1.1 | louder than bombs

- 4 -

"I like classical pieces. You know, Beethoven and Mozart type. That's my jam," said Jun, the young Sergeant smiling widely at her new medic friend before scooping up a spoonful of peas and shoving it in her mouth.

It was particularly noisy that evening. Steam was rising from the cooking pots that were over the stove, scenting the air with the smell of seasoned broths and grilled ribs. And the dining area? It was a mess.

The room was filled with young people happily chatting away rather loudly, with their new friends, sharing their food and stories with each other. Chairs cluttered in small groups, letting their occupants huddle close to talk about their interests.

The dining space was rather large. Illuminated by bulbs hanging down from the ceiling with wide cones on top of them, the room was always lively. It was a place of bonding. Their muscles sore and throbbing after a day full of overly-strenuous activities for maintaining their physical fitness, the soldiers saw the dining room as a place of solace.

A place where one could indulge in the food even though it didn't taste quite right, momentarily forgetting about the fact that it could potentially be their last meal. A room where they could just relax with their eyes shining under the dim lights with gratefulness and love towards the family made here, a family of love and trust and not of blood. Space where stories were shared, memories were made and happiness was kept alive.

Jaemoon sat at a table by the corner, his body slacking on the bench, just looking at his soldiers and the newly arrived medics' interactions. The ravenette didn't mind the loud chatter. Instead his strong physique relaxed, seeing his Unit so lively and happy. A happy Unit makes a happy Captain, no?

"Jae, the ribs are amazing. Why didn't you get them?" Dohyun slid next to the Captain, looking at his plate like a child looks at his Christmas present, though the child may not want to devour his gift.

"I'm not feeling very hungry, Hyung," Jaemoon replied as his lips tipped the slightest bit as he watched his Hyung attack the piece of meat.

"Well, why not?" Dohyun sputtered with his mouth full of food, groaning as the spices set his taste buds alight with flavour, the grown man wriggling on his bench in bliss at each bite.

"Just not feeling like it," Jaemoon answered, shrugging as he spooned another dollop of mashed potatoes from the china bowl, shoving the carbohydrates into his mouth.

"Not feeling like it?" Dohyun echoed, gulping down his food before he started pushing Jaemoon off the bench, "Not feeling like it, my ass. Go. Go and get some. You can't expect to do all the workout and keep your body in shape without stocking up on the proteins, Jae."

Jaemoon sluggishly stood up, "Hyung, don't forget that I'm still your Captain," though he didn't sound the least bit authoritative, his tall frame tilting forward as he picked his plate.

"Right. Now run along and fill up that plate of yours before I beat your ass in hand-to-hand combat, Captain."

Jaemoon just looked at his Hyung with a raised brow, his expression screaming are-you-kidding-me?

In response, the Lieutenant only waved his hand as if motioning the Captain to do as said, his attention already returning to his meal.

Jaemoon sighed, making his way to the counter, carefully maneuvering his body to walk through the chaotically placed chairs and tables. He tipped his head at the greetings thrown at him by his comrades, his sub-ordinates not minding the lack of words.

They knew and understood that their Captain wasn't rude, just preferred to be quiet and reserved. And they respected that.

Jaemoon was served with the delicious smelling, seasoned meat along with boiled peas by a smiling sergeant before filling his bowl with two ladles of the thin broth. The savoury liquid had been bubbling away for quite a while now, intensifying the flavours of herbs and roots thrown in it.