General's cabin.
Alex was finishing the remaining paperwork from the last mission when Ria wrapped up her medical sessions with the others.
Wanting to check on the General in person, she made her way to his cabin. She stopped in front of the door, visibly nervous.
"Take a deep breath and calm down, Ria. He's not going to kill you," she whispered to herself.
Gathering every bit of courage, she knocked
Knock.
A faint "come in" followed almost immediately. So suddenly that it felt like he had been waiting for her.
She walked in with her medical kit in hand. Alex looked up, and his expression softened into a gentle smile.
"Have a seat, doctor," he said, gesturing toward the chair in front of him.
"It's okay, sir. I… can I?" she asked, pointing at the box she was carrying.
"Oh, yes." He stood up.
She instinctively took a step back. Alex frowned slightly.
"You can place it here," he said, pointing to the small side table near the couch by the window.
Without wasting a second, she set the box down, opened it, and took out all the equipment. The entire time, he watched her like a curious child, soft, quiet, attentive.
After arranging everything neatly in order, she turned around. He was still looking at her. She immediately dropped her gaze and began fidgeting with her fingers, a small habit she had whenever she was nervous. He noticed, of course, and understood exactly why she was behaving that way.
"Ahem." Alex cleared his throat to pull her attention back.
"Huh?" She looked up at him.
"Look, Miss Zaria…" he said softly, "you don't have to be so cautious around me all the time."
She gave him an awkward smile, still fidgeting.
He sighed gently. "I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you earlier."
Her eyes widened in surprise. She nodded slowly, unsure how to respond.
It had taken a lot of effort for him to say those words. He had never said them to anyone. Not once! But for her… he would say them as many times as needed. For her. Only her.
"I can't shout at you," he added quietly, while his heart whispered, 'I'drather die than hurt you.'
"Just relax, okay?"
She exhaled softly, easing a little.
"Yes, sir…" she replied in a faint voice.
"Umm… sir, shall we begin?" she asked meekly.
He smiled genuinely this time. "Sure."
Something in that smile stirred inside her, a flutter she had to blink away.
"Please sit down," she said, pointing to the couch.
He nodded and took a seat. She gently wrapped the BP monitor around his arm.
"Excuse me, sir… shall I go out and bring something?" she asked softly.
"No need to go out," Alex replied without looking up. "Just tell me what you need."
"I just want to bring the glucometer and a few other things from Cabin 3."
Alex nodded, and without a word he pressed a small button under the couch. Two soldiers entered almost instantly and saluted. Ria blinked, startled and a little amused by the suddenness of it. A faint smile tugged at Alex's lips as he watched her reaction.
"Miss…" he prompted.
"Yes?" she turned to him.
"You can tell them. They'll bring whatever you need."
This time, Ria's smile came naturally, not awkward, not forced, but warm.
"Thank you," she said before giving the soldiers the list of equipment. They left promptly.
Soon, the BP monitor beeped, and Ria checked the reading, jotting the numbers into her record sheet. The soldiers returned with the required items and quietly took their leave.
"Blood pressure is normal," she mumbled while setting up the glucometer.
She picked up a sterile needle. "Sir…"
Alex gave a small nod, granting permission.
Ria collected the blood sample and inserted the strip into the glucometer.
"Actually," Alex said carefully, "you don't have to call me 'sir' all the time."
Ria looked up, surprised.
"Ahem… If you don't mind, maybe we could be friends?" he asked, his voice cautious.
'Please say yes… please say yes…' his mind pleaded. ' I know it's fast, but I can't wait anymore.'
Ria's thoughts were a gentle whirl.
'Friends? Why all of a sudden? …But he doesn't seem bad. And he's Uncle Theo's son… it shouldn't be a problem.'
After a moment of thinking, she nodded.
Alex's smile widened instantly. He extended his hand toward her. "Then… friends."
Ria hesitated just a second, then placed her hand in his, her lips curving into a shy smile.
"Friends," she echoed softly.
A faint pink blush spread across her cheeks, subtle, but not subtle enough to escape his notice.
And just like that, Alex felt himself lift into the clouds, knowing the effect he had on her.