Colliding hearts-Eren x Levi, Jean x Mikasa

Chapter 2: Hidden Blush

(Mikasa's p.o.v)

The air was rich with the smell of freshly ground coffee beans and hot chocolate as I sat inside Costa and waited for Eren. He was out, smoking. He knew how much I hated smoking and yet he still did it. At least he did it rarely. I don't know if I'd be able to cope if he became addicted. My phone buzzed again with a text from Annie.

'Hey, Im goin to karate now so ttyl. Btw have u done history yet? I'm stuck. Plz help me with Q7!!! Anyway, I'll c u tomoz. Say hi to E for me x'

I sighed and switched off my phone. Why was Eren taking so long? I took another sip of my sweet, creamy Chai Latte and licked my lips. Then I smoothed my hair and looked up around the Cafe. 

On one table I noticed Miss Hanji, our mad chemistry teacher, reading a book and drinking a cuppacino. Everyone loved Miss Hanji because she puts on the craziest experiments and usually lets you off if you forget your homework. I liked her because she was actually really smart and a really good teacher but not many kids realized that. She noticed me looking at her and smiled at me, adjusting her glasses. 

I also noticed a boy sitting alone at a table at the back of the room, drinking an Americano. Raven black hair. Dark grey eyes. I recognized him. Levi Ackerman from the year above. Adored by pretty much all the girls yet he was known as more of a loner. There was a rumor that his two best friends had been killed in a car crash last year and since then he's had depression but no one had ever asked him. Levi looked over and caught my eyes. I turned back to my drink and reached into my bag for a book. When I looked up he had turned back and lowered his gaze, sipping from his cup.

I propped the book open and ran my fingers along the pages, scanning my eyes along the words inked into the paper. But I couldn't concentrate. I was worried about Eren. He was taking a long time. I tried to continue reading but I saw something out of the corner of my eye. Or more likely, someone.

Jean. 

He was sitting on a sofa by the doors with Marco and Connie. Connie had his arm around Sasha as she munched on a baked potato. What was with Sasha's obsession with potatoes? It felt like every time I see her she's eating one. Her and Connie were a cute couple though. On the sofa opposite them, I noticed Crysta and Ymir chatting, excitedly with Marco. Jean crossed his legs. He looked bored. And hot... 

I can't have feelings for Jean. Not because he doesn't like me. Everyone knows that he has a crush on me. But I can't. Eren and Jean hate each other. And mum told me... before she died... that I must stay faithful to Eren. He's my brother. And he needs to be able to trust me. I don't think he'd be able to if I was dating one of his enemies. It would feel like I was betraying him. I can't do that. And it's not only that... I don't want more people to love in my life. I love Dad. I love Eren. And I loved Mum. Her death hit me so hard. Without her I felt so alone for so long. We were so close. I loved my real mum and dad... I don't think I can deal with any more heartbreak. I'll stick to the wiser option and stay alone. I'll look after Eren. I'll study hard and do well in school. That's what mum would have wanted.

I was so busy thinking that I didn't realize how obvious it was that I was looking at him. And he had noticed. He looked back at me, blushing slightly, and I felt my heart flip over. 

Oh no, please don't blush.

I turned away, hiding my cheeks. He can't see me like this. I waited a minute before glancing at him again. He was getting up.

Oh no, have I made him leave?

But he didn't head towards the doors, he was walking towards me.

Mikasa Ackerman, stop blushing.

I pretended to not see him and went back to my book. 

"Hey, Mikasa." 

I looked up and tried to look confident.

"Hey Jean."

"Havn't seen you 'round school lately."

"Yeah, I've just been busy with studying. Finals are coming." I smiled

He nodded. "Yeah, How could I forget." Jean ran his hand through his hair and grinned at me. 

"Anyway, seeing as we havn't spoken in a while, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the park or something.. to talk. " He blushed a little more. 

I looked behind him at the others. Aside from Connie and Sasha who were giggling about some joke; Crysta, Ymir and Marco were watching us, waiting for my answer. I thought of mum. And of Eren. I felt torn.

"Uh, I don't know..." I began.

"We'll just catch up, just talk." He promised. I looked up into his face. Into his eyes. They were a light caramel brown and I felt my chest flutter and my confidence falter a little. But Jean said just talking. Nothing else. There was nothing wrong with that.

"Ok." I smiled, getting up. Jean turned away and went back to Marco to tell him he was leaving for a bit. I left my bag to come back to and I asked one of the baristas to tell Eren that I was out with... a friend... when he came back. As we were leaving, I noticed Levi get up from where he was sitting and toss a coin to one of the baristas before heading out, the same grim expression on his face. Doesn't he ever smile?

Jean held the door open for me and we both walked out, turning right towards the park.