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

Chapter 14: The Irony

The morning sun filtered through the windows of Quiet Tea, casting a warm glow over the polished tables and neatly arranged shelves. Levi leaned on his crutch behind the counter, mentally bracing himself for what was about to unfold. Hange had insisted-on serving customers today.

"It'll be fun, Levi!" she had declared over breakfast. "You've got your system, but the shop could use a little pizzazz."

Levi had given her a flat look. "This place is called Quiet Tea, not 'Hange's Traveling Circus.' Don't make it worse."

But Hange, in typical fashion, had ignored him entirely.

The doorbell jingled as the first customer of the day walked in, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile. Levi opened his mouth to greet her, but Hange beat him to it, bounding up to the counter with theatrical flair.

"Welcome to Quiet Tea!" Hange announced, spreading her arms as though she were presenting a grand stage. "What can I brew for you today?"

The woman blinked, clearly startled, but offered a hesitant smile. "Um... just a cup of green tea, please."

"An excellent choice!" Hange said, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. "Did you know green tea has been enjoyed for centuries? It's said to promote longevity, vitality, and an unparalleled sense of zen!"

Levi pinched the bridge of his nose. "Just make the tea."

Hange turned, saluting him as if she were a soldier reporting for duty. "Right away, Captain!"

As she busied herself with the teapot, Hange narrated every step of the process like a storyteller spinning an epic tale. "First, we measure the leaves-each one a delicate gift from nature. Then, we heat the water to the perfect temperature-hot enough to awaken the flavors, but not so hot that it burns their delicate essence..."

The woman giggled, clearly amused by Hange's antics. "You're very... enthusiastic."

"Tea deserves enthusiasm!" Hange declared, pouring the tea into a cup with a flourish. "And here we are-the nectar of tranquility, served to perfection!"

Levi handed the cup to the customer before Hange could add anything else. "Enjoy your tea."

As the woman sat down, still chuckling, the bell jingled again, and a small group of young men entered. Hange immediately pounced.

"Ah, fresh faces! Welcome, weary travelers, to Quiet Tea, where your thirst shall meet its match!"

The group exchanged amused glances. "We're just here for some black tea," one of them said, grinning.

"Black tea, you say? Bold! Robust! A drink for those who dare to face the day head-on!" Hange exclaimed, pulling out a tin of Levi's smoky black blend. She leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice. "You know, some say this tea has magical properties. It's been known to banish fatigue and sharpen the mind."

Levi's glare could've cut through steel. "Hange."

"What?" Hange said innocently, straightening up. "I'm just enhancing the experience."

"You're turning this into a play," Levi grumbled, pouring the tea himself before Hange could add another monologue.

As the day went on, Hange's antics only escalated. She introduced herself to every customer with theatrical bows, gestured wildly as she explained the menu, and once even mimicked a "tea ceremony" complete with exaggerated movements and impromptu haikus. Gabi and Falco, meanwhile, tried to keep up and enjoyed the view, but their constant snickering only encouraged Hange further.

At one point, a regular customer leaned over to Levi and said, "She's... energetic."

"That's one word for it," Levi replied, crossing his arms as he watched Hange serenade a teapot for a group of giggling children.

Despite the chaos, something strange happened: the customers loved it. The laughter and chatter in the shop grew louder, and by midday, the place was packed. Even the name Quiet Tea seemed like a distant memory as Hange regaled the crowd with stories about her travels, complete with dramatic reenactments of tea markets and ship voyages.

Levi eventually cornered her behind the counter during a rare lull. "You're scaring people."

Hange smirked. "Really? Because it looks like the place is thriving."

"Thriving with noise," Levi retorted, gesturing to the lively crowd.

"It's called atmosphere, Levi," Hange said, grinning. "You should try it sometime."

He gave her a long, unimpressed look. "You're lucky this is working. But tone it down."

"Noted, Captain Grumpy," Hange said with a mock salute before twirling back into the fray.

As the day wound down, the shop finally began to quiet. The last few customers finished their tea and left, and Gabi and Falco started cleaning up. Levi sat down at one of the tables, rubbing his temples as Hange plopped into the seat across from him.

"Well?" she asked, grinning like a cat that had just caught a bird. "How'd I do?"

Levi stared at her for a moment, then exhaled. "You didn't break anything. That's an improvement."

Hange laughed, leaning back in her chair. "Admit it-you enjoyed it a little."

Levi's expression didn't change, but his silence spoke volumes.

"Don't worry," Hange added, sipping a cup of tea. "I'll leave the quiet part of Quiet Tea to you. But you have to admit, the place could use a little chaos now and then."

Levi's lips twitched faintly-almost a smile. "Just don't push it."

"Deal," Hange said, raising her teacup in a toast. "To teamwork."

Levi rolled his eyes but clinked his cup against hers. Quiet Tea might never be the same.