Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

The Pressure to Perform

~ 5 hours earlier @ 3:00 PM ~

"(Y/n), guess what!" I turned to my left to see my best friend, Hana Rall. She has straight ginger hair that cascades down her slim back, with beautiful green eyes. She carries an air of confidence, her unique features setting her apart in a crowd. The vibrant strands of her hair glisten in the sunlight, framing her face and accentuating her striking green eyes that seem to hold a world of curiosity and warmth. People are often drawn to her presence, enchanted by her radiant beauty and the sparkle in her gaze. Whether she's engaging in conversation or lost in her thoughts, there's an undeniable allure about her that captivates those around her.

We became friends on my first day at Yeager Company five years ago. At that time, I had just graduated from Paradise University at the age of 23 with a bachelor's in biology and a minor in business. I was a nervous wreck, unsure of what would become of me after finishing my studies. With no friends or family nearby, I felt isolated in this new chapter of my life. My family and friends were all back in my hometown of Ehrmich, and I just wanted to create a new life for myself, independent from my parents.

I lived in a small one-bedroom apartment near the university to manage tuition and living expenses. The transition was overwhelming, and I often felt lost in a city bustling with strangers. It was during one of those anxious moments, on my first day at Yeager Company, that I met Hana. She greeted me with a warm smile that instantly put me at ease, her straight ginger hair catching the light as she introduced herself.

I smiled at the fond memory when I heard the snapping of fingers that brought me back to reality. "Hello (y/n), are you paying attention or not? I swear you do this every time!" Hana pouted, her rosy cheeks puffed up and her arms crossed over her chest. I let out a small laugh and shook my head. "I'm sorry, Hana, I was just spacing out for a moment. I didn't mean to ignore you. But what can I help you with? I'm kinda busy preparing this presentation for the upcoming meeting in half an hour."

Hana gasped, grasping my hands into hers. A big smile plastered across her face made her almost look like the Joker. "(Y/n), is this presentation for the Ackerman Company? Do you think you can handle them all on your own? They can be pretty intimidating." I smiled softly at her, trying to reassure her that everything would be okay. Hana let go of my hands and leaned against the wall. "So which Ackerman are you presenting to exactly? Is it Mikasa, Kenny, or Levi?"

I glanced at my computer and read the name out loud: "Levi Ackerman." Looking back at Hana, I noticed her cheeks flush pink, her eyes widening as she bit her lower lip. I couldn't help but laugh at her expression. I wasn't surprised; Hana had a huge crush on Levi Ackerman.

Levi is undeniably handsome, with a lean, muscular build and sharp, angular features. His piercing grey eyes convey a sense of intensity, while his dark, spiky hair is kept short and slightly messy. He has a stoic demeanor, reflecting his no-nonsense attitude and formidable skills. I'd stolen a few glances at him the few times he had visited our company.

I could see why so many people at work fell head over heels for him. I would giggle at the girls' antics, but honestly, if I weren't married, I might have been one of those victims as well. My gaze returned to Hana, who was getting more excited by the second. Suddenly, she grasped my shoulder and began shaking me. "(Y/n), can you please let me do the presentation? Better yet, let me be your assistant!"

I shook my head and gently pushed her away. "Hana, you're my friend, and I know Levi makes you go crazy, but this is something I've been working on for a week." I turned back to continue typing.

"But you don't know what my presentation is about! This is a big opportunity for our company. The Ackermans own the Survey Corps tech, where they build all the military's equipment nationwide. Are you sure you can handle that pressure? This presentation could make or break us." I heard Hana softly whisper a no.

"But (y/n)—" I slapped my hand on my desk, getting annoyed with her persistence. "Hana, my answer is no, and no means no. Stop being persistent. Seiji was the one who handed me this project. If he wanted you to do it, he would have given it to you."

Hana let out a small whimper. I pinched the bridge of my nose and let out a big breath. I knew Hana could be sensitive, especially when she felt rejected. But I needed her to understand that everything isn't handed to her on a silver platter. Still, I felt bad for being stern; I should have been nicer.

"Look, Hana, I'm sorry for my reaction. I'm a bit stressed out, and I'm just trying to finish this presentation. Can you forgive me?" I turned to see her with her head down.

"(Y/n), it's just not fair. You get everything you want handed to you just because Seiji is your husband. But whatever, I forgive you." Her statement puzzled me. I didn't get everything just because my husband was the CEO of our company. Like everyone else, I had to work hard to earn my position.

I stood up and gave Hana a hug. I felt her arms wrap around my waist in a gentle embrace. Looking at her face, I offered a small smile, which she returned with a giggle. "Okay (y/n), I'll let you get back to work. I forgot I have some work to do. See you later, and good luck at the meeting." She gave me one last hug before softly walking back to her desk.

I sat back down, staring at the screen in front of me, taking in what I had accomplished so far. Feeling proud, I continued typing away.

—— 30 minutes later ——

"Finally, I'm done." I leaned back in my chair, staring up at the white ceiling. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in and out, wondering about Hana's strange behavior earlier. It wasn't out of the ordinary, considering her curious nature to know what I was doing or what I was up to. I resolved to reach out to her again, not just as a coworker, but as a friend. Working together might help her see her own value, rather than measuring herself against mine.

I found myself reflecting on our earlier conversation. Hana's words lingered in my mind, the insinuation that my life was easier because of Seiji's status. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more beneath her surface, a deeper insecurity perhaps.

With a sigh, I turned back to my computer, my fingers hovering above the keyboard. I had a presentation to prepare, but the weight of Hana's expression pulled at my thoughts. She was talented, driven, and deserved recognition for her own efforts, yet she often compared herself to me.

As I reviewed my slides, I made a mental note: I needed to reach out to Hana again, not just as a coworker, but as a friend. Perhaps I could invite her to collaborate on a project. Working together might help her see her own value, rather than measuring herself against mine.

Just then, the sound of my office door creaking open pulled me from my reverie. Seiji stepped in, his presence instantly grounding. "Hey, how's the presentation coming along?"

"It's done, finally," I replied, a smile breaking across my face. "But I think I need to check in on Hana. She seemed upset earlier."

He leaned against the doorframe, his expression turning thoughtful. "She looks up to you, you know. It's hard for her to see her own worth when she's always comparing herself to you."

"Exactly," I said, my frustration from earlier dissipating. "I want to help her realize that she's capable of so much on her own."

Seiji nodded. "Maybe you could mentor her a bit? She might just need someone to believe in her."

"Yeah, I think that could really help," I said, feeling a sense of purpose ignite within me.

As I gathered my things, I felt a renewed determination. I would be there for Hana, just as I had wanted to be.