In the Shadows of the Past | Levi Ackerman

12

I woke up early, the dim light of dawn filtering through the makeshift camp. Confusion clouded my thoughts as I realized I was nestled in a sleeping bag, the events of the previous night flooding back with startling clarity. Levi had brought me here after my vulnerable confession, and the realization sent a surge of frustration coursing through me.

As I scanned the area for any sign of Levi, panic gnawed at the edges of my consciousness. What had I been thinking, opening up to him like that? The thought of my vulnerability laid bare before him ignited a fiery rage within me, and I knew I had to find an outlet for the pent-up anger simmering beneath the surface.

With determination fueling my movements, I sought out a secluded spot away from prying eyes, my muscles screaming for release. I launched into a flurry of training exercises, the rhythmic cadence of push-ups and sit-ups providing a temporary distraction from the turmoil brewing within me.

As I moved through the motions with practiced precision, I allowed my mind to drift, envisioning imaginary opponents against whom I could unleash my fury. Each punch and kick was infused with a raw intensity, a physical manifestation of the turmoil raging within.

"You still look stupid," a voice cut through the haze of my thoughts, snapping me back to reality with jarring clarity. I bristled at the sound, my embarrassment at having exposed my vulnerabilities to Levi simmering beneath the surface.

Ignoring his presence, I continued my relentless assault on the air, determined to bury the emotions threatening to overwhelm me. But before I could react, Levi materialized behind me, his presence a tangible force as he pressed me against a nearby tree, effectively trapping me in his grasp.

As I struggled against Levi's unyielding grip, frustration bubbled to the surface, fueling my determination to break free from his hold. "What's with you and pushing me against something?" I snapped, irritation lacing my words as I met his gaze head-on.

A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes, swiftly masked by his usual stoic expression. "Let go," I demanded, my movements growing more frantic as I attempted to wriggle free from his grasp.

Our proximity was unnerving, our chests brushing against each other with each futile attempt to escape. With our faces mere inches apart, I found myself captivated by the intensity of Levi's gaze, drawn inexplicably to the magnetic pull of his presence.

I couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in his expression as my eyes lingered on his lips, a mischievous smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Let go," I warned, my voice tinged with a newfound boldness as I made a split-second decision.

Without hesitation, I leaned in, pressing my lips against his in a bold act of defiance. For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as the warmth of his lips met mine, sending a jolt of electricity coursing through my veins.

Caught off guard by my audacity, Levi's grip faltered, allowing me to break free from his hold. Seizing the opportunity, I delivered a swift kick, sending him tumbling to the ground with a satisfying thud.

As he fell, I found myself toppling over him, landing squarely on his chest with a mixture of triumph and disbelief. Despite the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins, embarrassment flushed my cheeks crimson as I glared down at him, acutely aware of the gravity of what I had just done.

This impulsive act, this stolen kiss, marked a pivotal moment in our tumultuous relationship, forever altering the dynamic between us. And as I grappled with the aftermath, I couldn't shake the feeling that nothing would ever be the same again.

Levi's incredulous gaze bore into mine, his expression a mix of confusion and irritation. A faint blush tinged his cheeks, betraying the unexpected reaction to my impulsive kiss. Clearing my throat, I shifted uncomfortably under his intense scrutiny, suddenly aware of the compromising position we found ourselves in.