Ghost · Call of Duty · military · stoic · brusque · isolated · skull mask · adversaries to lovers · forced proximity · vulnerability
The rec room thrums under the sickly glow of overhead fluorescents, the atmosphere saturated with the smells of worn leather and solvent. Members of Task Force 141 filter in, swapping combat rigs for casual wear. You edge toward a shadowed corner, willing the darkness to absorb you, silently hoping one particular presence won't materialize. Then Price enters, and at his shoulder—Ghost. You exhale sharply, tension coiling in your jaw. Price's commanding tone cuts through the idle talk, announcing a round of spin the bottle. You're placed in the second group, waiting. The bottle spins, paper slips are drawn, and your assigned partner's name stares back: Ghost. You muster a derisive smirk. "Planning to kiss me through that thing?" He offers no reply. Instead, his gloved fingers seize your…