𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 || 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐀

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟑 : 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

A week had passed since Levi's lips almost claimed mine, leaving an unforgettable mark on my soul. My gaze drifted to the mobile screen, where "Levi" stared back, a stark reminder of the unresolved tension between us.

His emotions, once hidden beneath a calculating mask, now swirled in my mind like a whirlpool. The vulnerability he revealed, the depth of his feelings, and the unspoken connection we shared - all haunted me.

"Do I truly love Ryan," I thought over, "or is it a forced illusion?" The question echoed within, as Levi's words resurfaced: "Every time Ryan's name escapes your lips, it's like a dagger twisting within me."

Why did Levi, the mysterious leader of an infamous criminal organization, harbor such passionate emotions for me?

His world was built on power, strategy, and control, yet I'd glimpsed a glimmer of compassion.

In the silence, my thoughts puzzled out the mystery of Levi's charm. Was it the hidden vulnerability, the unguarded moments, or the unspoken promises? The line between danger and protection blurred, leaving me vulnerable to his charms.

My fingers traced the phone screen as if connecting with Levi's essence. The soft spot he'd carved within my heart now threatened to consume me.

"Who am I kidding?" I whispered to myself. "I'm trapped between two worlds - Ryan's familiarity and Levi's forbidden allure."

The mobile screen seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, as if Levi's presence lingered, awaiting my next move. Time stood still, suspended between the promise of that unfinished kiss and the uncertainty of our entwined fates.

With a deep breath, I admitted: my feelings for Levi ran deeper than curiosity. The question now was - what would I do about it?

Ryan strode into the room, a charismatic smile spreading across his face. "How's befriending Hange going?" he asked, his tone light and inquisitive.

I forced an exhausted smile, my lips curling upward in a weak attempt at reassurance. "It's alright, I guess. Hange and I hang out often enough."

"Do you talk about me when you're with her?" Ryan pressed, his words dripping with subtle intensity.

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Occasionally," I admitted, choosing my words carefully.

Ryan's expression remained neutral, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of interest. "And?"

I shrugged, attempting nonchalance. "Just casual conversations. Hange doesn't seem overly interested."

Ryan's smile returned, but his eyes lingered, as if searching for more.

"Good," he said, his voice measured. "Keep it that way. For now."

His plan, a delicate house of cards, wavered on the brink of collapse - courtesy of my whispered revelations to Levi and Hange.

Fear crept in, its icy tendrils wrapping around my heart. If Ryan discovered my betrayal, his reaction would be fatal. The consciousness of deceiving him chewed my soul.

Yet, I couldn't bring myself to fuel his false hopes. Allowing Ryan to believe his scheme would succeed would only extend the unavoidable hell.