She arrived in the capital two days ago and had been waiting for him what seemed like forever., They were gonna meet at a famous restaurant, but he was late and she was hungry.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDM7EvbredI
She admired the structure; the white and dark green gave off an old and rich vibe. She watched as others got their food and sighed. She was annoyed and about to leave, and then she saw him. They had met once before, she could tell how arrogant he was. She was not thrilled to see him, but she knew it was important for them to have their aid in the upcoming war.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvjrBnXHrK
He walked into the restaurant like he owned the air, like the world had been waiting for him to make his entrance. Yazmina's eyes rolled almost instinctively, a silent protest to the arrogance that practically seeped off of him in waves. He was one of those men—beautiful and well aware of it, the kind who probably practiced his smirks in the mirror and thought himself untouchable.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8onidWZw8T
His sweater was cream-colored and obnoxiously expensive-looking, textured with soft ridges and the kind of casual disarray that only rich people seemed to pull off without trying. It clung to him in all the right places, showing off the lean strength in his frame—shoulders that stretched the knit just slightly, and long fingers that toyed with a silver ring as he brought his hand to his face, covering half of it in a gesture that was somehow both coy and calculated.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRJYRdsrcV
His hair, dark and tousled like he'd just stepped out of bed- doubt on purpose—framed a sharp jawline and cheekbones sculpted by genetics or pure spite. His gaze swept the room like a runway, pausing only when it landed on Yazmina. A single brow arched, just a fraction, like he'd already decided something about her.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7SlkSc9OI
Probably that she'd fall at his feet like the others. Yazmina scoffed under her breath and turned back to her drink, pretending not to notice how effortlessly magnetic he was—or how irritating it was that he knew it.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjBbL0MDqt
He sat down and got the attention of a nearby waiter, "Miss, may I get a pina colada?". She nodded and hurried off to get his drink. Yazmina sighed and said, "I am here to discuss what you're bringing to this table if war does break out between us and Earth". He leaned back and looked her over in an obvious manner so that she knew he was checking her out.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvRbppDKr6
She ignored it and waited for his response, he started by saying "Well, first off my name is Levi and you are…..?". She, remaining neutral,said , "My name is Yazmina, nice to meet you, Levi. Go back to the topic, what is your government willing to supply?" His eyes widened a bit, then he exclaimed, "Ooooh, are you Yazmina? The one who took down a whole regiment with your sister, Sammy, I believe? That's quite impressive".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hN7uNjDmx
She knew he was trying to annoy her, and it was annoying. She wanted to get to the point and hurry this up, she then said, "Yes, I am, back to the topic please".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsaVb6NGB9
He sighed, seeming a little sad that she wasn't gonna act interested. He said, "Fine, Fine, jeez, I just wanted to get to know you a little more. Right, we are willing to fight alongside you, deploy soldiers and aid however we can with a condition".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20adZPqMQv
Her interest was piqued, so she asked, What's the condition?". The Waitress came with his drink and asked what they would like to order, she looked over to her and with a smile said "Can I order a fremon Burger with no onions and fries and get a chloclete Milkshake?".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXVcb0cQ0A
She wrote it down and looked to Levi who was picking at his fingers, he said "Can I get the same as her but not shake and keep the onions". She nodded writing it down and went to another table, he then turned to her saying "We want to propose a contract saying that in the next conflict or war you do the same thing we are doing for you, as you know Anomutaka and Fucoshima has not gotten along so we think its a fair trade, and I will have to permanently stay at your base to oversee operations".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBPqOMWe7n
She pondered it for a moment and said, "I will have to contact our government for that because that's something I can't sign without permission, but I feel like it's fair. Let me step out and call my boss".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh5kRf7c0H
He nodded and said, "Don't keep me waiting…" She almost ran out of the place, she was so angry. She called Landonn, and once he picked up, she said, "You could have warned me". Landon laughed and said, Heyy it's not my fault he's…. a little, spirted, besides you can handle him". She groaned and said "Yes I can but I feel like shoving his drink down his throat so he can stop talking, I swear". Landon chuckled and said "Yea I feel you, he was annoying the first time I met him. What did they say about the terms?".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadkSazupWH
She almost forgot about that and said, "They want to propose a contract, stating that the next war or conflict they get into that we will do the same. They are wanting to fully support us by sending troops along with providing weapons and materials. Another thinh is he will be stationed at our base overseeing out operation".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDh7JdUCfua
Landon made a "mmmmm" sound and said, "Okay, I will contact the board and present this to them, send me a picture of the contract. In the meantime just babysit Levi and I will try and get permission to sign".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7d1ynIwrm
She grumbled and said "Fine, make it quick before I leave levi in a dumpster". She said bye and hung up, bracing herself she went back inside and sat down at there table, the waitress was setting down there food and he said "just in time, what was the decision?".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfYxwji9Ia
She said "They will try to get me permission to sign this contract. Can you give me the documents to send to them?" He grabbed out a folder and handed it to her. He started eating while she was taking pictures. Before she started eating, she said "Itanotakka", which essentially meant "thank god for my food".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqjXpucpNe
Yazmina said , "Great choice in food, this is delicious". He said, " yeah, it's my favorite." He started eating and took a sip of his Pina colada. She felt him eyeing her again and spoke up, "It would be great if you would stop staring", he chuckled and said, "Wel, it's not my fault that you are good looking".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ggkbTPoHe
She was a little taken aback but took it more as a compliment than anything, so she said "Thanks, but still I don't know you and besides you couldn't handle me". She smirked and took another bite of her sandwich, She could tell it annoyed him, and he said back, "Youdon't know that, I am quite the charmer, and I have money". She laughed and said, " I don't care about money, I have plenty myself." He seemed to ponder and said " Hey, with your title and my power we could be quite the power couple".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipbbi3AQL5
She looked at him for a moment and couldn't belive her ears, she snapped back "hah it would be onesided if it came to power", it seemed to agitate him once he realized she was insulting him. He then exclaimed "please, I would love to see this power you say you have".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCmiJrCHtR
She knew he wasn't stronger than her and thought he was an idiot for challenging her. She said clamly "i don't think you really wanna go there, that would be incredibly stupid of you to challenge me. I wouldn't want to bruise your ego".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZA9wmSWBJ
His cheeks turned red with anger, and snapping back, "Oh really? Okay then, let's see, I challenge you to an arm wrestle". Everyone around them started to show interest in their conversation; there was whispering, and everyone's eyes seemed to be glued to Levi.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOak84ub2OJ
She laughed and said, "Your funeral, I hope you realize what you're doing". She held her arm out and set it in the middle of the table. He seemed to hesitate, and she smirked, saying, "Ohh, are you gonna chicken out now? I guess all talk then". He grabbed her hand and set his elbow on the table.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvKB1uo1K6
He looked determined, but she knew that he was going to lose. She could hear some people saying, "That idiot boy, does he know who he's arm wrestling with?" or "poor guy". He counted back from five, and once he hit zero, she felt his arm strain to lower hers. She let him take her arm back a little, then started overpowering him easily. he tried to push back, but she slammed his arm into the table, and he whinced.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujcQUU6aYJ
She then laughed and leaned back into her chair, saying "what you say again? Mmmm, weird how I was right. Maybe don't challenge a Military general". He rubbed his arm and said "Fine guess you're right, was a little stupid of me". He was sipping on his drink, done with his food, waiting on her, while she was drinking her milkshake and couldn't help but smile due to her pride.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBCtkVtZOn
He grumbled and looked around the place, she drank the last of it and said, "Well, waiting on a phone call really, is there anything to do in this town?".
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa3Ob3m9U1
He wore a thinking face, and the waitress started picking up their plates, and Yazmina gave the waitress her card to pay. He wasn't paying attention, so once the waitress came back, he said, "Here, let me pay. Also, we could go to the indoor ice rink, maybe the arcade nearby." The waitress looked at him and said, "Sorry, sir, she already paid." She gave him a petty smile and said, "Well, the arcade doesn't seem too bad; I am amazing at laser tag."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmX1EcqB3U
He grumbled and watched as the waitress gave her card back. He replied, "Sure, sounds fun." She got up and, walking out, she opened the door for him and said, "Ladies first." He then said in a sarcastic voice, "Why, thank you, such a gentleman."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrMjuIIWfZ
She chuckled and asked, "So, how are you getting there? I can give you a ride if you want." She called Koda over, who was lying on the ground, enjoying the sun.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYagVWEle8
The ground gave a soft shudder as Koda approached, not with menace but with joy. His steps were heavy but purposeful, claws clicking gently against the asphalt as his long, sinuous body weaved like a river of white and gold. The sun caught the shimmer of his scale, white like ivory, smooth and gleaming, traced with molten gold that ran in elegant streams along his sides and down his powerful limbs.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1NxAScVGp
Though he moved with the fluid grace of a serpent, four muscular legs supported him, each one ending in talon-tipped paws that left deep impressions in the ground.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqICLlPMix
His tail swayed behind him, balancing his low, eager gait. At the front, his cobra-like head lifted high, hood flaring wide in greeting. Rows of golden spikes crowned it, arching back like a living crown. But his expression wasn't fierce; his golden eyes sparkled, his forked tongue flicked out with excitement, tasting the air that led him straight to her.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiKJta1Mys
Yazmina.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXqlYa7J3D
She stood near the edge of the restaurant's parking lot, her hand barely raised, but it was all he needed. Koda let out a soft, rumbled trill that vibrated through the ground; his version of a joyous cry.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZlDdwGHTn
His steps quickened, head dipping and hood folding slightly, more of a bow than a charge. As he reached her, Koda's entire body curved around her protectively, affectionately, like a massive living scarf. He nuzzled her shoulder with surprising gentleness, his golden eyes half-lidded in pure, unrestrained happiness. Passersby watched in stunned silence, unsure if they were witnessing a myth or a miracle.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5w2JgKlRq
Levi's jaw practically unhinged as Koda approached, the Sorhebi gleaming like a divine creature straight out of legend.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO2ELTx9bQ
"Is that… is that a Sorhebi?" Levi asked, voice higher than normal, all swagger vanishing in an instant. He took a step back, blinking several times as if trying to process whether what he was seeing was real or a vivid hallucination.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaGl0pnDwj
Yazmina arched a brow. "You alright there?"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0Qq9S24ML
"I-I've only read about them in books," he said, stepping forward like a kid meeting his favorite holo-comic character. "I've collected scale samples, sketch references, even coded a simulation once based on incomplete data, but I've never—never—seen one in person!"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dorj9x60T
Koda blinked at Levi, tilting his head with curious amusement, his tongue flicking out in slow, deliberate intervals.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6JfidZJo7
Levi kept babbling. "Look at the muscle density. That scale pattern—it's not even documented in the records I've seen. And the hood flaring behavior... that's not in any of the archives either. Oh my god, are those gilded crest spikes?!"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUuqxN2AiY
Yazmina couldn't help the smirk curling on her lips. Watching Levi devolve into full-on geek mode was almost worth the headache he'd given her all afternoon. Koda, sensing the admiration, lowered his head slightly and let out a content trill.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25MPAZTjK8
Levi suddenly froze, catching himself mid-rant. He stood up straighter, cleared his throat, and ran a hand through his dark hair like he hadn't just squealed over a dragon. "Ahem. I mean… cool pet."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EKDLh6v1R
"Right," Yazmina said dryly. "Wanna ride him?"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxAV5xnHpz
His eyes widened, then narrowed as he tried to reel himself back into his arrogant persona. "I mean… sure. I guess. If it's safe or whatever."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUUd6cMJSy
Koda lowered himself in front of Levi with a dramatic rumble, clearly enjoying the human's flustered energy. The Sorhebi's eyes sparkled with intelligence, almost as if he understood the situation entirely and found it deeply entertaining.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5H0KNC2tB
Levi hesitated for only a moment before climbing up, muttering something like a prayer as he straddled the broad back.As Yazmina climbed Infront of him Levi said "Okay. This is fine. This is totally fine—HOLY—!"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJ96NhqDWj
Koda launched forward before Levi could finish. Wings tucked in tightly, the beast bolted into the open air with the speed of a missile. Wind tore through Levi's hair, and his screams echoed through the skies as he clung on for dear life, arms wrapped around Yazmina's waist.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5H1veQ9kC
They landed outside the arcade. Levi stumbled off like a soldier returning from battle, legs wobbly, hair sticking up in every direction.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3SW4AL6Id
"I've seen the void," he said, dead serious. "And it rides like a freight train with wings." "You're welcome," Yazmina said with a smirk as she patted Koda's side. The Sorhebi huffed proudly and curled up nearby, watching them enter the building.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ev2vhBXYw
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJqusc24ex
The arcade pulsed with energy. Bright lights, flashing machines, loud music, and the buzz of competition surrounded them. But it was the glowing neon sign above a doorway that caught Yazmina's attention: BattleZone Laser Tag Arena. Levi grinned, finally regaining a sliver of confidence. He looked her up and down with a grin that tried to mask his earlier humiliation. "This is more my speed," he said, snagging a vest from the counter. "Prepare to be outmatched, General."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TU9kwVL88
She raised an eyebrow, already sliding into her vest with fluid precision. "Bold talk from someone who just cried on a Sorhebi." "I did not cry," he insisted. "That was… strategic vocalization."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGamtWKr3bM
They entered the arena—a dark maze of glowing walls and mist. Fog machines hissed, lasers blinked along the ceiling, and thumping bass rumbled beneath their feet.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEjgm2fXRN
Teams were divided. Yazmina was assigned blue, Levi red. The countdown started: 3... 2... 1... Begin!
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplwoqYnzsv
Levi darted behind a wall, poking his gun out just long enough to fire a shot—miss. Yazmina was already moving. She didn't just play. She hunted. Sliding around corners, crouching low, she tagged one red player after another with machine-like efficiency. Years of military training translated into flawless execution.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZVH4Lh5BB
Levi cursed under his breath as he was hit again. He spun around. "Who the hell keeps tagging me?!"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fWCBR8WdA
"Hi," Yazmina said sweetly from behind.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DUvFC4ESL
He whirled around—zap.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM47WfusO68
"AGH! You're cheating!"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdda4A9IbG
"No," she replied coolly, already vanishing into the shadows, "you're just easy to spot." The game raged for ten minutes. Levi did his best—and failed spectacularly. Yazmina racked up headshots, flanks, and combos like she was born for this. She even made it fun, purposefully letting him tag her once or twice just to give him hope before wiping the floor with him.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEScagOEMhn
By the end, the scoreboard flashed: YAZMINA – 1100 points. LEVI – 90.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvkCWpWgkq
They dropped their vests off. Levi's hair looked like he'd gone through a tornado, and he wore the look of a man betrayed by fate itself. "That was so unfair," he muttered. "You're like a walking cheat code." "I told you I was good," Yazmina replied, sipping from a bottle of water without breaking a sweat.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomD9F0ed6m
"Good? You're terrifying."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjugRprPjl
She smirked and leaned against the token machine. "Still want to test my power, prince charming?" He chuckled, brushing back his hair. "Not today. But I will win at something tonight."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5OLbZtSML
"Good luck."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdi9Y879tO
They turned their attention to the glowing arcade floor—dozens of machines, racing games, claw machines, rhythm games, and more.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDch17IdLvT
He cracked his knuckles. "How do you feel about racing games?"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6qREwDBDk
"Only if you're ready to lose again." They approached a two-seat racing simulator with wraparound screens. Levi selected a sleek jet-bike while Yazmina picked a heavily armored desert cruiser.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPp8DhYEdX
"You're going with that?" he asked. "It's a tank." "Exactly," she said. "I drive through my problems." The countdown began. The race was close—Levi was quick and clever with turns, but Yazmina knew how to calculate angles like a sniper. She slammed into his bike near the final stretch, causing him to spin out.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm3M1MIrUU
"No! Dirty move!"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu27tmJ5Yhi
"I warned you," she said.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacHDmxiQ1T
She crossed the finish line first.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncMzXqeM6o
Levi groaned. "You play dirty."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAaXEUZSDN
"I play to win."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkhSqDGERk
They wandered through the rest of the arcade, sharing sarcastic banter and the occasional joke. Levi attempted skee-ball (lost). He tried the claw machine (got a sock). He challenged her at rhythm games (she beat him with her eyes half-closed).
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6nLc5xnT6
Still, Yazmina noticed something strange.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8NuMdA7vk
Despite the losses, Levi didn't storm off. He didn't sulk. He laughed. He kept trying. His ego was massive, yes, but it was flexible. And under the arrogance, there was something else—genuine curiosity, determination, and surprisingly sharp wit.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfVtEKO5Gw
They eventually settled on a bench near a slushie bar. Yazmina sipped hers—mango. Levi picked something violently blue.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gE51I4k6d
"You know," he said, glancing over, "you're not as scary as I expected."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyIsLdpGlK
"I'll take that as a compliment." He leaned back, staring at the blinking ceiling lights. "You're sharp, strategic, and strong as hell. But also chill. Like... if chill had muscles and stabbed people."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqm8xTRxGP5
She snorted. "Thanks, I think."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzUaobaKrI
A beat of silence passed.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIy4Ns4WzD
Then he added, "And for the record, you totally are hot." She looked over. "Still can't handle me though." "Yeah," he admitted with a grin. "But I'm starting to think that might be the fun part."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3RPnGyvXv
Yazmina shook her head, amused, and took another sip of her drink. Outside, Koda lay curled in the parking lot, the moonlight casting soft gold over his scales. The war ahead was uncertain. The alliance was tentative. But in this ridiculous neon-drenched arcade, with a Sorhebi outside and a cocky diplomat nursing a bruised ego beside her, Yazmina allowed herself something she hadn't in a long time:
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA7YVy2Bo0
She allowed herself to enjoy it.
The air outside the arcade had cooled, a soft breeze teasing at the tips of Yazmina's dark hair as she and Levi made their way down the glowing street toward a quiet little ice cream shop nestled beneath a row of ivy-covered brick buildings. The sky was streaked with the fading warmth of dusk, painting everything in hues of gold and coral. The day had been long—frustrating, chaotic, and somehow hilarious—and all of it had culminated in this strange moment of calm.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix2WpE5QAS
Koda moved like a silent guardian behind them, his pale white scales shimmering under the dim streetlights, golden veins catching the light like threads of magic. People stopped and stared as he passed, unsure if they should flee or fall to their knees. Yazmina barely noticed anymore. She was too focused on not letting her guard down too far, not laughing too much at Levi's antics, not allowing herself to forget that this wasn't supposed to be fun.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZtANTxiox
The shop smelled like sugar and warm cones. It had creaky wooden floors and chalkboard menus. Yazmina stepped up without hesitation and ordered, "One scoop of cookie dough, waffle cone." Her voice was cool, almost mechanical. She needed something predictable.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtFd9X1LZt
Levi leaned into the counter next to her, eyes scanning the menu with mock deliberation. "I'll take brownie. Double scoop. Waffle cone, obviously." He glanced at her with a crooked smile, as if daring her to say something.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfRc7LJ1dk
She didn't. She simply moved to a bench outside the shop, letting the fading warmth of the day settle on her skin as she took her first bite. It was soft and cold and comfortingly sweet. Levi joined her a moment later, flopping beside her with his usual theatrical flair.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlTbat2SzA
"So," he said after a beat, voice lighter now, "are we just going to pretend you didn't almost break my arm, or—?"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUbZBujNyt
Yazmina rolled her eyes. "You challenged me."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL8qw4xPm0
"Yeah, well, I didn't expect to get steamrolled. You play dirty."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNhkWFLt4A
"I play smart."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM2nACVpKo
He chuckled, licking a drip off his cone. "I gotta say, this has been… interesting. More fun than I expected."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAiViwOQYm
She didn't respond, letting the silence stretch between them. Fun wasn't supposed to be part of the assignment. This was about diplomacy. Strategy. Strength. And yet...
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtZTZ3vgGM
Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She frowned and pulled it out, checking the screen. Landon.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJryG8I1n15
"Excuse me," she muttered, standing and stepping away from the bench. She moved several paces down the sidewalk, enough to make sure Levi wouldn't hear. The line connected as she lifted the phone to her ear. "Yazmina here."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5UYY8vggH
Landon's voice came through crisp, professional, and with the familiar undertone of stress he always carried when delivering news. "The board has reviewed the proposal. You're authorized to sign the treaty. Full military and supply aid will be granted by their nation in exchange for reciprocal support in future conflicts. You're to finalize everything tonight."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYy5YEX8R2
Yazmina nodded slightly, more to herself than anyone else. "Understood. I'll get the documents from Levi and send them back for processing."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIQ5y0F4Pmn
There was a pause.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47dWrfd3K0
Then Landon added, "One amendment was approved regarding Levi's placement. He will be staying with you. At your residence. Effective immediately."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotWN8KCika
Yazmina's blood chilled.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VsEEvzjQa
"Wait. You mean… he's not just at the base? He's living with me?"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwRjoTwCrH
"You heard correctly," Landon replied, tone clipped. "You're the ranking officer on-site. They believe it ensures tighter oversight and builds trust."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8r7FZLpf8h
"You told me to distract him, not take him on a date," she hissed under her breath, turning her back further from Levi as if distance could help her temper.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufY1sj73KF
"I don't make the placements," Landon said calmly. "I just enforce them. And for the record, you volunteered for this. You knew we'd need to form strong ties. You're the most capable soldier we have, and you can handle this better than anyone."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSey9Qn4wZ
Yazmina closed her eyes for a moment. She felt the anger flare hot in her chest, but she pressed it down with a deep breath.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTohFqisYm7
"I'll send the signed documents within the hour," she said, voice cold again.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFV8rUJ2XN4
"Thank you," Landon said. "And Yazmina—don't lose focus."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtS8IN1PEN
The call ended.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvu0mPQCvm
She stared at the screen for a moment before slipping it back into her pocket. Her ice cream had begun to melt by the time she returned to the bench. Levi was still there, half-finished cone in hand, watching her with curious eyes.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp9YqG6U6j
"Well?" he asked, trying to sound casual. "That sounded… dramatic. What, did I get expelled from the alliance already?"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWjj9SjupG
She looked at him flatly. "No. Quite the opposite."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakCerjygdt
He blinked. "Seriously?"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwHNFwXt1B
"Congratulations," she said, voice tight. "You're not just staying on base—you're moving into my house."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCfv7oMxHl
Levi choked on his ice cream. "Wait. Your house? Like… with you? As in, under the same roof?"
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGFsQA8TRJ
"That's what I said."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6dxcgI2nF
He looked stunned for a second. Then his lips curved into that same irritating, self-assured smile. "Well. That escalated nicely."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ6T6BueO9
Yazmina stood abruptly. "Get your documents. We're signing them now."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqtt7GfQIh
Levi stood as well, tossing the remains of his cone into a nearby trash bin. "You know, you really know how to kill a vibe."
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4N0wu3QVt
She didn't respond. Koda rose at her side, silent and imposing. Levi followed after them down the dim sidewalk, clearly still processing the news.
67Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFhFeQVer3
And Yazmina? She walked ahead with her jaw clenched and her mind racing—not because she couldn't handle the assignment, but because for the first time in a long time, she wasn't sure if she wanted to.
ns216.73.216.238da2
