At Federation Corp’s headquarters, the lights in the technical analysis room were dim, casting a faint haze over the flickering screens. The night had grown late, and outside the window, the lights of the colonial fleet twinkled in the distance, reflecting off the glass curtain walls with a cold blue glow. Inside, the room was so quiet that only the soft tapping of keyboards and the occasional low hum of the coffee machine could be heard.

  Evan Carter sat at his workstation, staring at a complex set of colonial mission coordinates on the screen, his brow slightly furrowed, his eyes showing faint signs of fatigue from staring at the monitor for too long. His short brown hair was slightly messy, his suit jacket long since draped over the back of his chair, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his sturdy forearms. The cup of coffee on the desk had gone cold, the condensation on its sides evaporated, leaving a faint ring, silently marking the passage of time.

  The sound of the door opening was almost imperceptible as Rebecca Shaw’s figure quietly appeared at the doorway, holding a simple paper bag. She paused at the entrance for a moment, silently watching Evan as he worked with focus, the corners of her mouth unconsciously lifting into a slight smile. Her black coat bore traces of the night’s rain, her short hair slightly disheveled from the dampness, yet it couldn’t hide her calm demeanor.

  “Working late again?” she asked softly, her tone of reproach laced with concern. “What excuse did Derek come up with this time?”

  Evan looked up at the sound of her voice, a warm light immediately filling his tired eyes, like morning stars before dawn, bright and sincere. He paused his work, rubbed his sore eyes, and spoke in a slightly hoarse voice from not speaking for a while. “You haven’t gone back yet? It’s so late.” He pulled over a chair, gesturing for her to sit, his gaze falling on the paper bag in her hand as he shook his head lightly, his eyes full of gentle reproach. “You went to get food again? You should be resting.”

  Rebecca placed the paper bag beside him; inside was a sandwich still radiating warmth. She sat down next to him, her gaze sweeping over the intricate coordinate data on the screen, and said softly, “You didn’t eat at noon today, and I didn’t see you in the cafeteria tonight either.” She didn’t directly ask why he was working late, but this simple act of care conveyed all her unspoken worries.

  Evan took the sandwich, the wrapping paper crinkling softly between his fingers. He looked at her, a trace of apology in his eyes. “Derek gave me an ‘urgent task’ last night—it has to be submitted tonight.” He took a bite of the sandwich, his voice lowering slightly. “He said it was a direct order from the boss, no room for excuses.”

  They both understood what “a direct order from the boss” meant at Federation Corp—no room for choice. It was an unspoken rule they had grown accustomed to over the years, a lingering shadow that loomed over their heads.

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  Rebecca watched him eat in silence, saying nothing more. Her gaze lingered on the flickering coordinates on the screen, then shifted back to Evan. In this quiet night, under the dim lights, some words didn’t need to be spoken—their feelings had long been woven into an unspoken understanding through countless late nights like this.

  “You’re going to the resource planet tomorrow?” she finally asked, her voice calm but unable to hide the worry beneath.

  Evan nodded, handing her half of the sandwich. “A month—it shouldn’t take longer.” He paused, his voice softening with gentle concern. “You need to take care of yourself. Don’t keep staying up late.”

  Rebecca took the sandwich, her fingertips brushing against his hand unintentionally. She didn’t eat right away, instead reaching for the coffee cup on his desk, frowning. “It’s completely cold. Can’t you make yourself a hot cup?”

  Evan smiled, his gaze tender. “I heard it’s nice over there—good environment, fresh air.” He deliberately changed the subject, a sincere glint in his eyes. “When I get back, I’ll bring you some local specialties—they have a kind of blue stone there that would look great as a bracelet on you.”

  Rebecca pressed her lips together, not calling out his clumsy attempt to change the topic. She knew the resource planet was far from a good place—the mining zones there had harsh conditions, the air filled with metallic dust. But she didn’t expose him, only saying softly, “Don’t push yourself too hard.” She looked up at him, her gaze firm yet soft. “Contact me the moment you get back.”

  At Federation Corp, the risks of missions were never openly stated, but they both knew them well. Death and accidents followed like shadows, which was why they cherished every reunion, every night spent together.

  Evan nodded, his eyes full of a smiling warmth. He gently took her hand, his thumb softly brushing over her knuckles, as if confirming her presence. “I will.” His voice was low, carrying a soothing strength. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

  He stood, gently draping his jacket over her shoulders, the motion natural and intimate. “Rest here for a bit—I’ll finish checking these coordinates. Your face looks a little pale. Have you not been eating properly lately?”

  Rebecca didn’t protest, only nodding lightly, pulling the jacket tighter around her. It still carried his body warmth and the faint scent of coffee, mixed with a hint of engine oil—a scent uniquely Evan’s, giving her a wordless sense of comfort.

  “Don’t forget that bracelet when you come back,” she said softly, the corners of her eyes crinkling slightly. “Or I won’t let it go.”

  Evan looked down at her, his gaze filled with tender amusement. “I won’t.” This simple promise, between them, was more precious than any grand vow.

  He turned back to the screen, continuing to check the coordinates, but glanced back at her from time to time, making sure she was still there. Rebecca sat quietly, watching his focused profile, a complex mix of emotions welling up in her heart—heartache, worry, love, and the indescribable sense of powerlessness under Federation Corp’s high-pressure environment.

  Outside the window, the lights of the colonial fleet remained cold and piercing, like countless watching eyes. But in this quiet corner, they briefly escaped those constraints, finding a fleeting moment of peace that belonged to just the two of them.

  Evan silently made a promise in his heart: After this mission, I’ll save enough money to take her away, to a place without colonial fleets, where we can plant flowers, fix machines, and live a few truly peaceful days.