𝙿𝚞𝚣𝚣𝚕𝚎𝚜

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝟾

Eren started to get ready for the day, and you continued to chat with Armin over your cups of coffee. He thankfully dropped the previous conversation, not pressing any further about what happened last night. Things seemed to return to normal even though your gut told you this was not the last you would hear of it. Armin already told Sasha about your frequent visits. Little loud mouth.

You set your empty mug in the sink to join the other dishes that need to be cleaned. The shower had turned off at least ten minutes ago so you decided to meet Eren back in his bedroom. He was freshly showered and dressed. You quietly watch as he carelessly tied back his damp, towel-dried hair.

"Here." He had picked up a sweatshirt that was thrown over his desk chair. He tossed it in your direction. "You can wear this for now if you'd like."

You caught the sweatshirt in your hands and held it up to your eye level to examine it. "Why? Do I smell or something?"

Eren laughed, shaking his head at your perpetual need to make a joke. It was your own way of keeping yourself at ease rather than – god forbid – feeling something deeply. Eren only recognized it because he had the same habit.

"You can change in the bathroom. I'll meet you at the car."

You tucked the sweatshirt under your arm to carry to the bathroom. Once the door was shut, you leaned against it, drawing in a deep breath of air. It felt pained, like you couldn't fill your lungs. Everything felt tight. Panicky. You exhaled sharply.

You splashed cold water over your face, ridding the sleep from your eyes. Having to forego brushing your teeth, you stole a swig of mouthwash from the bottle that sat on the edge of the sink. You roughly combed your fingers through your hair before tying it off in a ponytail. You swapped your own sweatshirt for Eren's. It hung loosely on your frame like an awkward-length dress.

Taking a couple of moments to inspect the final product that looked back at you in the mirror, you let out a small sigh. For the time being, this was the best you were going to get.

You headed to Eren's car. Once you were settled into the passenger's seat, you looked over at Eren and noticed the warmed expression he wore.

His eyes looked you once over. He smirked. "It looks good on you."

Your heart leaped into your throat. That tight feeling was back, and you were suddenly hyper-aware of the sweatshirt that clung to your body. Sweating in a sweatshirt. Cute. You definitely had to wash it before giving it back now.

"Thanks." You somehow managed to find your voice.

You tensed up when you saw Eren reach toward you. He placed his hand on your seat as he looked over his shoulder to back up his car. You settled into your seat once you realized what he was doing.

What is going on with you? Chill out, you bitterly thought.

"I have to stop by my parents' place before we go to breakfast. That alright?"

"Mhm." You mumbled without giving his words much thought. You were more preoccupied with why you were freaking the fuck out.

Trying to keep it together, you focused your thoughts on breakfast. You steadied your breathing as you tried to imagine the different options that you could order. Thinking of food always did the trick. You were like Sasha in that way. No wonder you were best friends.

You were only snapped from your stream of thoughts once you heard Eren's seatbelt unclasp. He stepped out of the car, staring at you as he held his car door open. "Are you coming?"

"Huh?"

"I'll be in there for a minute so you can come in. It's better than sitting in the car." He closed the door and walked around to open yours. "My mom won't bite. I promise."