𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 || 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐀

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟐 : 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞

"Killed someone?" I echoed, turning to Levi with a hesitant smile. "You're kidding, right? In a video game or something?"

My attempt at levity faltered as Levi's expression remained unyielding. His piercing gaze didn't waver, his eyes cold and unforgiving.

I expected a chuckle, a nod, or even a playful roll of his eyes. But Levi's silence was deafening.

His glare pinned me in place, its intensity making my heart stumble. My smile froze, then faltered, as I realized he wasn't joking.

The air thickened, heavy with an unspoken truth. I felt a shiver run down my spine as Levi's gaze seemed to bore into my very soul.

"Levi?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

His eyes narrowed, a warning sign that made me retreat. I swallowed hard, my mind racing with dark possibilities.

What secrets lay hidden behind those piercing eyes?

"It's none of your business."

He sipped his beer, his eyes never leaving the amber liquid. The bar, once bustling with laughter and chatter, slowly succumbed to silence. Patrons trickled out, leaving behind only the faint scent of stale beer and worn leather.

I rolled my eyes, exasperation getting the better of me. "You can't expect me to not get curious after saying something like that."

Levi's expression remained impassive, his jawline sharp in the dim light. His silence was a fortress, impenetrable and unyielding.

Just as the tension between us threatened to become unbearable, Mark reappeared.

Mark's gaze flicked to Levi, his expression questioning, but Levi's poker face revealed nothing.

Mark's monotone voice accompanied the clink of the plate as he set the burger and fries in front of me. "There you go."

The savory aroma of grilled meat and crispy fries wafted up, tantalizing my senses. My stomach growled in anticipation. I dug in, the first bite a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Just as I was savoring the taste, Levi's disapproving tone cut through the moment. "Tsk, Stop eating like a pig. It's not running away anywhere."

I swallowed, my cheeks warming, and met Levi's critical gaze. "I'm hungry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper, but laced with defiance.

Levi's eyebrows arched, his expression unyielding. "Fine, but try to have some dignity."

I speared another fry, my movements deliberate, and popped it into my mouth. Levi's gaze lingered, a mix of annoyance and amusement dancing in his eyes.

Mark's friendly tone invited conversation. "You new to the city? Haven't seen you around here before."

I shook my head, taking a sip of my drink. "Not new, just don't frequent bars often. I'm not much of a drinker."

Mark nodded understandingly. "Small city, you'd think you'd see familiar faces all the time."

Levi's intense gaze snapped to me, his eyes narrowing. "What brought you here tonight?"

I met his scrutiny calmly. "I've already told you."

Levi's expression twisted into disdain. "Oh right, your trust issues. That's a ridiculous reason to drink over."

His scoff grated, like rough sandpaper on raw skin. I felt a flush rise, my defenses prickling.

"Breaking a promise isn't a small thing, especially when it's from someone close to you." My voice trembled, the weight of Ryan's betrayal still raw.

Levi rolled his eyes, his dismissive gesture fueling my frustration. "Still, it's a pathetic reason to drink over."

He leaned in, his voice taking on a lecturing tone. "The world's a mess. There are people carrying burdens you can't even imagine. Wars, famine, oppression... You think your close one lies compare?"

His words stung, but I stood firm. "Every person has a different capacity to tolerate pain, emotionally or physically. Just because others suffer more doesn't diminish my hurt."

Levi's gaze locked onto mine, his expression unyielding. "You're not special. Your pain isn't unique."

I felt a spark ignite within me, a defiance born from the depths of my soul. "That may be true, but my pain is mine. And it's real. How can you be so cruel?" I asked, my voice laced with frustration. "Don't you feel anything?"

Levi's expression remained impassive, but his eyes flickered, a hint of discomfort betrayed. "I feel what I need to."

"That's not true," I pressed, my words tumbling out. "You're one of those who shut everyone out, pretending pain doesn't exist. But it does. And it hurts."

Levi's jaw clenched, his gaze drifting away. "You don't know what I've seen."

"Fine," I said, "But know this: emotional numbness isn't strength, Levi. It's a prison."

"Fuck off, bitch," Levi snarled, slamming a wad of cash on the counter. The bartender's eyes widened as Levi stormed out of the bar, leaving tension in his wake.

Mark's eyes were glued to the door, his voice barely above a whisper. "That was intense."

I speared another fry, chewing in silence, savoring the salty taste.

Mark's gaze shifted to me, curiosity etched on his face. "You know Levi, huh?"

I shook my head, swallowing. "No, I met him tonight. First time."

Mark's eyebrows arched. "That's strange. Levi rarely talks to anyone."

"Why is he so rude?" shaking my head, referring to Levi's abrupt departure.

Mark chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "That's just how Levi is."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's his story?"

Mark leaned in, lowering his voice. "Levi's... complicated. Keeps to himself mostly. I've seen him come in here for years, but he's never really interacted with anyone."

I nodded thoughtfully, finishing my plate and taking the last sip of my drink. The flavors mingled on my tongue as I savored the momentary peace.

Mark's expression turned sympathetic. "Don't take it personally. Levi's got... issues. He's not usually this engaged with people."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Engaged?" That was one word for it.

Mark leaned in, lowering his voice. "Yeah. He's either silent or explosive. You got more out of him than most."