𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒇 | A Yeager Story

[34] A Moment of Respite

Mina's POV

"It seems that Hange now shares the same thought."

While mulling over my next plan of action and munching over some food that Captain Hange had given me before leaving, I couldn't help but tilt my head upwards to look directly at the person who had suddenly spoken out loud. It even baffles me that he still hasn't left, even though Commander Erwin already did just a few minutes ago.

So, after chewing a few more seconds until all the food had been successfully swallowed, perceiving that the man beside me never moved an inch and simply watched me while doing so, I tried my best to reply as quickly as possible. "You mean about her hypothesis with regards to the Titans?"

"Mn," He hums as he pushes himself off the wall to sit on the chair Commander Erwin had just sat in. "The identity of the Titans, the identity of those bastards that I kill..."

I sighed, sharing his sentiment. "Yes."

Are humans.

And even though Captain Levi didn't finish his sentence, just by looking at his frown, anyone can understand the conflict he's currently battling from within. As long as they try to understand this cold yet kind man, anyone can do so.

Including my broken soul. "It's kill or be killed, Captain," I whisper, lowering my gaze to look at my bandaged arms. And to think that we were just talking about this matter a few weeks ago - in a form of theory, on his side. "If we think too much about it, or if we even have the time to reflect on our actions, it'll just eat us alive. Besides, Captain Hange said that we still don't have proof."

"Just hearing it coming from both of your weird ass mouths is enough, brat." He stoically said, not giving me time to ponder whether it was a compliment. "It's becoming too real. Just shows how shitty this world is."

Yes.

That's because it is.

And yet, before I could respond to that statement and even try to learn more about where he currently stands, it was there that I saw it. His frown, eyes downcast, and his hands gripping his arms. Hard to believe that even humanity's strongest soldier could be rattled, huh?

It's idiotic of me to think like so.

"Why was he smiling?"

"Huh?"

It was like someone turned his switch on as determination once again filled his gaze with the light in his eyes connecting with mine. It was evident in his current expression that he had cast aside his doubt, an attitude befitting of a true soldier. "Erwin. He was smiling after Hange left. Said that we've taken one more step towards the truth. Why?"

Why?

But the commander just said that we-

"..."

Oh.

I tried my best not to chuckle but immensely failed after noticing him giving me a stink eye. So, instead, I faked a cough and proceeded to give him an answer that should satisfy him. "You asked me that question because of what I said back then, right?"

Grumbling, he then closes his eyes. "So what if I did?"

"While some may get hurt because of the truth," I mumbled, knowing full well that the captain was listening even with his eyes closed. "Others may experience the opposite of it. I'm sure the commander was simply glad we're finally getting somewhere."

"Even with just one step?" Scoffing, Captain Levi opened his eyes, wearing a gaze filled with conflicting emotions. "I would have said that we'll eventually run out of people before we learn the truth, but..."