For the One I Love || Hanji x Female Reader

Special Chapter: Blind Date AU

[Author's Note]

Hi, it's me again! I can't believe that this fic already reached 100k reads, and I can't thank my readers enough for it <3 So to celebrate this, here's a special chapter - a Hanji x Female Reader Blind Date AU, which I've wanted to post in a while but couldn't find the perfect time to do so. With that said, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and let me know your thoughts on it! (I'm actually thinking of turning this into a separate fic someday)

_

"What do you mean you accidentally scheduled two blind dates at the same time?" I yelled at my roommate over the phone, stressed beyond repair as I hastily stood up from where I was sitting. I ran a hand through my hair, closing my eyes in frustration.

But this was nothing new. Sasha, my roommate, who was always a hopeless romantic, kept on getting herself into trouble one after another, and I would always end up cleaning after her mess. Not that I mind doing so, she was already like a sister to me, having grown up together as we were both orphans. We constantly looked out for each other - that was simply how we did things.

I heard Sasha sigh from the other line as she said, "Please cover for me just this once, [Y/N]. I swear I'll never ask anything of you in the future!"

Shaking my head softly, I answered, "I highly doubt that. But...fine. This is the first and last time I'll be covering for you on a blind date. You know how I feel about these things."

The line went silent for some time before I heard Sasha say, "I know, but for what it's worth, Eren didn't deserve you...you never know, you might end up liking the person you'll be meeting later."

_

And so, that was how I ended up sitting inside a cozy little coffee shop, with my senses on edge, as I waited for this Hanji Zoe person to arrive. Sasha briefed me a little about who I was about to meet, saying that their dating profile mostly remained empty, to which I told the brunette that they might be a con artist or something similar. Sasha merely told me that I'll only need to meet them once, then she'll be the one to turn them down if it doesn't go well.

The bell tied to the coffee shop's door chimed, signaling the arrival of a potential customer. I nervously glanced up to see who it was, and saw that a tall, brown-haired fellow wearing a dark blue long-sleeved polo and jeans had entered, their eyes scanning the area briefly before their gaze landed on me.

I swallowed involuntarily as I quickly averted my eyes, wishing fervently that this fellow wasn't Hanji Zoe. Who knew that they could have such a commanding presence?

"Hi, I'm Hanji Zoe. By any chance, are you [Y/N] [L/N]?" they asked with a smile on their face, and it didn't get past me that their voice sounded so comforting - as if hearing them speak was enough to make me feel safe.

Hastily standing up and nearly hitting my knee on the table, I held out my hand as I answered, "Yes, that's me. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise," Hanji shook my hand, their grip secure for a second before they let go and walked over closer to where I was standing stiffly, and upon noticing my confused expression, they said with a smirk, "As far as I know, it's only basic manners that I assist you back to your seat."

I could only nod as I let myself sink down to the chair, with Hanji pushing it gently from behind me, before sitting down in front of me. I racked my brain for anything that could be a conversation starter, not wanting there to be any dead air between us.

"By the way, how did you know I wasn't my roommate- I mean, Sasha Braus?" I asked curiously, noting that they addressed me correctly just moments ago.

"She already informed me about it," Hanji said as they adjusted their glasses, before adding, "I think it was nice of you to do that for her. The two of you must be very close."

Feeling their intent gaze on me, I answered truthfully, "Sasha's practically my sister at this point. There's nothing I wouldn't do for her. She's a very bright girl and loyal to a fault - you would've enjoyed meeting her if she hadn't made that mishap."

Hanji nodded in understanding as they said, "I would say that you are too - loyal to a fault. That's exactly who I need."

I met their eyes at this, wondering what they could've meant by that, "I'm sorry? What did you mean by that?"

They cleared their throat as they sighed ever so softly, before stating in an almost serious tone, "I'll be direct with you - I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I'm not the type to go on blind dates at all," I nodded in agreement, and Hanji continued, "I actually arrived about ten minutes ahead of you, though I waited outside to observe you. I don't mean to sound suspicious, but I somehow have a general idea regarding your background. Besides, I had to make sure you weren't someone with a sketchy background - I have to think of my safety as well."

I unconsciously slapped the tabletop with my hand as I raised my voice, "You mean, you were spying on me? And isn't that an invasion of privacy?"

But then again, when they said that they wanted to make sure I wasn't someone suspicious, it was actually practical. And to be honest, I should've done the same.

Hanji tilted their head slightly, seemingly amused by my display, "Hmm, not necessarily. I merely reviewed your social media accounts, which are in public, if I may add, so no - it's not an invasion of privacy. However, I came to the conclusion that my offer might interest you."

I felt my cheeks redden in embarrassment - technically they were right that it wasn't an invasion of privacy if it was posted online. I really have to check my privacy settings when I get home.

Glancing suspiciously at Hanji, I asked, "What made you think that I'd be interested in any kind of offer?"

Hanji merely stated as they adjusted their glasses once more, "Your photos - the background's most likely around your residence, and I'm familiar with that area. It's dangerous, and frankly, there's no other way you and your roommate are living there, unless you're not able to afford to move anywhere else."

My shoulders sagged upon hearing this - they were right. As a matter of fact, we were already behind on rent payment, and despite the part-time jobs that Sasha and I did, it wasn't nearly enough to cover our basic expenses. I opened my mouth to say something in rebuttal, but ended up saying instead, "I have to admit, things are rather difficult, but we'll manage. How on earth are you so observant anyway?"

They smiled proudly as they leaned forward, making me move back all of a sudden, pressing my back deeper into the chair's backrest, before they said, "All part of my job. In any case, at the very least hear me out."

Sighing in resignation, I shot back as I crossed my arms in front of my chest, earning a chuckle from Hanji, "Fine, say what you want to say so I can turn you down already and leave."

Their demeanor changed - from playful to serious, as they stated in a business-like manner, "I'll take care of all your expenses - yours and even Sasha's. The two of you will be living comfortably, I can assure you that."

I stared at them incredulously for a second before bursting into laughter, saying in between fits, my cheeks hurting a bit in the process, "You truly are a con artist! Your offer's too good to be true, at least make it realistic!"

But Hanji's expression was dead serious, and it was more than enough to calm myself down moments later. I cleared my throat and sat up straight once more, and Hanji broke the silence as they said, "Of course, it comes with a somewhat hefty price."

Raising an eyebrow, I asked curiously, unable to hold myself back, "And what would that be?"

"You have to marry me."