January 1st.

The first day after the New Year’s celebration.

Cold winds howled, dark clouds covered the sky, a storm was on the horizon.

At five-thirty, Flossie Wright got up on time, changed into a new set of naval fatigues, and packed a few casual outfits.

The rest of her belongings would be shipped over.

She was leaving.

In this place, she couldn’t take anything with her.

Only her own things.

That’s how it is with the Forces, the only things they can give you are your own growth and honor, nothing else.

"Going to the cafeteria?"

Belinda Nichols, who had also packed up, asked Flossie.

"Yes."

Flossie nodded her head.

After the New Year’s Eve party last night, the soldiers had all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Today was a holiday, so aside from the new recruits being drilled on the parade ground, not a single veteran soldier could be seen.

As they passed the parade ground, Flossie’s stride faltered as she glanced over at the vibrant figures.

A year ago, they had been the same.

One by one, they were painstakingly selected to become part of the Frogman unit.

And that was just the beginning.

Now, as they were about to leave, they would face another new start.

Seeing Flossie stop, Belinda Nichols gave her a look.

Both of them stood on the edge.

The exuberant new recruits were shouting "one, two, three, four" while running on the parade ground, gritting their teeth and pushing forward, just like their own initial perseverance.

As some leave, others arrive.

This place has always been like that.

"Flossie, Belinda."

From a distance came a joyful shout.

They turned their heads, looking towards the cafeteria.

Becca Reyes stood at the cafeteria door, waving at them with a smile that couldn’t hide her excitement.

She wore her fatigues, but also a white apron, and her hands, face, and clothes were all covered in flour, making her look like a paint-splattered cat.

She must have gone to the cooking class to help out early in the morning.

Without lingering, they walked toward the entrance of the cafeteria.

"Flossie, you came just in time." As soon as they entered, Becca Reyes hurriedly brought over a steamer of buns, placing it on the table closest to them and said mysteriously, "These buns were just steamed."

"Did you make them?"

Glancing at the steaming buns, Flossie asked directly. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Well..." Becca Reyes stiffened briefly, then turned to her with a grin, "No way, I only made half of them."

"You were in charge of wrapping them, right?"

Flossie hit the nail on the head.

Knowing Becca Reyes even a little meant seeing right through her.

"Really, they’re quite tasty," Becca Reyes earnestly diverted the topic.

"..."

Ignoring her, Flossie went straight toward the kitchen.

"Hey, hey, hey, just try one."

Becca Reyes immediately blocked Flossie’s path, refusing to give up.

Flossie gave her a cool glance.

Meanwhile—

"Not bad."

Belinda Nichols’ cool voice suddenly rang out.

Both turned to look at Belinda.

There she stood next to the table, holding a small steamed bun, eating it at a leisurely pace.

On the table next to her, the lid of the steamer was lifted, releasing steam, and those dozen or so unevenly shaped buns came clearly into view.

After staring at Belinda for a few moments, Becca Reyes quietly breathed a sigh of relief, then turned up a confident smile, "See, Belinda ate some. You should try it too."