𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 | 𝙴𝙹𝙰♡︎

Chapter 12: Open; Officially

A knock against the hardwood, it's such an alerting sound. Eren is by his kitchen, about to prepare his dinner, when the noise washes over him. Something so brash that it takes him with concern. He wonders who it is, periodically checking his phone for messages, but there's nothing. A certain emotion tingles against his chest- not fear, but something close to it. Worrisome anticipation is felt all over Eren's body. Expecting nothing but a solicitor or travelling businessman, he steps towards the door. With a hand against the knob, it slides forward.

Yet the figure he meets on the mat subverts all of his expectations.

"Armin?" his voice is shaky with the revelation.

The blonde stands before him, wearing a cuddly sweater and black leggings. Eren feels partially like this is a dream, something he's imagining, but he is truly there in the flesh. Even his subconscious couldn't fabricate those bright, blue eyes.

Armin's voice is soft and gentle. The words feel rehearsed like he planned them ahead of time. There's almost a robotic quality in his tone. "Can I come in?"

"Of course! Yes, go ahead." He moves aside in an overzealous manner. In direct contrast, the visitor is calm with every step.

The apartment is how Armin remembers it. Nothing really about this moment has changed. It's all the same. Same place, same Eren, same conversation. The brunette closes the door behind them, locking it tightly before turning to face his boyfriend. He's standing on the carpeted ground, still.

"Well then," Eren begins. His mouth waters as he realises he doesn't know what to say. "It's nice to see you."

"You're awkward?"

"No, not at all! I'm fine," the words come out with an awkward stammer. Eren's worry is authentic in a moment like this- unfortunately, he can't hide from his hesitation. It's a weakness shown both in his desperate voice and expression. "You really look great."

Armin doesn't stray away from this persona. His stance is confident, and his voice is firm, with an emotionless expression to boot. It reminds the man of employers in dull companies. That docile disposition of the past feels broken apart.

"I wanted to tell you that the break is over," the blonde states.

"Oh?" Eren feels his heart skip a beat.

He should be happy, but there's something off about this moment. His boyfriend continues to show him solid eye contact without a trace of connectivity. Robotic and apathetic. Armin is not embracing a relationship. No, it's like he's falling into a mundane habit. That recognition makes the man frown. Even so, he continues the conversation like normal.

"Good. Are we still...?"

Armin lets a sigh rumble through him. His eyes glare at the brunette. "Look, Eren, I love you."

"Okay." He is reasonably expecting this to turn into a break-up. The mood is set: this cold distance between them is bound to break them apart.

The man continues, "and I don't want to hurt you."

"Okay."

"But I just... can't keep doing this relationship anymore." The words sink like a rock in Eren's stomach. They painfully cut into him. "I want to make a change."

He mutters, "baby..."

After a deep inhale, Armin collects his words together. These are words he's been waiting to say for weeks. He lifts his head when he finally finds his voice and stares Eren in the eyes directly.

With only one sentence, he changes their relationship forever.

"Can we have an open relationship?"

***