training is halted. You're dismissed for two days. Report back to Head Colonel Han after that."

Relief spread through the cadets. Eyes widened, shoulders relaxed, and they saluted crisply before leaving, grateful for the unexpected break.

Han's anger boiled over.

"You have no right to halt my training, Caleb!"

Caleb met his glare evenly.

"We both have equal authority. We interfere where it's necessary. Same rank, Han."

Two weeks had passed. Rafeyal was still out hunting in the deepspace tunnel, while Caleb had to endure Head Colonel Han's relentless taunts. Caleb had grown used to the barbs, but even his patience and that of the other officers, was wearing thin.

In the quiet of his private office, Caleb absentmindedly touched the necklace Rafeyal had given him. A rare, soft smile touched his lips as he glanced at Rafeyal's empty desk.

"I wonder... are you doing fine? Or maybe just playing around during the tunnel hunting, huh."

Chapter Text

On a random day, all the Colonels and Vice Commanders gathered at the training ground for their annual two-day training regime. The atmosphere was charged with excitement—and tension.

From the very start, chaos brewed. Head Colonel Han, ever confrontational, kept trying to pick fights with Caleb. This rare occasion, where all high-ranking officers assembled regardless of rank to train and boost morale, should have been a time of unity. But Han refused to let it be.

Using his rank as a shield, Han pushed boundaries, eager to provoke Caleb without risking another Martial court.

Caleb, calm and composed, adjusted his glove with a cold smirk and easily pushed Han away using his gravity evol.

"Move. Trying to fight me? You need more experience, Han."

The others nearby snickered silently, exchanging knowing glances.

Enraged, Han lunged forward, throwing a punch.

"Don't be so rude, Caleb. You're nothing but a pampered kid."

Several officers clenched their fists at the insult, well aware that Caleb had risen through sheer skill and experience, something Han clearly resented

The first day of the training regime wore on, and the officers were mentally drained. Head Colonel Han's relentless taunts aimed at Caleb had frayed everyone's nerves. Caleb's patience remained steel-strong, but every now and then he would unleash his gravity evol, pressing Han back with a quiet but sharp power—enough to make the others feel a little vindicated.

Caleb released the pressure smoothly, his voice cool as ice.

"You need to try harder, Han."

As the day finally wound down, some vice commanders adjusted their uniforms, gathering in small groups and exchanging tired glances.

"Ugh... this is mentally exhausting,"

 One muttered.

"It's supposed to be a bonding regime, but Han's just making everything worse."

Another sighed.

"When is Head Commander Qi coming back? I'd take a rule breaker over a rude Head Colonel any day."

The next day—the final day of the training regime—arrived with a tense atmosphere. It was sparring day, meant to be a light, bonding exercise for the high-ranking officers. Most paired up two versus two, some three versus three, keeping things friendly. No one dared challenge Caleb, knowing his skill and cold precision.

But Han had other plans.

With a smirk, he strode directly to Caleb and tossed his glove at him—bold and rude.

"Spar."

Caleb raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by the insolence. Without a word, he activated his gravity evol and crouched down in front of Han, pressing him with a heavy, invisible force.

"Kneel."

The other officers froze, their sparring halting as they stared in shock at Han's disrespect and Caleb's commanding reply.

"Be respectful, Han. It's the last day of the regime."

Han ground his teeth, refusing to bow. He broke through Caleb's pressure with sheer strength, drawing his massive sword and slamming it fiercely into the ground.

"Don't be cocky!"

The high ranking officers exchanged surprised glances. One whispered.

"Isn't he the one who's cocky?"

The sparring began, but Caleb's cold smirk never left his face as he effortlessly dodged Han's heavy strikes.

Rafeyal stepped off the jet with a dramatic sigh, stretching his arms toward the sky.

"Ughhh. Two weeks in the deepspace tunnel... I swear, I'm going to vomit if I fly that long again."

His cadets laughed lightly behind him.

He turned with a proud grin.

"All dismissed. You did well. Go get some rest. HQ debrief will be scheduled next week."

The squad snapped to attention with a crisp salute, then dispersed with relieved chatter. Rafeyal, humming to himself, made his way back through the corridors of Farspace HQ.

When he stepped into the public shared office, he paused, blinking.

"...Empty?"   He tilted his head. "Where's everyone?"

Curious, he pushed into the private officers' wing and looked around. Caleb's desk was empty too.

"Huh? Caleb?"

Rafeyal quickly dropped into his seat, pulled up his data pad, and skimmed his inbox. His eyes sparkled the moment he saw the highlighted bulletin from HQ:

[OFFICIAL BULLETIN: HIGH-RANKING OFFICERS TRAINING REGIME – FINAL DAY SPARRING EVENT]

Rafeyal shot up from his chair like lightning.

"OH! It's today?! The regime?! The last day already?!"

In an instant, he was out the door, practically skipping down the hall.

"I WANNA GO!"

With a huge grin and zero hesitation, Rafeyal sprinted toward the training grounds, completely unaware that chaos had already started brewing between two very specific Head Colonels.

As Rafeyal bounced lightly down the path toward the training grounds, his humming stopped when he caught sight of the scene ahead.

His eyes squinted.

"...Is that Head Colonel Han?"

The loud clang of metal echoed across the field as Han swung his massive sword with aggression, while Caleb coolly dodged and deflected with precise gestures, using his gravity evol to parry each strike with minimal effort.

Rafeyal's lips curled into a knowing smirk.

"He is back from the martial court, huh?"

He tiptoed quietly toward the gathering crowd of Vice Commanders and Colonels who had all stopped sparring to watch the scene unfold. Picking one officer at random, Rafeyal tapped them gently on the shoulder.

The Vice Commander turned, and their eyes lit up.

"Head Comman—"

Rafeyal quickly raised a finger to his lips.

"Sshhhhhh!!"

he whispered playfully.

"Is it fun? So, Head Colonel Han is back? For how long already?"

The Vice Commander let out a sigh, muttering low.

 "Ever since you left for the deep tunnel hunt."

Rafeyal nodded, snickering as he peeked past them to watch the escalating spar.

 "Ohhhh... hehe."

A few other Colonels nearby noticed his presence and straightened in surprise, their faces softening with amusement. Rafeyal shot them a cheeky salute, still holding his finger up for silence.

Some chuckled quietly. And across the group, the collective thought ran in unison:

The real rule breaker is back... the cute one.

Rafeyal crouched down just behind the line of watching Colonels, nudging his way in with the same ease as if he belonged there, which, of course, he did. Leaning in with a whisper, he asked mischievously:

"So... is he trying to diss Head Colonel Caleb again?"

The Colonels glanced at him, their once tense expressions softening with small, quiet smiles. One of them whispered back with a sigh.

"Head Colonel Han's been at it for almost two weeks straight. Even during meetings, dissing, taunting. It's been exhausting."

"Seems like that court martial did nothing,"

  another muttered bitterly.

"No change at all. Same damn ego."

Rafeyal nodded slowly, his pinkish shade of blue eyes narrowing as he stared at Han swinging with relentless aggression. His expression shifted, disgust flashing briefly before he turned his attention to Caleb, silent, cool, effortless in every dodge.

"...Head Colonel Caleb is still so cool. Cold."

The line of Colonels stifled soft chuckles at Rafeyal's whisper.

And just like that, without meaning to, without trying, the atmosphere shifted. The pressure that had lingered from Han's hostility began to fade. Tension dissolved as the presence of Head Commander Qi, known for both his chaos and charm, brought lightness back to the field.

Even in the middle of a heated spar, some officers found themselves easing up.

The rule breaker was back.

And suddenly, everything felt a little more manageable.

Chapter Text

Han swung his massive sword with force, again and again, while Caleb coolly dodged or deflected each strike with precise gravity evol manipulation. He was composed, as always.

"You're not stopping?"

Caleb said coldly, side-stepping another blow.

"You'll tire yourself out."

Han sneered,

"Peasant."

That word cut through the air like a blade and caught someone else's ears.
From behind the line of gathered officers, a familiar figure emerged. Rafeyal, freshly returned from the Deep Space Tunnel mission, adjusted his collar with a sly smirk.

One colonel whispered, surprised.

"Head Commander Qi?" 

Rafeyal raised two fingers in a peace sign and shrugged.

"That idiot just called Caleb a peasant."

Snickers broke out among the colonels and vice commanders. A few muttered under their breath,

"We forgot how hot-headed the Head Commander can be..."

Striding forward with his usual cheeky confidence, Rafeyal called out, loud enough for Han to hear,

"Peasant? Why is the real peasant speaking?"

Caleb turned, pausing mid-fight. A faint smirk touched his lips, the kind so rare it stunned everyone nearby.  Caleb said simply, but something warm lingered in his tone.

"You're back"

Han turned too, his glare darkening when he saw Rafeyal.

 "A Head Commander has no place speaking to someone of higher rank."

"Oh, but in this regime, rank doesn't matter,"

Rafeyal said coolly. He threw his tie at Han's chest.

"Spar me, peasant."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"Did he just challenge Han?"
"Head Commander Qi just threw his tie like a glove! That's a declaration!"

But it was Caleb's reaction that really shook the field, a low, rare chuckle. It slipped from his lips as he looked at Rafeyal, amused and impressed.

One vice commander whispered.

"Did... Head Colonel Caleb just laugh?"

Another chuckled,

"I swear that laugh could stop a war."

Excitement surged through the watching officers. The atmosphere shifted from tense to electric. Rafeyal had returned and with him, a spark that no one could match.

Han, red with frustration, ground his teeth. But Rafeyal simply tilted his head, grinning.

"You're not scared, are you?"  he teased.

Han's fury boiled over. With a roar, he lunged forward, slamming his massive sword down at Rafeyal with deadly force.

"How dare you! Someone of your low rank challenging me!"

But Rafeyal was ready. In one smooth motion, he materialized his dagger, catching the strike just in time. The force of the impact pushed him back a few inches, but he held his ground, gritting his teeth through a cocky grin.

Rafeyal said, breathless but smug.

"Your sword's impressive. But the user? Not so much. Peasant. Haha!"

With a burst of strength, Rafeyal launched a low spinning kick, striking Han's wrists. The heavy sword trembled, loosening slightly from Han's grip. Using the momentum, Rafeyal somersaulted backward, his dagger flying through the air. He flicked his wrist, guiding it mid-spin with precise control, his signature attack.

But Han wasn't slow. In the blink of an eye, he appeared directly in front of Rafeyal's face.

Rafeyal flinched, surprised.

"Whoa! That was scary! Heh... but fun!"

Han raised his sword and brought it down again.

Rafeyal twisted away in a flash, flipping backward just as the blade struck the ground with a deafening crack, splitting the earth beneath.

The watching officers tensed at the impact, a few stepping back. But one figure remained still—Caleb.
Standing silently with arms folded, he tapped a finger against the necklace resting at his collarbone. His gaze didn't waver from the two sparring figures.

He muttered to himself, voice cold and quiet.

"Don't explode anything here... idiot."

Rafeyal smirked, rolling up his sleeve as his resonance evol flared to life. His fire evol surged, casting a brilliant pinkish-blue glow from his eyes. With every step he took, flames flickered and danced around him, radiating heat and power.

His expression turned cold, but the cheeky smirk never left his lips.

"What gives you the right to call Caleb a pampered brat? Arrogant bastard. Looks like the court martial didn't do a thing to you."

Han roared in anger, swinging his massive sword wrapped in crackling wind evol. But Rafeyal's fire burst forward, blocking the attack effortlessly without even needing to gesture. He simply stood there, smirking coldly.

The shock rippled through Han and the other officers alike.
Rafeyal's voice was calm, taunting.

"Surprised? The only reason I didn't rise in rank faster is because I broke too many rules, old man."

He took a powerful step forward and slammed into Han's sword with a blast of fire. The flames exploded, sending Han hurtling backward through the air, sword barely held, completely stunned.
 Han muttered, struggling to regain his stance.

"What the... He's stronger than I expected. Stronger than some Colonels..."

Rafeyal advanced slowly, flames swirling around him with every step.

"I said, spar. Who told you to stop?"

His dagger materialized in an instant, and he dashed forward, overwhelming Han's defense.
Han growled.

"You rude brat!" 

Rafeyal grinned wider, striking with ease.

"Says the one disrespecting Head Colonel Caleb! How about I send you to a goodnight knockout?"

The clash between Rafeyal and Han continued, fire against wind, cheek against pride. Rafeyal's smirk lingered—until Han spat something that froze the battlefield.

Han sneered as he swung his massive wind-forged sword, wind howling around its edge.

"An orphan, rising to Head Colonel? With what? Must be pampering. No parents to begin with."

A heavy silence dropped.

From the sidelines, Caleb sighed coldly, unfazed but visibly displeased.
"That's a childish taunt,"  he said, voice clipped.

The rest of the high-ranking officers gasped, some stiffening, others outright frowning. The line had been crossed.

Rafeyal froze, eyes wide. That hit deep. Rafeyal said, voice low with a deadly edge.

"...Try repeating that" 

Han, smug and careless, raised his sword once more, sneering,

"An orphan—"

But before he could finish, Rafeyal caught the massive sword barehanded. Flames erupted from his palm, surging into the blade. The sword didn't just shatter—it exploded.

BOOM!

The eruption sent shards flying—several piercing Han's shoulder and chest, knocking him backward. He stumbled, coughing, stunned and bleeding.
 Han stammered, staring at the remnants of his weapon.

"What—what...?"

Rafeyal advanced slowly, flames flickering furiously around him. His usual playful air was gone. All that remained was fire and fury.

"Apologize to Head Colonel Caleb. Now."

Han groaned, holding his side, stunned into silence.
Rafeyal didn't stop walking.

"I said now."

Rafeyal's flames roared as he raised his hand, preparing to ignite the remnants of Han's shattered sword still embedded in his body. Han was on his knees, coughing, groaning, his face pale with shock.

But before Rafeyal could make a move, a calm voice cut through the heat. 
Caleb said, stepping forward with cool authority.

"Rafeyal, I think that's enough."

Rafeyal's head whipped around, eyes still blazing. He pointed accusingly at Han.

"He called you that. And I'm not gonna let it slide."

Caleb let out a tired sigh.

"Are you planning to kill him? I really don't want explosions."

That made Rafeyal pause. He frowned, visibly struggling to hold back his rage.

He glared at Han.

"Apologize. Or I'll burn you alive. And don't think I won't. I dare to do it, even if it means a court martial."

Caleb's eyes widened slightly at Rafeyal's fierce protectiveness. A rare smile tugged at his lips. He turned to Han, his expression cooling once again.

"Head Colonel Han,"

he said flatly.

"You heard him. Just apologize and be done with it. I'd rather not see you die today... especially not at the hands of a Head Commander."

The surrounding officers were whispering now, eyes wide as they watched the scene unfold.

"Does Head Colonel Han even know about the Backtrackers incident?"
"Nope. He wasn't around when it happened."
"That explains a lot. No wonder he doesn't realize just how powerful Head Commander Qi is."
"He deserves this. Acting high and mighty, only to be completely trashed by someone lower in rank."

Chapter Text

Han huffed, clutching his wounded shoulder as he glared at Caleb. With a reluctant breath, he muttered,

"I'm sorry, Head Colonel Caleb... for calling you that. But does this brat really have to go that far?"

Caleb smirked coldly, arms folded.

"It's not the first time you've seen him like that, is it?"

 He said smoothly.

"Or should I ask—have you just never learned how to handle him?"

Han scowled at Rafeyal. With a grimace, he activated his wind evol, wrenching the sword remnants from his chest and shoulder with a gust of force. Blood trickled, but he stood tall.

Rafeyal only smirked coldly.

"Nice spar, peasant."

Han snapped.

"You little—!"

But before he could finish, Rafeyal walked forward, expression darkening. The cheeriness was gone, his killing intent unmistakable. The temperature seemed to drop as fire flickered faintly around his form. Even Caleb's eyes widened at the shift.

"One more word,"

Rafeyal said icily,

"about Head Colonel Caleb, and I won't hesitate to kill you. This is your warning."

The high-ranking officers fell silent, tension crackling through the air. No one dared speak.
Then, as if flipping a switch, Rafeyal turned away, bouncing back toward Caleb with a wide grin.

"Fun!"

Caleb leaned slightly down, his voice low as he whispered,

"You were about to kill him... This isn't Backtracker, Raf."

Rafeyal glanced up, smile softening as he met Caleb's eyes.

"Not when it involves you."

Ever since the regime incident, Head Colonel Han had toned down his taunts, much to everyone's relief. Caleb never addressed it, but everyone knew the reason.

Rafeyal.

The once "bratty rule breaker" had made it clear: anyone who disrespected Caleb would answer to him.
And now, it wasn't Caleb dealing with the taunts, it was Rafeyal who teased, quipped, and dissed in Caleb's stead, with zero restraint.

Han learned quickly: it was easier to handle Caleb's cold than Rafeyal's fire.

Sometimes, during meetings with all the high-ranking officers, Head Colonel Han would try to interrupt Caleb mid-speech, as usual. But now, he rarely got the chance.

Because Rafeyal would always beat him to it. 
Rafeyal suddenly sneezed, dramatically covering his nose and looking around with exaggerated confusion.

"Ah-choo! Sorry! Some dust was floating around. I'm allergic to trashy air... or was it peasant particles? Haha~"

The room stilled.
Caleb, ever composed, continued his briefing without pause. But inwardly, he thought,

Cute.

Across the table, Han glared daggers at Rafeyal, his jaw clenched in silence. He knew if he snapped now, he'd look even more foolish. And somehow... he always lost when it came to Rafeyal's cheeky tactics.

The other officers bit back laughter, some coughing into their hands to hide their smirks.
Rafeyal sat there, grinning innocently as he twirled a pen between his fingers, like nothing had happened.

And just like that, the meeting went on, with no more interruptions from Han.

Everyone had gotten used to it by now: Head Commander Qi's disruptions weren't just tolerated—they were expected. And for once, the tense atmosphere in those meetings was lighter... thanks to him.

After the meeting ended, officers began shuffling out, conversations hushed and scattered.

But Han didn't move.
He walked straight toward Rafeyal with a dark glare, his footsteps heavy and intentional. The room went quiet again.

Han said through clenched teeth. 

"Head Commander Qi, in the resting room. Privately. Now."

The tone wasn't a request, it was a warning.

Rafeyal raised an eyebrow and smiled wide, unfazed. He stood up, offered a sharp salute with mocking formality, and winked at Caleb before strutting off. He chimed playfully.

"Roger that~" 

Caleb, still seated, locked eyes with Rafeyal as he passed. With the smallest movement, he gave a silent signal, his hand curling subtly into a fist and releasing once.

Don't get into martial court,   it said.

Rafeyal caught it and grinned wider, holding up two fingers in a peace sign behind his back as he followed Han out.

The officers who lingered exchanged glances.

"Oh no,"  one whispered.
"This is going to be bad,"   another murmured.
"He's definitely going to provoke him,"   said a third.
"Or get provoked,"    someone muttered, shaking their head.  "Either way... it's Rafeyal. He won't go down easy."

And Caleb just leaned back, pinching the bridge of his nose with a sigh.

Please... no explosions.

Once the resting room door clicked shut, the light-hearted glint in Rafeyal's eyes vanished. His posture straightened, expression shifting from cheeky to cold steel.

Han was already fuming as he turned to speak.

"Head Commander Qi—Is this how you—"

A sharp kick cut him off mid-sentence. 
Han choked, crashing back onto the couch, wind knocked from his lungs. He clutched his stomach, eyes wide not just from pain, but disbelief.

"Guh—!" 

Rafeyal stepped forward with slow precision, his boots echoing on the floor. The air grew warmer, flickers of controlled flame danced around his hand, radiating from his Evol.
Rafeyal said coldly, his voice like simmering embers, dropping formalities.

"Han, I gave you a warning. Don't mess with Caleb. Was that unclear to you?"

Han tried to sit up, but Rafeyal's hand was already at his collar, fire crackling dangerously close to his neck. The heat was sharp, just enough to sting without scarring, intentional. Calculated.

"You like barking in meetings, mocking people from behind ranks?"

 Rafeyal hissed, tightening his grip.

 "Do it again, and you won't be barking anything for a while."

Han's breath hitched, caught between the heat and the threat.

Rafeyal leaned in slightly, eyes burning with a fierce protective fire.

"This isn't the Head Commander talking . This is Rafeyal talking. And I don't take lightly to anyone disrespecting Caleb. Not even a Head Colonel."

The flames died down with a flick of his wrist. Rafeyal stepped back, straightened his uniform, and smirked faintly, calm returned to his tone.
Rafeyal's voice was low and cold, each word striking like steel.

"I said I'd kill you. Does it sound like I'm joking?"

Han, still pressed against the couch, stared up with wide eyes. The usual smirk on his face had vanished. All that remained was disbelief and a twinge of fear.
He took one slow step forward.

"With one clench of my fist, you'd be ash. You get that, old man?"

The flames licked at the edges of his fingers as his stare drilled into Han, unblinking and cold.

"Stay out of Caleb's way. I'm only going to say this once."

Han slowly nodded, silent. For the first time, the usually egoistic Head Colonel looked unsure—caught off guard by the fire-wielding cheeky brat now acting like someone capable of murder.

The door creaked open, and Rafeyal strolled out with a light bounce in his step, a sunny grin plastered across his face. He spotted a passing officer and offered a crisp salute, sharp, playful, and utterly nonchalant.

Rafeyal said with a wink, sauntering down the hallway as if nothing had happened behind that door.

"You didn't see anything"

Inside, Han slumped back into the couch, coughing hoarsely. The burn marks around his collar had faded, but the heat still lingered faintly in the air. He stared at the floor in stunned silence for a few seconds, then muttered under his breath.

"...No wonder all the Colonels keep requesting to swap subordinates. He's... something else."

He adjusted his scorched uniform stiffly, his pride wounded far deeper than his skin. As the silence returned to the resting room, Han leaned back with a heavy sigh, half in disbelief, half in reluctant realization.

Chapter Text

Spring had arrived in Linkon City, painting the streets with soft petals and gentle sunlight. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and colorful stalls lined the bustling festival avenues. Caleb and Rafeyal took full advantage of their day off, wandering side by side through the lively crowds, their spirits light and unburdened.

Eventually, Caleb led Rafeyal to the old house where they had lived together as children. The building still stood proud and well-preserved, its weathered walls softened by the passage of time. Caleb had purchased it many years ago, ensuring the place that held so many memories remained untouched.

Rafeyal's eyes brightened at the sight. He whispered, stepping into the expansive garden bursting with vibrant spring flowers.

"It's still beautiful"

He settled down among the blossoms, letting the warm breeze wash over him. His gaze lifted to the sky, eyes wide with quiet wonder.
Rafeyal said softly.

"Beautiful as always" 

Caleb chuckled, watching Rafeyal's delight. Sitting beside him, he said quietly,

"Yes, beautiful..."

But deep in his mind, Caleb thought
It wasn't always this beautiful... Not when I was alone.

Rafeyal lay back on the soft grass, and Caleb followed suit, settling down beside him. A gentle breeze swept through the garden, carrying petals that drifted slowly down like delicate rain. Flowers floated gracefully, some landing softly on Rafeyal and Caleb as they gazed upward.

Rafeyal's eyes widened in wonder, his hands reaching out to catch the falling petals as he smiled brightly.

"Waaaaaa—"

he breathed, mesmerized by the beauty.

Caleb's eyes also grew wide, as if time itself had paused just for this moment. Rafeyal's glowing eyes, the soft flutter of his hair, the way his smile lit up the garden, everything felt perfect.
Caleb thought quietly,

The best gift, is being with you.

He touched the necklace Rafeyal had given him, then gently cupped Rafeyal's head. Rafeyal's eyes snapped open in surprise.
"Cal—"

Without hesitation, Caleb kissed him deeply. When he pulled away, Rafeyal's cheeks flushed bright, his wide eyes still stunned.

Caleb carefully lifted Rafeyal up, settling him gently on top of his chest, their bodies close.

"I never thought I'd see you again,"

Caleb whispered,

 "and yet here you are... protecting me, even in the smallest ways."

Rafeyal leaned against Caleb's chest, a soft chuckle escaping him as his cheeks flushed a gentle pink.

"You've protected me since we were young,"

he murmured, smiling up at Caleb.

 "And I'll do it now, too. If I'm your sunshine, then I have to protect the anchor that keeps me steady."

Gently, Rafeyal tucked a delicate flower behind Caleb's ear, then pressed a sweet kiss to his lips.

Caleb tightened his embrace, holding Rafeyal close as if never wanting to let go.

"I'll protect you," Caleb whispered fiercely, "no matter the distance. Until the end of the world."

END