𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 || 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐀

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟖 : 𝐖𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐇𝐞?

I couldn't help but feel a sense of monotony wash over me. The same beige walls, the same sterile smell, the same bland hospital food. I gazed down at the unappetizing meal in front of me, my face scrunching up in distaste.

"It's bland," I complained, sticking out my tongue in a childish gesture. The sight of the plain, institutional meal was utterly unappealing.

Hange, who was sitting beside me, burst out laughing at my antics. "Stop acting like a baby and eat it," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Her long, curly brown hair bounced with each movement, and her bright smile lit up the drab hospital room. She was a ray of sunshine in a place that desperately needed it.

I shot her a mock-glare, but couldn't help but laugh along with her. "Hey, someone's got to keep things interesting around here," I said, poking at the unappetizing food with my fork.

Hange chuckled and playfully rolled her eyes. "You're such a drama queen," she said, shaking her head. But her eyes sparkled with affection, and I knew she was just joking.

"Made a new friend, I see," said a familiar voice I hadn't heard in a while. The deep, smooth tone was unmistakable, and I felt a surge of excitement as I turned to see who was speaking. My eyes landed on a figure standing in the doorway, a tall and imposing presence that commanded attention.

Toji.

He was just as I remembered him - a tall, muscular man with a powerful build that seemed chiseled from granite. His mid-length straight black hair reached down to his ears, framing a strong, angular face with sharp cheekbones and a determined jawline.

Our eyes met, I felt a rush of happiness and excitement. I hadn't seen Toji in a while, and it was great to see that he was still as handsome and charismatic as ever. I smiled widely, feeling a sense of joy and affection that I couldn't contain. Without thinking, I happily spread my arms wide, inviting him in for a hug.

Toji's expression remained calm and collected as he walked towards me, his long strides eating up the distance. He gave a cool, simple smile, and I felt a flutter in my chest as he opened his arms to envelop me in a light hug. His hand rubbed my back in a gentle, soothing motion, and I felt a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over me.

As we pulled back from the hug, Toji's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I was told that you weren't exactly excited to see me," he said, his deep voice low and smooth.

I rolled my eyes, feeling a surge of exasperation. "That's not true," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's just the lecture and overprotectiveness that made me say that."

Toji's expression turned knowing, and he raised an eyebrow. "Ah, I see," he said, his voice dry. "So, it's not me, it's just my... enthusiastic approach to taking care of you."

I laughed, feeling a sense of warmth and affection towards Toji. Despite his tendency to be overprotective, I knew he came from a good place, and that he only wanted what was best for me.

Hange's curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to me with a questioning look on her face. "Who's he?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.

I smiled, feeling a sense of familiarity wash over me. "Toji is a close friend of mine," I explained. "He left the city a few years ago due to his work, but we've stayed in touch."