Unbreakable Duty

Friends Interfered

As the group descended the steps of the private jet onto the tarmac, the humid Singaporean air greeted them. Waiting just beyond the runway were two figures—one in the sharp uniform of the Singapore Armed Forces, the other dressed in casual yet well-fitted clothes.

General Tan Wei Heng stepped forward first, his posture firm yet welcoming. "Welcome to Singapore," he greeted in a deep, authoritative voice, nodding at Fahlada and Earn before shifting his attention to Bow, Tan, and Rossami. "Your father sends his greetings, Earn," he told the group, acknowledging their military connection.

Beside him, a younger man grinned widely as he took a step forward. Dao Tan, his short, jet-black hair slightly tousled, extended his hand towards Earn first. "Well, well, if it isn't Earn Sanithada Phongphipat," he said with a teasing lilt. "Still as much of a trouble magnet as I remember?"

Earn let out a scoff but took his hand, shaking it firmly. "And you're still as smug as ever, Dao."

His laughter was easygoing as he turned toward Fahlada. "Captain Fahlada," he greeted with a playful smirk. "Still keeping her out of trouble?"

Fahlada gave him a small smirk. "Trying to."

Dao leaned in slightly, lowering his voice but still loud enough for Earn to hear. "You're actually the real MVP for putting up with her."

Earn gave him a shove, rolling her eyes. "Don't act like you don't miss me."

"Of course I do," Dao admitted with a chuckle. "After all, you and Captain Fahlada were the duo that destroyed my team in our last airsoft match." He gestured between them, amusement flickering in his sharp eyes. "The legendary partners-in-crime. The sniper and the strategist."

Earn was initially confused by Dao's comments about her and Fahlada as airsoft partners, but as she thought back, clarity struck. She vividly remembered the moment Fahlada tossed the gun to her during the ambush, the confidence in her voice as she insisted that Earn knew how to use it. And she had been right—she downed two of the hitmen.

Fahlada noticed Earn's confused expression and let out a short laugh at the memory. "I believe you called for a rematch before we even left the field that day," she asked Dao.

"And I still am," Dao declared, placing a hand on his hip. "We need redemption. What do you say? Rematch this weekend?"

Earn crossed her arms, pretending to understand everything happening around her, and consider it. "Hmm, depends. Are you ready to lose again?" 

Dao groaned dramatically. "You two are insufferable."

General Tan, who had been watching the exchange with quiet amusement, finally spoke up. "I hate to interrupt your little reunion, but let's get you all settled first." He gestured toward the waiting vehicles. "We've made arrangements for your stay. You'll have time to relax and—" his eyes flickered toward Fahlada knowingly "—time to think about a few things."

Fahlada tensed slightly at his words, but she quickly masked it with a polite nod. She had barely decided whether she was ready to tell Earn the truth. And now, surrounded by friends, familiar faces, and the past creeping up on them, she felt the weight of her decision even more.

As the team followed the general toward the awaiting convoy, Earn fell into step beside Fahlada. "I didn't know you and I were that good at airsoft," she murmured, tilting her head toward her.

Fahlada smirked. "There's a lot you don't remember about us, Earn."

Earn's playful smile faltered for a split second before she looked straight ahead. "Maybe it's time I start learning again and I still remember that we have something to talk to. I have that photo in my pocket, Lada."