𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 ||【 𝕃𝕖𝕧𝕚 𝕏 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕏 𝔼𝕣𝕨𝕚𝕟】

|8| Loss ✔️

Erwin had been teaching me everything I needed to know for the upcoming mission these last couple of days. First in English, now—unfortunately for both of us—in Japanese.

And it was harder than he expected.

Despite spending most of my time here learning the language, I was currently slumped at a desk, frustrated beyond belief. A notebook lay open in front of me while Erwin scribbled something on the chalkboard.

"It took me 7 years to completely learn French, and that's one of the easiest languages to learn," I say defeated, slamming my head onto the desk. I am so unbelievably frustrated right now trying to learn Japanese. Honestly with everything.

The sound made Erwin flinch and turn around. I wasn't being dramatic—Japanese really was that hard.

"You've been doing well. Let's take a break," Erwin offered, and I sat up, exhaling sharply.

I stayed quiet, eyes drifting back to the notebook. Erwin watched me, likely noticing the way my leg bounced as I scanned over the upcoming expedition plans. The layout showed where everyone would be—Erwin and I near the front, leading one of the squads. Another group had Flagon and the three thugs who'd been brought in recently. Of course, they'd likely split from him the first chance they got.

"You know," I said suddenly, trying to sound casual, "it's supposed to rain that day." I hadn't told him before. I didn't want to screw with the timeline more than I already had. But on top of everything else, I don't know if I can carry the guilt if Farlan and Isabel die.

I'd gotten close to Isabel these past few weeks. Really close.

After the whole mess with the women's barracks, I told Erwin, and he'd had the Commander deal with it. Then I convinced him to let Isabel sleep with her "brothers" again, for everyone's sanity. That meant I also got stuck in that room to keep them out of trouble.

As if that would happen. Keeping me and Isabel together caused more trouble if anything.

Isabel had been trying to help me with Japanese, but she kept throwing in modern slang like "bruh" or abbreviating words like "IDK." Not exactly helpful. She didn't know any language I could fall back on, which is probably why Levi got fed up with her charades and decided to teach me himself.

Honestly, this place was full of misfits—and somehow, I fit right in. That's why this is making it so hard. I don't know what to do.

"Hmm?" Erwin hummed, walking over to my desk.

"Nothing," I mumbled, eyes back on the plans as I leaned my chin on my hand, and sigh falling from my lips.

Erwin had placed me in his squad because, one: I could barely speak Japanese, and two: he still has to keep an eye on me. Y'know, the girl from a different universe who knows the future can't exactly be left unsupervised.

"What did you say? It might be important for the expedition," he nudged, now standing directly in-front of my desk.

I let out a breath, crossing my legs as I leaned back in the chair.

"Do I have to be in your squad? Not complaining or anything, just figured I might be more useful somewhere else." I deflected, very conflicted on if I should tell him the truth.

Tell Erwin.
Don't tell Erwin.
Tell Erwin.
Don't tell Erwin.
Tell Er—

Erwin raised an eyebrow, his blue eyes catching mine in a silent staring contest. He crossed his arms slowly, posture relaxed—but the look he gave me was sharp.

He knew I was avoiding something.
After a few seconds, I groaned, breaking eye contact.

"Ah, fine! You know I can't resist that look." I gave in, leaning back in my chair in defeat.
Erwin smiled faintly and pulled up a chair, sitting directly in front of me. He rested his elbows on the desk, hands loosely clasped, eyes focused as I uncrossed my legs—my right one still bouncing with nervous energy.