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

Chapter 10: Growing Tension

The tea shop settled into a rhythm over the next few days, though "rhythm" was a generous term for the chaos that still lingered. Customers continued to rave about the tea, and Gabi basked in the attention, though Levi's patience was wearing thin. He leaned on his crutch near the counter, watching the steady stream of customers with a mix of irritation and skepticism.

"You've got regulars now," Onyankopon said, balancing a tray of clean teacups. "That's progress."

Levi grunted. "I've also got people asking if I can brew them good luck."

"They're paying customers," Onyankopon said with a grin. "Let them believe what they want."

Levi shot him a look. "Until they start expecting miracles and suing me when they don't get them."

Gabi walked by with a tray, her head held high. "It's not my fault they love the tea. Maybe you should say thank you, Levi."

"Maybe you should stop talking," Levi replied.

Falco, carefully refilling sugar bowls, murmured, "At least the shop's doing well..."

Levi sighed, leaning heavier on his crutch. "For now."

The bell above the door jingled, and a man stepped inside. Levi recognized him instantly-Oliver, the smug owner of the nearby Golden Brew Café. Dressed in a crisp apron and exuding the air of someone who thought they owned the world, Oliver surveyed the shop with a slight smirk.

"Captain Ackerman," Oliver said, his tone dripping with faux politeness. "I've heard your tea is... remarkable."

Levi's grip on his crutch tightened. "What do you want?"

"Just a friendly visit," Oliver replied, strolling to the counter. "Word travels fast in a small town. People say your tea has... special properties."

Levi's glare deepened. "It doesn't."

"Of course not," Oliver said, his smirk widening. "But rumors like that can be dangerous. Customers are fickle, you see. They'll chase the latest trend, but once it fades..." He shrugged, as if the conclusion were obvious.

Gabi appeared at Levi's side, holding an empty tray. "Our tea doesn't need tricks to be good."

"Is that so?" Oliver asked, raising an eyebrow. "Well, I suppose we'll see how long your... popularity lasts."

Levi's voice was cold. "Get out."

Oliver chuckled, turning toward the door. "Good luck, Captain. You'll need it."

As the door swung shut behind Oliver, Gabi slammed her tray onto the counter. "What a jerk! Who does he think he is?"

"Someone who's been in this business longer than us," Onyankopon said, though his tone was more amused than concerned.

Levi hobbled toward the counter, his crutch tapping against the floor. "He's worried we're cutting into his profits."

"And he should be," Gabi said, crossing her arms. "Our tea is way better."

Falco hesitated. "But... what if he's right? What if people stop coming?"

"They won't," Gabi said confidently. "As long as we keep making great tea."

Levi's sharp gaze landed on her. "No more herbs."

Gabi raised her hands in mock surrender. "No more herbs. Promise."

Later that evening, as Levi locked up the shop, Gabi and Falco pushed him in the wheelchair toward the back room. The day had been long, and his leg ached more than usual.

"Do you think Oliver will try something?" Falco asked, breaking the silence.

"Like what?" Gabi replied. "Steal our tea?"

"Maybe," Falco said. "Or spread rumors about us."

Levi sighed, leaning back in the chair. "If he does, we'll deal with it."

"Maybe we should have a plan," Falco suggested. "Just in case."

Levi glanced at him. "The plan is simple. We keep making good tea. If people stop coming, that's on them, not us."

Gabi grinned. "See? Even Levi knows we're the best."

Levi rolled his eyes as Falco opened the door to the back room. "Don't get cocky. We've got enough problems without you adding to them."

The next morning, Levi descended the stairs to find the shop in disarray. Chairs were overturned, teacups scattered across the floor, and the shelves of tea tins had been ransacked.

Gabi stood in the middle of the chaos, her hands on her hips. "I told you Oliver would try something!"

"There's no proof it was him," Onyankopon said, though his expression was grim. "But this doesn't look random."

Levi gripped his crutch tightly, his eyes narrowing. "Whoever it was, they've got my attention."

Falco picked up a broken teacup, his brow furrowed. "What do we do now?"

"We clean up," Levi said, his voice steady. "And we keep going."

Gabi stepped closer, her expression fierce. "Shouldn't we do something about it?"

Levi looked at her, his face hard but calm. "Not yet. Let them think we're weak. They'll regret it later."