Brewed to Perfection: Quiet Tea | LeviHan | Levi Ackerman x Hange Zoe | FalBi

Chapter 9: Damage Control

The shop opened under a heavy cloud the next morning, but not because of the weather. The unusual flurry of customers from the day before had Levi feeling wary as he prepared for another potentially chaotic day. The door's bell rang persistently, signaling the arrival of yet another wave of customers eager to sample what some were now dubbing "miracle tea."

Levi, stationed behind the counter with a practiced scowl, handed out cups of tea with mechanical efficiency. "This is getting ridiculous," he muttered to himself as he watched the crowd.

Onyankopon, ever the optimist, laughed softly while arranging the freshly washed teacups on a shelf. "Looks like you're a local celebrity now, Levi."

"I didn't sign up for this," Levi grumbled, pouring another round of tea.

The morning continued in a similar vein, with customers streaming in, propelled by the rumors of the tea's extraordinary effects. Despite his skepticism, Levi couldn't help but notice the uplifted spirits and smiling faces that seemed to fill the shop today.

The doorbell jingled, and Armin entered the shop, scanning the bustling room with a concerned expression. He approached the counter, nodding to Levi as he took a seat.

"You weren't kidding about the crowd," Armin said, accepting a cup of tea from Levi. "The rumors have gotten out of hand, haven't they?"

"You think?" Levi replied dryly, leaning against the counter. "It's turning into a circus."

Armin took a sip, his expression thoughtful. "The tea still tastes great, but this is starting to feel...dangerous. People are setting their expectations too high. I came by as I thought you might need a hand-or at least someone to talk to who isn't here for a miracle cure."

Levi sighed, nodding slightly. "You're not wrong."

As they spoke, the door swung open yet again. This time it was Gabi and Falco, both looking unusually serious. Gabi held a clipboard, while Falco carried a box of additional tea supplies.

"We need to talk," Gabi announced, approaching Levi.

Levi crossed his arms, his tone sharp. "You're already on thin ice. What now?"

Gabi glanced around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. "It's about the tea. We might have... exaggerated a bit about its effects."

Levi crossed his arms. "Exaggerated how?"

Falco stepped in, setting down the box. "Some of the things people are saying-it got out of hand. It's just tea, but with everything everyone's saying, it's turning into something it's not."

Levi sighed deeply, a look of frustration etched across his face. "I knew it was too good to be true."

Armin, having overheard the exchange, added his thoughts. "You need to set the record straight, Levi. Before this goes any further."

Levi nodded grimly. "I know. I'll handle it."

Levi stepped out from behind the counter, his commanding presence instantly quieting the room. The customers turned toward him, their chatter fading into silence.

"Listen up," Levi began, holding up a teacup. "This tea is just that-tea. It's not magic. It won't cure your back pain, fix your crops, or make you smarter. Whatever you've heard, it's nonsense."

A few customers exchanged glances, their excitement dimming into something closer to embarrassment.

Levi's gaze swept the room. "I appreciate your business, but don't walk out of here thinking this tea is going to change your life. It's good tea. That's all."

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, some nodding in understanding while others shuffled awkwardly.

Gabi bit her lip, looking guilty. "Sorry, Levi."

Levi shook his head slightly, then addressed the room again. "Enjoy the tea for what it is. And please, keep your expectations realistic."

As the day wound down and the last of the customers left, Levi found himself sitting at a table with Armin, reflecting on the events.

"It's been a strange couple of days," Levi admitted.

Armin smiled. "But you handled it well. You kept your head when it would've been easy to just go along with it all for the sake of business."

Levi looked around the now-quiet shop, a rare moment of peace settling over him. "I guess I did."

Gabi and Falco, having finished cleaning up, came over. "No more stunts," Gabi promised. "Right, Falco?"

Falco nodded vigorously. "Right. Just plain old tea from now on."

Levi exhaled slowly, his tone low but not harsh. "Let's keep it that way."

Gabi lingered, fidgeting slightly. "It wasn't that bad, right? Just...a little mess?"

Levi didn't respond immediately, instead giving Gabi a long, steady look. She was impossible to miss-her energy, her eagerness to push boundaries, and her talent for chaos. He'd seen it before, in someone who had a knack for making his life both unbearable and strangely vibrant.

For a moment, his scowl eased, and he shook his head. "Just don't make it a habit."

Gabi grinned, taking his response as a victory. "See, Falco? Told you it wasn't a disaster!"

Falco muttered, "That's not what he said..."

Levi watched the two of them bicker as they left the room. He sighed, but the corners of his mouth tugged upward into a faint smile. Hange wasn't here, but in some strange way, her spirit was. And while it drove him to the brink, it also reminded him why he kept going.

The shop closed for the day with a sense of calm restored. Levi knew there would be more challenges ahead, but for now, he appreciated the quiet simplicity of his shop-just a place to enjoy a good cup of tea.