METRO 1497 - CHAPTER 15 “THE COLD BETWEEN US”

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CHAPTER 15

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“THE COLD BETWEEN US”

Morning light spills through the tent flaps in soft gold, catching the steam rising from the breakfast pots. The camp is slow to wake — boots dragging, spoons clinking, tired voices murmuring over bowls of fish and ramen soup. Metro sits near the long table, hair still damp from the cold air outside, hands wrapped around a wooden bowl of hot soup. He blows on it gently, eyes half‑closed, savoring the warmth of the noodles. Across the table, Kathryn looks up.

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Not a smirk.

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Not a tease.

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Just a small, genuine smile — the kind she rarely lets anyone see.

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Metro notices.

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His lips curve back, soft and innocent, like he didn’t even realize he was doing it.

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He takes another forkfull of ramen, cheeks puffing slightly from the heat, completely unaware of the ripple that tiny exchange sent through the room.

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People shuffle in and out. Bowls empty.

The morning chatter grows louder as the camp gathers for the day’s plans.

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Kathryn glances at Metro again — quick, almost shy.

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Rose sees it.

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Her spoon pauses mid‑air. Her eyes narrow just a fraction.

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Fully aware.

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The kind of awareness that settles deep.

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Metro keeps eating, oblivious, stirring his soup with that same gentle rhythm.

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The camp gathers now, fire crackling. And Rose watches Kathryn watching him —for the last time.

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A quiet shift.

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A silent note.

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Rose snaps first.

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Rose (sharp, explosive)

“Stop looking at my man!”

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A beat.

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Kathryn doesn’t flinch.

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The wind cuts sideways across the clearing, snow drifting like ash. Kathryn stands with her arms folded, chin high, eyes glinting with that smug, poisonous confidence.

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Kathryn:(pompous, airy)

“…He looked at me first.”

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Metro: (shocked)

“What—?”

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Rose steps forward, fire in her eyes.

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Rose:

“You should’ve followed your gut and left the moment you had the chance!”

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Kathryn pauses—just long enough to summon a blast in her mind. Her voice drops into a calm, provoking whisper.

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Kathryn:

“That’s not what your man said the other night.”

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Metro flinches like she's slapped him.

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Rose (fiery, trembling)

“Oh yeah? And what did he say?”

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Kathryn smiles—slow, trolling, cruel.

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Kathryn

“He said he needed me. And that you were jealous… because I was beautiful.”

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Metro (obliterated)

“HEY—!”

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Rose (screaming)

“You lying tramp!”

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Metro lowers his head, trying to hold onto whatever dignity he has left.

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Kathryn leans in, grinning.

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Kathryn:

“I’m not lying…”

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Metro (interjecting fast)

“You’re twisting everything I told you!”

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Kathryn:(shrugs)

“Sure…”

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A beat builds—heavy.

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Kathryn:

“…but do us both a favor, sweetheart—

and keep your girl on a leash.”

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Rose lunges.

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Metro catches her mid‑charge, arms locked around her torso, lifting her clean off the ground as she kicks and screams.

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Metro: (snarling at Kathryn)

“NOT COOL.”

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He carries Rose away through the snow. Kathryn cups her hands around her waist.

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Kathryn:

“You need to grow up!”

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---A FEW YARDS AWAY —

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