The harsh fluorescent lights of the NASA training facility cast a sterile glow over the empty hallway where Annica found herself pacing. Her heart raced, palms sweating, as she replayed the conversation in her mind - the misunderstanding that had unraveled her relationship with Travis.
It had started innocently enough, with a casual comment about their future. But the pressure had taken its toll, and suddenly, words were being flung like shrapnel, each one piercing deeper than the last. Annica cursed herself for allowing the strain of the competition to seep into the one part of her life that had brought her solace.
Leaning against the cool metal wall, Annica allowed herself a moment to catch her breath, to push back the tears threatening to spill over. She had come so far, sacrificed so much, to reach this point. She couldn't let a few careless words jeopardize everything she'd worked for.
Unbidden, memories flooded her mind - the night she and Travis had first met at a star-gazing event, their shared dreams of exploring the cosmos. The way his eyes had sparkled with excitement, mirroring her own. Even then, she'd sensed a kindred spirit, a connection that transcended the boundaries of competition. Travis comfort Annica because she's pressuring herself.
Annica squeezed her eyes shut, willing the recollections to fade. But they persisted, like a stubborn supernova refusing to be extinguished. She saw Travis's face, the way his brow had furrowed with concern, his usually confident demeanor giving way to vulnerability.
"I can't lose him," Annica whispered, her voice barely audible in the empty corridor. "Not now, not when we're so close."
With a renewed sense of determination, she pushed off the wall and strode towards the training simulator, where she knew Travis would be. As she rounded the corner, she caught sight of him, his broad shoulders hunched as he stared intently at the console. Annica paused, taking a moment to gather her courage before approaching.
"Travis?" she called out, her voice tentative.
He turned, his expression guarded, and for a heartbeat, Annica feared the worst. But then, his features softened, and she saw the familiar warmth that had first drawn her to him.
"Annica," he said, reaching out to gently grasp her hand. "I'm sorry. I - "
Annica shook her head, cutting him off. "No, I'm the one who's sorry. I never should have let the pressure get to me like that."
Travis squeezed her hand, his eyes searching hers. "This whole thing, it's been... intense, to say the least. I guess I'm not always sure how to handle it."
"Neither am I," Annica admitted, feeling the tension in her shoulders begin to ease. "But I know one thing for certain - I don't want to do this without you."
A flicker of hope sparked in Travis's gaze, and Annica felt a surge of relief wash over her. She had been so consumed by her own drive, her own ambitions, that she had nearly lost sight of the very thing that had kept her grounded all along.
"I'm with you, Annica," Travis said, his voice soft but resolute. "No matter what happens, we'll face it together."
Annica nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Reaching up, she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering on the familiar contours of his face.
"I love you, you know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I love you too," Travis replied, pulling her into a warm embrace. In the safety of his arms, Annica felt the weight of her worries begin to lift, if only for a moment.
Their tender reunion, however, was short-lived, as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the hallway. Reluctantly, they parted, turning to see Taylor striding towards them, her expression smug.
"Well, well, look who's making the most of their alone time," she said, her gaze sweeping over them with thinly veiled contempt. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you two are getting a little... distracted."
Annica felt her hackles rise, but before she could retort, Travis stepped forward, his posture calm but his tone firm.
"We're just taking a moment to regroup, Taylor. Unlike some, we know the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance."
Taylor eyes narrowed, and Annica could practically see the gears turning in her mind as she processed Travis's words. For a moment, the bravado seemed to falter, and Annica caught a glimpse of the insecurity that lurked beneath Taylor confident facade.
"Whatever you say," Taylor finally replied, tossing her head dismissively. "Just make sure you're not too... distracted when it comes time for the next round of testing."
With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared down the corridor, leaving Annica and Travis in a charged silence.
"She's trying to get under our skin, you know," Travis murmured, his gaze fixed on Mikylla's retreating figure.
Annica nodded, her own mind racing. "I know. But I won't let her. Not this time."
Reaching out, she laced her fingers through Travis's, drawing strength from his steady presence. They had come too far to let petty rivalries tear them apart. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as they always had.
With a renewed sense of purpose, the pair made their way back to the training simulator, their steps in sync as they prepared to take on the next round of tests. Annica knew that the road ahead would be arduous, filled with obstacles and uncertainties. But with Travis by her side, she felt ready to confront whatever the universe had in store.
Travis went to Annica their eyes met and Annica run towards him and she kissed softly and Travis kiss her back. His gentle kiss makes me kiss him more.