BEAUTIFUL SOLDIER

In the heart of a deep forest, darkness slowly crept in as the sun vanished behind the thick canopy. Beneath a towering bamboo tree sat a young man, his eyes lost and full of sorrow.

“It’s not my fault… it’s not,” he whispered, a small stick trembling in his hand. “How could I be blamed for that patient’s death? I did everything I could…”

This was Doctor Dereck, once a top physician at Forewell Hospital. Now? Just a man whose career had shattered like glass, blamed for a life he tried to save.

To escape the storm of judgment and pain, Dereck had come here—alone. Searching for peace. But peace had other plans.

Gunshots.

His body tensed. “Was that… a gun?” His heart raced.

More shots followed—louder, closer.

Out of instinct, he dove behind the bamboo tree. “God, please… I know death is part of life, but not today. I’m only 25…”

PA! PA! PA!

Then came the chaos. Soldiers appeared, firing back at masked enemies dressed in black, a brutal fight unfolding before his eyes.

And then—he saw her.

A girl. A soldier. A vision.

She stood amidst the flying bullets, firing with precise calm. Her round face was fierce and beautiful. Her small lips pursed in focus. Brown eyes locked on target. Even in her uniform, her grace was impossible to ignore.

Dereck’s breath caught. “What… is this? A soldier or an angel?”

And before he could blink, the angel ran straight toward him.

She shoved him aside just in time to strike down a masked attacker who had been creeping up behind him.

He hit the ground hard, stunned. “That bastard almost killed me…”

His heart pounded, but all he could think of was her. He turned to look again—

She was gone.

But not for long.

The masked enemies, clearly losing the fight, began retreating into the forest, disappearing into the night. The gunfire stopped. Silence returned.

The soldiers gathered quickly—and to Dereck’s amazement, the girl stepped forward, her voice sharp and steady.

“Circle formation. Sweep perimeter. Stay alert.”

They followed instantly. She was no ordinary soldier.

She was the captain.

As the others moved out, she turned to him slowly, her intense eyes locking on his.

“You. Civilian. What the hell are you doing in the forest all alone?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Dereck blinked, then stood, brushing dirt off his clothes with a small smirk. “Chilling.”

She didn’t laugh. She stared.

He cleared his throat, trying again. “I just needed space… to think. To breathe. Didn’t expect bullets and angels, though.”

“Angels?” she asked, one brow raised.

He smiled, eyes scanning her face with open admiration. “Yeah. You. Honestly, if you weren’t holding a gun and barking orders, I’d swear I was hallucinating.”

She rolled her eyes, but a flicker of a smile teased the corner of her lips. “This forest isn’t a spa. You’re lucky you didn’t get yourself killed.”

He stepped closer. “Well, if I had, at least it’d be worth it. You’d be the last face I saw.”

She gave him a sharp look—half warning, half amused. “You always flirt with people who just saved your life?”

“Only when they’re beautiful,” he replied smoothly, eyes twinkling. “And dangerous. You’re a deadly combination, Captain…”

“Captain Raya,” she said firmly.

He nodded, locking the name in his heart. “Captain Raya… Sounds powerful.”

“You talk too much,” she said, turning to walk away.

But Dereck called after her with a grin. “I could stay quiet… if you promise to stay around.”

She paused, didn’t look back, but he swore he saw her smirk before disappearing into the trees.

Dereck stood there, smiling to himself.

He came here to escape his past… but maybe fate had led him to something far more dangerous—and beautiful.

To be continued...