Retrieving Footsteps [Levi x Reader]

Divided Paths

"(Y/n)!"

Everyone turned to see Hana striding towards us, her expression a mix of determination and disdain. Seiji followed closely behind her, looking apprehensive, while a few higher-ups from the Yeager Company trailed them. The atmosphere shifted instantly; the cheerful mood dampened as their presence loomed over us.

"Great," Eren muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes. "What do they want now?"

"Looks like they're here for business," Reiner observed, crossing his arms defensively.

Hana's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. "I need to talk to you," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"About what?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the unease swirling inside me.

Seiji stepped forward, glancing between us. "Can we have a moment, Hana? We were just in the middle of something important." His voice was calm, but I could hear the underlying tension.

Hana dismissed him with a wave of her hand, her focus solely on me. "This is between (Y/n) and me. I think it's time we clear the air."

Levi moved slightly, positioning himself protectively at my side. "Whatever this is, it should be kept professional. We're in the middle of a team discussion," he stated firmly, his tone brokering no nonsense.

One of the higher-ups from the Yeager Company, a tall man with a stern expression, stepped forward. "We need to discuss ongoing projects," he said, his gaze shifting between Levi and Hana. "But it would be best if (Y/n) was part of this conversation too. She's now a key player in the Crystal Project."

I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on me as I stood there, caught between two worlds. "What do you need to discuss?" I asked, trying to sound composed.

Hana's expression darkened. "You think you can just waltz into this company and forget about your responsibilities back at Yeager? You're abandoning us for a better opportunity, and now you think you can have it all?" Her words dripped with contempt.

"I'm not abandoning anyone," I retorted, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm just pursuing a chance to make something of myself, something we can all benefit from. This isn't just about me; it's about the project and what we can do together."

Seiji intervened, his voice low but firm. "Hana, this isn't the time or place for this. We have a meeting scheduled with Levi and the rest of the team. Let's focus on that."

The tension in the air crackled like static electricity, and I could see the higher-ups shifting uneasily.

"I don't care about your little meeting," Hana shot back, her tone sharp. "I care about what this means for all of us. You're acting like you can just forget everything you built at Yeager. Like we don't matter anymore."

"Enough, Hana!" Seiji said, his voice raised slightly. "You're not helping anything by bringing this up here."

Hana's expression shifted from anger to disbelief, her frustration palpable. "You're defending her? After everything?"