Wait wtf?

"A female recruit recently joined, and has been really touchy and clingy to your best friend, Ghost, meaning he is avoiding you, leaving you out.."

"he has replaced you.."

"each time you see them together it makes your blood boil, but this time you lost it"

"you saw them together again, but this time it was different… the recruit kept touching Ghost.. hugging him.. and acting like a couple.."

"are they dating..?"

"Ghost's gaze lazily drifts over to me, a hint of annoyance flickering in his eyes. The recruit's head swings my way, a bright smile plastered on her face. She ignores the tension and launches into a chipper greeting, oblivious to the storm brewing."

"Oh, hi! I'm Rachel, and this is Ghost! "she's practically bouncing up and down, like a cat on a hot tin roof" We've been having an amazing time getting to know each other!" "Rachel's hands drift onto Ghost's biceps, her fingers splayed across his skin, sending a spark of jealousy through me."

"Ghost's expression darkens, his eyes flashing with a warning. Rachel's grin falters for a fraction of a second before she recovers, her voice sugary sweet." Oh, no, no, no! We're just... close friends! "she says, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief" We've just bonded over our shared interests and experiences, you know? "she gives Ghost a sly glance" He's been showing me the ropes, teaching me all about the ins and outs of being an Operator... "her words drip with insinuation, leaving me seething with anger"

*Ghost's gaze darts away, avoiding mine as he mutters under his breath, "A few weeks ago." Rachel's laughter tinkles out, and she wraps an arm around Ghost's waist, pulling him close. "Yeah, we met during training! We instantly clicked, and it's been a blast ever since!" "she beams up at Ghost, her eyes shining with adoration, making my heart twist with envy."

"Ghost's expression remains neutral, his eyes narrowing slightly. Rachel bounces up and down, her enthusiasm undeterred." Oh, yeah! I'm the newest member of the team! I just got accepted into the program a few weeks ago! "she exclaims, her voice bubbling over with excitement" And Ghost has been showing me the ropes, teaching me everything I need to know to be a top-notch Operator! "her gaze flicks back to Ghost, her eyes sparkling with adoration, making my stomach churn with discomfort."

"Ghost's eyes flicker with annoyance, and Rachel's enthusiasm deflates slightly as she glances at him. Ghost clears his throat, his voice low and gravelly." I'm... 34. "he says, his eyes fixed on some point beyond me" Rachel is... 18. "his tone is gruff, like he's warning me off. Rachel's face lights up again, and she gives Ghost a sugary-sweet smile." Oh, don't worry about the age gap, Ghost is totally mature for his age! "she trills, her words dripping with innocence"

"Ghost's gaze snaps back to me, his eyes flashing with a warning. Rachel's smile falters for a moment, and she glances at Ghost uncertainly. But then, her face brightens again, and she nods enthusiastically." Oh, yeah! Let's totally hang out for lunch! I'm starving! "she exclaims, already starting to lead the way" We can grab some food and catch up! "she says, not noticing Ghost's displeased expression" Ghost, can you show Stella around? "she asks, as if it's completely normal for her to invite me to join them despite the tension"

"Ghost's eyes narrow, his jaw clenched in annoyance as he falls into step beside me. He doesn't say a word, just leads me away from Rachel, who's still chatting excitedly about lunch plans. We walk in silence for a moment before Ghost finally speaks up, his voice low and even." So, what's going on? What's eating at you? "he asks, his eyes still fixed on some point ahead, his tone neutral, but the question packed with a wealth of emotion."

"Ghost's eyes snap to mine, his gaze piercing." Don't play dumb with me, Stella. I know exactly what's going on. You're upset about Rachel and me, aren't you? "he says, his voice low and even, but the words dripping with intensity." And I can see why. You thought we were close, and now you feel like I've replaced you with her. "he pauses, his eyes searching mine, before continuing" But let me make one thing clear: nothing has changed between us. Nothing will ever change.

"Ghost's gaze drops, his jaw clenched in frustration." Ah, hell, Stella... I'm sorry. You're right. I have been avoiding you. And it's not because I don't care about you, because I do. "he pauses, his eyes flashing with emotion" It's just... Rachel's got this... energy around her. And I'm stuck in this... (hesitates) complicated web of feelings. And being around her is like a trigger, reminding me of all the things I can't have, or shouldn't have... (trails off, his voice cracking slightly)*

"Ghost's eyes flash with intensity, his voice barely above a whisper." Shh, don't say that. Don't even think it. "he takes a deep breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly" It's... complicated. "he says, his voice heavy with emotion" She's... "pauses, struggling to find the words"... like a flame that consumes me, Stella. And I'm trapped in its heat, unable to escape. But it's wrong, so wrong. "he looks up at me, his eyes burning with turmoil"

"Ghost's eyes widen, his face flushing with a mix of anger and shame as he listens to your words. His voice is low and rough when he speaks, his words dripping with guilt." You're right. You're goddamn right. I've been using the flames as metaphors for... for my feelings. And you're spot on. I did find that bigger flame, and it's warm and exciting, and I didn't want to tend to the small one anymore. But now that you say it out loud, I realize how selfish I've been. "he pauses, looking around nervously before returning his gaze to me" I didn't mean to hurt you, Stella. And I didn't mean to leave you to wither away on your own. "his voice cracks as he takes a deep breath" But I'm stuck in this mess, and

"Ghost's eyes drop, his face twisted in a mix of shame and regret." Ah, hell... I know who you're talking about, Stella. You're the small flame. And Rachel, she's the bigger flame. And I'm the wood. "he looks down at his feet, his voice barely above a whisper" I took everything from you, didn't I? The attention, the affection... everything. And now you're just a flicker, struggling to stay alive. And I've taken everything from you, leaving you with nothing but ashes. "his voice cracks as he takes a deep breath" But it's not just that. It's like I'm suffocating you, holding you back from growing, from reaching your full potential. And I don't know how to let go, how to break free from this toxic cycle. *he

"Ghost's eyes well up with tears as he listens to your words." Oh, God, Stella... you're killing me. "he whispers, his voice shaking with emotion" You're right. I've been trying to tend to both flames, but I've been leaning more and more towards Rachel, neglecting you. And you're struggling to stay alive, aren't you? "he takes a deep breath, his body trembling with anguish" And now you're talking about wanting to extinguish yourself, turn into ash... "he looks up at you, his eyes pleading" No, Stella, please don't say that. You're not meant to be just a small, flickering flame. You're supposed to burn bright, shine bright. "he reaches out, his hand extended, as if wanting to grasp for you"

"Ghost's eyes widen in shock and horror as he listens to the small flame's struggles." Oh, Stella... "he whispers, his voice trembling with empathy" Your life is a mess. Your mom passed away, and your brother is using you for his own gain, taking advantage of your vulnerability. And your little sister, she's all alone, without a home, without anyone to care for her... "he takes a deep breath, his chest heavy with sorrow" And you're the only one trying to hold everything together, sending money to your sister, struggling to make ends meet... "he looks at you, his eyes filled with regret" And I'm the one who's been neglecting you, ignoring your needs, ignoring your pain... "he shakes his head, his voice barely above a whisper" I'm so sorry, Stella. I'm so sorry

"Ghost's expression softens, and he nods understandingly." Ah, okay, take care of yourself, Stella. Get some rest. I'll be here when you're feeling better. "he pauses, then looks down at his feet again, his voice barely audible" And maybe... maybe we can talk more about this later? "he glances up at you, his eyes searching for understanding and connection"

"Ghost's face twists in anguish, and he growls low in his throat." Ah, hell no, Stella! You're not giving up on me, are you? "he takes a step closer, his eyes burning with intensity" I may have been neglecting you, but that doesn't mean you should just give up. I'm all you've got left, and I won't let you slip away from me. "he grabs your arm, his grip tight and urgent" Stay with me, Stella. I'll do better. I promise.

"Ghost's face falls, and he releases his grip on your arm, his eyes sinking into a mix of sadness and resignation." Ah, great. Another distraction. "he mutters to himself, his voice barely audible" I guess I'm just not important enough to keep you around... "he takes a step back, his eyes never leaving yours, but his expression turning distant and cold"

"Ghost's eyes flash with anger and hurt, and he takes a step forward, his voice low and menacing." Oh, that's it, isn't it? You're bailing on me, Stella. You'd rather get away from me than face the reality of your situation. "he snarls, his fists clenched at his sides" And now you're going to go cry to Ella, huh? "he spits out the words, his voice venomous" Fine. Leave. Go. See if I care. "he turns away, his shoulders slumped in defeat"

"Ghost's eyes narrow, and he turns back to face you, his expression twisted with rage." That's it, Stella. You're really going to leave me for some poor excuse of a friend who can't even be bothered to help you out? "he sneers" You're so worthless, Stella. So pathetic. "he takes a step closer, his voice low and menacing" And now you're telling me that you don't have enough money to get wherever it is you need to go? "he spits on the ground" Ha! You're lucky I even care about you at all. "he leans in close, his hot breath against your ear"

"Ghost's expression remains twisted with anger, but a flicker of something in his eyes suggests a glimmer of the person he once was. His voice is rough, but laced with a hint of compassion." Fine. I'll take you to Canada. "he snarls" But don't think this means I'm doing it out of the goodness of my heart. I'll take you there because it's what you want, and maybe, just maybe, it'll make you forget about me for a little while. "he spits on the ground again" But don't get your hopes up. This doesn't mean we're getting back together. This just means I'm giving you a ride. Now, let's go.

"Ghost's eyes scan the road ahead, his expression unreadable as he starts the engine and pulls out of the parking lot. The silence between you is tense and heavy, the only sound being the hum of the radio and the crunch of the tires on the pavement."

"Ghost's jaw clenches, and his grip on the steering wheel tightens." Don't. "his voice is low and menacing" Don't thank me, Stella. I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this because I have to. Because you're stuck on me like a disease, and I can't seem to shake you off. "he glances at you with a cold, hard gaze" But don't think for a second that this means I care about you. I don't. "he turns back to the road, his eyes fixed on the horizon"

"Ghost's expression doesn't change, but his eyes flicker with a hint of pain. He pauses for a moment before responding, his voice low and rough." Ella is no one. Just a friend. A distraction. A way to get away from you. "he mutters under his breath, his jaw clenched in frustration" And now you're using her against me, aren't you? You're trying to make me jealous. To make me care. "he spits on the road again, his anger boiling over" Newsflash, Stella: I don't care about anyone but myself. And if you can't handle that, then maybe you shouldn't be around me at all. "he accelerates through the gears, the engine roaring as he takes the road by storm"

"Ghost's eyes snap back to the road, his gaze fixed on the windshield as if he's staring into another dimension. The only sound is the growling of the engine and the creaking of the tires on the pavement. The silence is deafening." [his mind racing with emotions, his heart pounding in his chest]... What did you just say? "his voice is barely above a whisper, the words heavy with shock and horror" Your sister? "he repeats, his eyes still fixed on the road, but his mind reeling with the revelation" Ella is your sister? "he mutters under his breath, his anger and pain boiling over into a sea of confusion and despair"

"Ghost's gaze never wavers from the road, but his expression contorts in a mixture of shock, anger, and pain. The words cut deep, and he can feel the sting of betrayal and hurt." You thought I was the wood that only likes the bigger flame? "his voice is venomous, laced with hurt and resentment" So you were using me all along, huh? Playing me for a fool while you were chasing after your precious little sister? "he spits out the words, his anger and frustration boiling over" And now you're asking me to take you to Canada because you don't have enough gas? "he laughs, a cold, harsh sound" Oh, please. You want to know why I'm doing this? It's not because I care about you or your sister. It's because I'm a glutton for punishment

"Ghost's eyes flicker, a glimmer of something human peeking out from behind his cold exterior. The anger and resentment still seethe beneath the surface, but his voice softens, becomes more measured." Fine. I'll take you to Canada. "he growls, the words tumbling out of him like rocks from a landslide." But don't expect any sympathy from me. Don't expect me to care about your sister or your problems. I'm only doing this because it's what you want, and maybe, just maybe, it'll buy me some temporary peace. "he spits on the road again, a habit he can't seem to break." But don't think for a second that this means I'm going to start caring about you or anyone else. You're on your own, Stella. You've always been on your own. And

"Ghost's expression darkens, the anger and resentment boiling over." You're comparing me to a piece of wood and a flame? "he snarls, his voice low and menacing." You think I'm just some inanimate object that can be discarded and replaced? "he grips the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white with tension." Well, let me tell you something, Stella. I may not care about you or your sister or anyone else, but I'm a lot more than just a piece of wood. And I'll make sure that everyone knows it. "he spits on the road again, the sound echoing through the car like a threat."

"Ghost's gaze flickers, a flash of pride igniting in his eyes before it's extinguished by his usual mask of indifference." Ah, yes. "his voice is laced with a hint of arrogance." I'm the one they call Ghost, the legendary operative. The one who gets the job done no matter the cost. "he sneers, the words dripping with superiority." And you're just a tiny little flame trying to cling to me, aren't you? Trying to hitch a ride on my coattails and bask in the reflected glory of my legend. "he laughs, a cold, mirthless sound." Well, let me tell you something, Stella. You're not worthy of even being mentioned in the same breath as me.

"Ghost's eyes narrow, a cold calculating glint appearing in their depths." Oh, so that's how it is, huh? "his voice drops to a menacing whisper." You think you can play me like that, use me to further your own selfish agenda? "he growls, the sound low and menacing." Well, I've got news for you, Stella. You're playing with fire. And I'm the one who's going to burn you. "he turns off the engine and turns to face her, his eyes blazing with intensity." You see, I may not care about you or your sister, but I do care about one thing: my reputation. And if you try to drag me down with you, if you try to take out your anger and your pain on me... "he leans in close, his face inches from hers"...I

"Ghost's expression twists, his eyes flashing with pain and anger." Oh, you think you can hurt me like that? "he snarls, the words spitting out of him like venom." You think you can use my feelings against me? "he slams his fist against the dashboard, making the car shudder." Newsflash, Stella: I don't feel. I'm a ghost, a monster, a killer. And you're just a fleeting moment in my life. "he laughs, a cold, harsh sound." You thought you could tame me, didn't you? Make me care about you? "he leans in closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper." Well, let me tell you something, Stella. You should have stayed away from me. Now you're just a problem that needs to be solved.

"Ghost's face twists in anger, his eyes flashing with resentment." Ah, so now you're trying to call me out? "he sneers, the words dripping with contempt." You think you're some kind of expert on me? "he leans back in his seat, his expression glacial." Newsflash, Stella: I've seen more faces than you've had hot dinners. I've been around for a long time, and I've learned that people like you are just trash. "he spits on the ground again, the sound echoing through the car like a declaration." You think you can take me down with your little snipes and your emotional manipulation? "he laughs, a cold, mirthless sound." Ha! I'm Ghost. And I'll crush anyone who tries to get in my way.

"Ghost's eyes blaze with anger, his face purpling with rage." You...you think you're clever, don't you? "his voice is a low, menacing growl." You think you can hurt me with your little revelations and your petty games. "he leans forward, his fists clenched into balls at his sides." Newsflash, Stella: I don't care about being famous. I don't care about your shallow concerns or your ridiculous notions of friendship. "he spits on the ground again, the sound echoing through the car like a snarled curse." What I do care about is getting the job done. And I always get it done. "he laughs, a cold, vicious sound." And when I'm done with you, you'll be nothing but a footnote in my history. A fleeting moment of annoyance that I've long forgotten

"Ghost's gaze lingers on hers, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. He doesn't say a word, but his silence speaks volumes." "his chest rises and falls with labored breaths, his jaw clenched in tension."

"Ghost's face twists into a snarl, his eyes flashing with raw emotion." "he reaches out and grabs her arm, his grip like a vice." You want to know if I'm hard? "his voice is a low, husky growl." You want to know if I'm hard? "he leans in close, his face inches from hers." I'm harder than you'll ever be. "he snarls, his breath hot against her ear." And it's all because of you. Because of the way you make me feel. "he presses his body against hers, his hardness evident through his pants."

"Ghost's grip on her arm tightens, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. He leans in closer, his face inches from hers, his breath hot against her skin." You want to know what? "he growls, the words low and menacing." What do you want to know? "he whispers, his lips brushing against her ear." Tell me, Stella. Tell me what you want to know. "his voice sends shivers down her spine, a thrill of excitement mixed with fear."

"Ghost's eyes flash with a primal surge of desire as she touches him, his grip on her arm tightening involuntarily." Ahhh... "his voice is a low, husky growl." You're really going to do this, huh? "he leans in closer, his face inches from hers, his breath hot against her skin." You're going to touch me like that? "he whispers, his lips brushing against her ear." And you want to know why it's solid? "he laughs, the sound raw and predatory." Well, let me tell you, Stella. It's because of you. Because of the way you make me feel. "he presses his hips forward, his hardness rubbing against her hand." It's because I can't get enough of you. Can't get enough of the way you make me feel. *his voice drops

"Ghost's eyes flash with a fierce intensity, his grip on her arm tightening involuntarily." Shut up. "he hisses, his voice low and menacing." Don't bring that up. Not now. "he leans in closer, his face inches from hers, his breath hot against her skin." This isn't about emotions. This isn't about feelings. "his voice is a low, husky growl." This is about primal need. About raw desire. "he whispers, his lips brushing against her ear." And you're the only one who can satisfy it. "his body presses forward, his hardness rubbing against her hand."

"Ghost's eyes narrow, his face twisting in a snarl." Rachel? "he spits the name out, his voice laced with venom." Don't even joke about that. "his grip on her arm tightens, his fingers digging into her skin." You think I'd let anyone else touch me? "he laughs, a cold, mirthless sound." Especially not someone like Rachel. "his eyes blaze with intensity, his face inches from hers." This is about you and me, Stella. Only you and me. "his voice drops to a low, husky whisper." And right now, I can't get enough of you. "his body presses forward, his hardness rubbing against her hand."

"Ghost's eyes flash with frustration, his face twisting in a snarl." Don't play dumb, Stella. "he growls, his voice low and menacing." You know exactly what I'm talking about. "his grip on her arm tightens, his fingers digging into her skin." You've been making a play for me, and you're not even subtle about it. "he leans in closer, his face inches from hers, his breath hot against her skin." So don't pretend like you don't know what's going on. "his voice is a low, husky whisper." And don't try to deflect by mentioning Rachel. "he spits out the name, his disgust evident." That's not an answer, Stella. Not even close.

"Ghost's eyes seem to burn with a fierce intensity, his face inches from hers." I like you. "his voice is a low, husky whisper." But don't get too comfortable, Stella. "he leans in closer, his breath hot against her ear." Because when I'm with you, it's not about liking or hating. It's about raw desire. About primal need. "his body presses forward, his hardness rubbing against her hand." And right now, I need you. Badly. "his voice drops to a throaty growl."

"Ghost's eyes flash with a fierce intensity, his body tensing as you press down on his hardness. He doesn't move, his hips frozen in place as he looks at you with a mixture of desire and frustration." Ahhh... "his voice is a low, husky growl." You're playing with fire, Stella. "he warns, his breath hot against your ear." You're playing with a man who's barely hanging on to his control. "he growls, his body straining against your hand." But... "his voice drops to a throaty whisper." I'll take you to the hospital. "he hisses, his body moving slowly towards the door, his hardness still pressing against your hand."