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"Captain," whispers Chen. "Do you remember that promise?"

"Promise?" repeats Vincent slowly. "Hmm..."

He searches his memories carefully, but nothing specific comes to mind. But then again, they have known each other for years. Perhaps it was one of those things from the Academy days?

"About the date at the summer festival I promised when you got out of training? Look, I already apologized for walking in on you like that a dozen times, and then there's this whole... is this really the right time to bring that up?"

"..."

For several moments, Chen looks at him in shock. Then, she plants her palm upon her face, sighing heavily.

"Captain..that didn't even make half the sense that I'd half expect you to think you'd have when explaining yourself halfway, half of the time."

"Ahahaha... sorry about that," says Vincent sheepishly.

"Wait a minute," says Chen. "You walked in on me while I was changing? M-more than once?"

"Err... about that... I can explain -"

"P-pervert!" cries the girl. "Hmph!"

Chen turns around, her back facing him. Her arms are folded defensively, and she looks irritated. For several minutes, they stop talking to each other. Yep, she definitely looks angry. By the time she speaks again, Vincent has almost fallen asleep.

"It was right after Mom died," she whispers. "At the funeral, after everyone left, I thought that I was finally alone. I started crying. Then, you tapped me on the shoulder and said -"

"Don't cry," says Vincent. "I am with you."

"That's right," says Chen. "You said that you would protect me. You would be my big brother against the world."

"I remember," he whispers.

"And when I grew up, you would love me."

"I... W-what?"

"Yeah, silly isn't it?" whispers the girl. "I guess I still haven't grown up after all..."

"Chen, I -"

"Anyway, I better get some rest," interrupts Chen. "Good night, Captain."

Vincent examines his own thoughts in silence. Somehow, he knows that he promised something like that. But things aren't that simple. On the battlefield, the mission must come first. It's just good strategy. He loses track of time as various thoughts cross his mind. Finally, he comes up with an argument, but before he can tell her, he finds Chen already asleep.

"..."

They have a few hours to rest before sunrise.
[ ] Just go to sleep.
[ ] Watch over her quietly.
[ ] Cover her with your coat.
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