𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 || 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐀

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟏 : 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

My eyelids fluttered open, I was met with an unfamiliar ceiling. Grogginess clouded my mind, and disorientation fogged my thoughts. Where was I? It wasn't until I turned my head to the side that memories came flooding back.

I recalled snuggling up beside Hange, laughter and whispers exchanged, and the warmth of the evening lulling me into a deep sleep. A faint smile spread across my face as I sat up, rubbing the rest of my slumber from my eyes.

Hange's concerned face came into focus, and I mumbled, "How long did I sleep?"

Hange's expression softened, and she replied, "Just a couple of hours."

My thoughts began to clear, and I remembered the purpose of my visit. I asked, "Is Levi here?" Hange nodded affirmatively, a hint of a smile on her lips.

"Take me to him, " Hange's smile widened, but she cautioned, "Eat something first, you must be starving."

However, my stubbornness took priority over my hunger, and I refused, saying, "No, I want to meet Levi first."

Hange's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she nodded, leading me to the room where Levi awaited.

"Alright, follow me."

I trailed behind Hange, the soft creak of the wooden staircase beneath our feet echoed through the silence. We reached in front of the room, and Hange gestured for me to enter.

As we entered, I was enveloped by the musty scent of old books and the faint tang of leather. Soft, golden light spilled from the desk lamp, casting a warm glow across the room's occupants. Rows of towering bookshelves stood sentinel.

Levi, seated behind his desk, motionless and enigmatic, gazed at me with an intensity that seemed to pierce the very fabric of my being.

His voice, firm but measured, cut through the tense air, "What brings you to my house, uninvited?"

I stuttered, my words tangling in my throat like a snared animal. With a deep breath, I forced out a reply, "I-I wanted to talk to you about something."

Hange, ever the vigilant observer, walked silently beside Levi's side, her eyes locked onto me with an unnerving curiosity. 

"Go on."

"Ryan found out your actual work. I know all about the illicit empire you and Levi have built. Your criminal organization does blood-stained deals and other criminal activities."

Levi's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of unease danced in her eyes. "You're aware of how dangerous we are yet you still came here?"

I swallowed hard, my heart racing, as I replied, "I didn't mean to waste your time, but I had no choice."

My eyes locked onto Hange's, "Ryan wants me to befriend you, Hange," I said, my voice laced with a mix of emotions - frustration, unease, and a hint of betrayal.

"He thinks that if I get close to you, he'll be able to manipulate his way into your corps."

Levi's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing into slits as he processed the information.

Hange's face remained impassive, but a flicker of understanding danced in his eyes.

Levi's piercing gaze bore into my soul as he posed the question, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and reproach. "Why did you come clean about Ryan's intentions, instead of keeping it a secret and supporting him?"