A Blooming Love Story (Erehisu)

Chapter 23.5- Armin Acts!

'Scenario 1: He walks up to her and asks her out.'

No, that's too bold for him. That is what Eren would do. Didn't Eren do that?

Scratch that out.

'Scenario 2: He gets one of her friends to ask her about him so that he can find out where her head is. Does she still like him?'

Armin huffs in annoyance. He thought thinking from an outsider's perspective would help him decide on how to approach Annie. Unfortunately, it wasn't helping Armin out. After Armin's conversation with Eren, he felt determined to talk to Annie. However, every time Armin's finger hovered above Annie's contact, he couldn't muster the courage to text or call her.

Today was the Scouts' first day back as well as the first day Armin will see Bertholdt again after their altercation. Armin also was determined to apologize to Bertholdt yet he was hesitant to do this as well.

"Why do I have a lump in my throat?" Armin wondered aloud.

Mikasa turns toward Armin and notices a sign of distress on his face. She knew what it was about and placed her hand softly on his shoulder. "Armin, give yourself time. It's okay if you're not ready. There's no timeline."

Armin sighs. "I know but today is the first day back at the Scouts Club and the related clubs are coming too. I'm excited but I'm thinking about seeing Bertholdt and possibly Annie today has been giving me anxiety."

Mikasa: "Please don't force yourself to come if you're not ready to see them."

Armin: "I'll be okay. Part of it was my fault and this is what I have to face now."

Jean: "Yeah, just make sure you don't start another fight."

Mikasa nudges Jean.

Jean: "Sorry, but we all got chewed out for that."

Armin: "I'm sorry, that was selfish of me."

Jean: "Hey, I'm just giving you a hard time. It's alright. Are you going to try and talk with Bertholdt about the last time you guys saw each other?"

Armin: "I hope to apologize to him." He looks around and notices Annie. His heart stops and drops when Bertholdt comes up to her.

Bertholdt takes Annie's hands and they talk. To Armin, their talk felt like an eternity. 'What are they talking about? Will they get back together?' Annie suddenly lifts her head to Bertholdt and he places his hand on her cheek. Annie reflexively placed her hands on his waist. She says a few words. Bertholdt smiles and then leaves.

"I wonder what that was about?"

Armin slightly jumps from his thought being said aloud by Connie.

Connie: "But it's not my problem. Armin, are you worried? Man, I don't know if I should be Team Bertholdt or Team Armin. I think she should date you both!"

Sasha: "Somehow you were smart enough to get into this university?"

Connie: "I'll take that as a compliment."

Armin: "What if they're back together?"

Jean: "We don't know that and the only way for you to find out is if you talk to her."

Connie: "Yeah and I highly doubt that they are together again. Bertholdt breaking up with Annie but now begging her to be with him again? That doesn't sound right."

Armin: "I should talk to Bertholdt first."

Jean: "Whatever floats your boat."

Armin nods his head. He looks around but he can't spot Bertholdt until he hears him calling his name from behind. Armin turns around.