Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

The Turning Point

I was perplexed. I hadn't expected to see Levi this soon—the first time I'd ever seen him was a year into dating Seiji. I looked around and spotted Seiji and Hana, laughing, smiling, teasing each other. The sight made my heart ache.

Had they always been this close, and I was just too naive to see it? When did they actually start to feel something for each other? Was I just a tool in their little games? I gritted my teeth, anger bubbling up inside me.

Levi's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "You're wasting energy on them."

I looked up, startled to see him still standing nearby, his gaze fixed on me, as though he'd read every thought in my head.

"Why do you care?" I replied, a little more sharply than I intended.

He shrugged, eyes as indifferent as ever. "I don't. But you look pathetic standing there, pining over people who don't deserve it."

His bluntness stung, but there was an honesty to it I couldn't ignore. He was right; I was letting myself sink into bitterness. And here was Levi, of all people, pointing it out.

"Then what am I supposed to do?" I asked, half-challenging him.

He looked at me, considering. "You're supposed to focus on what matters," he replied. "Not on the past. If you don't like where things are going, change it."

Levi's words left me feeling oddly grounded. He was already walking away, but his words lingered, echoing in my mind. Perhaps this was my chance—to rewrite the story and take back control of my life.

As Levi walked away, his words resonated, settling deep within me. I took a long breath, feeling a mixture of anger and strange relief. Maybe he was right—maybe I'd been clinging to something that was already broken. But now, standing here with the sting of betrayal still fresh, I felt a determination spark inside me.

I took one last look at Seiji and Hana, who were oblivious to the storm brewing within me. They laughed together, so at ease, as if nothing in the world could touch them. A part of me wanted to confront them, demand answers, but Levi's words held me back. Why waste my energy? They weren't worth it.

Instead, I turned and started walking. I didn't know where I was going, but anywhere would be better than standing there, watching them twist the knife. The cool air helped clear my head, each step giving me a little more distance from the hurt.

"Hey," a voice said from behind. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"Why are you following me?" I asked, stopping but keeping my back to him.

"Not following. Just happened to be going the same way," he replied in that monotone voice, though I could sense a hint of curiosity.

I turned to face him, half-skeptical. "You don't strike me as someone who just 'happens' to go anywhere without a reason."

He raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk touching his lips. "Maybe I'm just keeping an eye on someone who looks like they might do something stupid."

"I'm not that reckless," I shot back, crossing my arms defensively.

"Could've fooled me," he said, folding his arms as well, his gaze cool and unwavering. "Look, if you're serious about wanting a change, don't wait for it to happen. Do something about it. Maybe that means training harder, finding something that gives you purpose—something that isn't them."

His words were harsh, but the sincerity in his gaze kept me from snapping back. He'd barely known me, and yet he was pushing me toward something better, even if he'd never admit it.