Captivated (ereri

Armin's Understanding

Chapter 15: Armin's Understanding

As I ran out of Levi's room, my heart pounding in my chest, I didn't stop until I reached Armin's quarters. I burst through the door, slamming it shut behind me and locking it with shaky hands. Armin, who was seated at his desk, looked up in surprise, his eyes widening as he took in my flushed face and disheveled appearance.

"Eren, what's wrong?" he asked, concern etched in his features.

I collapsed into the nearest chair, trying to catch my breath as I recounted the events that had just unfolded with Levi. Armin listened intently, his expression shifting from surprise to understanding as I spilled out every detail, every emotion that had been swirling inside me since that moment in Levi's room.

When I finished, I looked up at Armin, my eyes pleading for some kind of guidance, some kind of reassurance that everything would be okay.

Armin sighed, running a hand through his hair as he pondered my words. "Eren, it sounds like there's something between you and Levi, whether you want to admit it or not," he said gently. "But you have to be careful. Relationships within the squad can be complicated, especially when it involves someone like Levi."

I nodded, the weight of Armin's words settling heavily on my shoulders. "I know," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't shake this feeling, Armin. It's like... like he's under my skin, you know?"

Armin gave me a sympathetic smile, his blue eyes filled with understanding. "I know, Eren. But you have to remember that your feelings aren't just about you. They affect the entire squad, and you need to be mindful of that."

I nodded again, the gravity of Armin's words sinking in. "I will," I promised, determination burning bright in my chest. "Thanks, Armin. I needed to hear that."

Armin smiled, reaching out to squeeze my shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "Anytime, Eren. We're in this together, remember?"

As I left Armin's room, the weight of his words still heavy on my mind, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for having a friend like him by my side—a friend who always knew exactly what to say, even when I didn't want to hear it.

Returning to my room, Armin's words still echoing in my mind, I finally settled down, seeking solace in the familiar comfort of my own quarters. I slipped off my clothes until I was wearing nothing but my boxers, relishing the sensation of the cool sheets against my skin as I lay on my stomach, burying myself in the pages of a book.

Lost in the world of words, I barely registered the sound of the door creaking open, but when I looked up, my eyes met Levi's, who had entered without knocking. My heart skipped a beat as I watched him approach, a mixture of surprise and apprehension churning in the pit of my stomach.

Levi cleared his throat, his expression unreadable as he spoke. "Eren, I... I need to apologize," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what came over me earlier. I shouldn't have touched you without asking. It won't happen again."

I nodded slowly, my mind still reeling from the unexpected apology. "It's okay, Levi," I replied, my voice soft. "I understand."

But as Levi turned to leave, something inside me stirred—a boldness, a recklessness that I couldn't quite explain. Without thinking, I got up from the bed, my heart steady despite the chaos swirling around me.

Walking across the room, I stood before Levi, our eyes locked in a silent exchange of understanding. And then, without a word, I reached out and gently placed my finger over Levi's bottom lip, tracing its curve with a tenderness that surprised even me.

Levi looked stunned, his gaze locked on mine with an intensity I had never seen before. And then, in a moment of pure impulse, I leaned down and pressed my lips to his, a rush of heat flooding through me as our mouths met in a hesitant, tentative kiss.

When I pulled away, Levi's expression was a mixture of shock and disbelief, his lips parted in silent astonishment. But before he could say anything, I simply gestured towards the door, my voice steady despite the racing of my heart.

"Shut the door when you leave, Levi," I said, my words a quiet command. Levi exited in a hurry.

And with that, I returned to my bed, my mind buzzing with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions as sleep finally claimed me, the events of the day fading into the hazy realm of dreams.