𝚁 𝙴 𝙵 𝙻 𝙴 𝙲 𝚃 𝙸 𝙾 𝙽 | 𝙴𝚛𝚎𝚗 𝚡 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛

𝚃 𝙷 𝙸 𝚁 𝚃 𝚈 - 𝚂 𝙴 𝚅 𝙴 𝙽

Even though after everything, the beach was probably the last place I wanted to be—with all those people and interactions... Eren forced me to come along anyway, going on and on about how it was good for me and whatever.

In the end, I had no energy for arguing, and I gave in, allowing him to drag me to the car with a winner's smile.

I'd rolled my eyes at his dramatics, to which he pitched in that he would buy me an ice cream if I cooperated.

I'd finally hit him, telling him that I wasn't some pet to reward—only causing him to chuckle at my anger.

The banter between us as we made our way to the beach itself made me feel better, as it always did while being around Jaeger—which I still hated to admit.

Though my dream still haunted me, I at least felt better knowing that Eren would be there when I went to talk to Niccolo. Maybe then... maybe then I could actually get through it without bolting.

I don't entirely know why I'd asked him to come with me, but it somehow just felt right. Because... well, I wasn't sure why. But maybe one day I'd figure that out.

The beach wasn't far from the garden—and I supposed I was already dressed in clothing appropriate for the occasion. Though I wasn't wearing a bathing suit, I didn't think I'd be going in the water to begin with.

I noticed Eren wasn't wearing a swimsuit either, and it didn't take me long to figure out why he wouldn't be swimming either, so I didn't ask.

We chatted quietly as Eren drove us there before parking in what was an almost full lot.

I already got a glimpse of the crowded sandy ground—full of families and friends who also wanted to get the most out of the weather.

I gulped at the sight of the amount of people, groaning inwardly and cursing myself for even agreeing to come.

"Aw—what's with the long face?"

I turned to the asshole next to me, my brows furrowed together as I glowered at him. "It's only because I'm here with you," I said with fake sweetness.

He only smiled more at that as he unbuckled. "Good to see you're back to your usual cheerful self."

Not giving me the chance to retort back, Eren got out of his car, shutting the door before I could even open my mouth.

I let out a sigh, watching him from inside the car—hesitating before getting out and following him in suit.

I knew all my friends would be there. Including Jean. Which, for some odd reason, was the person who I was least worried about seeing or talking to. And somehow, I didn't think Jean would even bother approaching—or maybe he wasn't even here today.

My nerves were more or less due to everyone else—my friends who knew I wasn't at school today. If they questioned it...

Yet they never have before. I didn't know if it was because they didn't care or if they understood that I hated talking about it, but no one ever seemed to ask when I disappeared—which I supposed I should be thankful of.

Eren didn't walk off the way I thought he would, instead waiting by the car for me.

Not wanting to keep him waiting much longer, I didn't give myself the chance to back out—finally getting out of the car to join Eren.