Don't Bother (Ghost X reader

31.

The room was silent as Soap's question lingered in the air. Both men stood there, their gazes fixed on you, waiting. The intensity of the moment made your pulse race, and you could feel the heat creeping up your neck.

"Soap," you started, your voice unsteady, "you can't just—"

"Why not?" he interrupted, stepping closer. His usual playfulness was gone, replaced by something deeper, more vulnerable. "You don't think we notice how you look at us? How you can't decide where you stand?"

Your heart pounded, and you glanced at Ghost, hoping he'd say something, diffuse the tension, anything. But he was silent, his dark eyes burning with an unreadable emotion. His stillness only made Soap's words cut deeper.

"This isn't fair," you said finally, your voice cracking. "You can't just throw this at me like some sort of ultimatum."

"No one's giving you an ultimatum," Ghost said at last, his voice low and measured. He stepped closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over you. "But I'm not one to share." His gaze flicked to Soap, a challenge evident in his eyes. "Are you?"

"Not a chance," Soap shot back, his accent thickening as he crossed his arms. "But at least I've got the guts to say what I want."

"What you want?" Ghost growled, taking another step forward. "This isn't about you, Johnny."

"Then maybe it's time she decides," Soap retorted, his blue eyes locking onto yours with a sincerity you hadn't expected. "Because I'm tired of dancing around this."

Your breath hitched as the weight of their words settled over you. Both men—so different, yet equally compelling—were staring at you like you held the world in your hands. You could feel your chest tightening, torn between the playful warmth of Soap's affection and the quiet, intense passion Ghost carried like a storm.

"I can't just... pick," you whispered, shaking your head. "It's not that simple."

"Sure it is," Soap said softly, stepping closer and reaching for your hand. His touch was warm, grounding, and when he smiled, it was softer this time, almost hesitant. "You've got a big heart, love. But don't let that stop you from figuring out who you really want."

Before you could respond, Ghost closed the distance between you, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down your spine. "Words don't mean much. Actions do." His fingers brushed your cheek, and you froze under his touch. "What does your gut tell you?"

You were overwhelmed, torn between the man who made you laugh and the one who made your heart ache in the best way. The room felt too small, their presence too consuming.

"Maybe... maybe I don't want to choose," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. You couldn't meet their eyes, afraid of what you'd see. "Maybe I want to figure out what this all means first."

Soap exhaled sharply, stepping back as if you'd physically pushed him. "Fair enough," he said, though his voice carried an edge of hurt. "But don't keep us waiting forever, eh?"

Ghost remained quiet, his gaze heavy on you. When he finally spoke, his words were simple but piercing. "Take all the time you need. Just know... I don't wait easily."

They left you standing there, your emotions in turmoil. You knew things would never be the same, and part of you wondered if you'd ever be ready to make the choice that could shatter one of their hearts—and yours along with it.