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

Chapter 16: Back to Normal

The morning came too soon. The first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, casting warm golden hues across the tea shop. Upstairs, Levi sat on the edge of his bed, lacing his boots with slow, deliberate movements. He paused, glancing toward the door where Hange's things were packed neatly into a satchel, ready for her next voyage.

The soft clatter of dishes downstairs reminded him that life would go on, as it always did. With a deep sigh, Levi stood, grabbing his crutch and heading downstairs.

The shop was already bustling. Gabi and Falco were setting up for the day, chatting quietly as they worked. Onyankopon stood by the counter, pouring himself a cup of tea, while Hange leaned over, dramatically inspecting the menu board with exaggerated seriousness.

"I think you should rename this one 'Levi's Lament,'" Hange declared, pointing to the marlok-infused black tea. "Perfect for those brooding mornings."

Levi raised an eyebrow as he approached. "It's called keeping the shop running, not brooding."

"And yet," Hange said with a grin, turning to face him, "you always look like you've just lost a battle with your own thoughts."

Falco stifled a laugh while Gabi openly giggled. "She's got a point, Captain."

Levi shot them both a glare but didn't respond, instead grabbing a teacup from the counter. "Shouldn't you two be working?"

"We are working!" Gabi said, carrying a tray of freshly cleaned teacups. "Hange's just funnier than you."

"Everyone's funnier than him," Hange chimed in, earning another glare from Levi.

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" Levi muttered, sipping his tea.

"Not for a little while," Hange said cheerfully, leaning on the counter. "Plenty of time to make you laugh."

"Not happening," Levi replied flatly, though there was a faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

"Time to show you amateurs how it's done." She declared with a grin.

"You're only here for a few days this month," Levi muttered, not looking up from his brewing. "That doesn't make you an expert."

Hange clutched her chest dramatically. "I am a vital member of this tea shop, Levi. Admit it-you'd be lost without me."

"I'd have more peace," Levi shot back, though his tone lacked any real bite.

Onyankopon chuckled from the corner. "The customers will seem to miss her antics when she's gone."

Gabi looked up from arranging teacups. "She's the only one who actually talks to them!"

Levi glared at her. "They come here for tea, not a show."

"Why not both?" Hange asked, grabbing a tray of freshly polished teacups. "Quiet Tea: Where the tea is perfect and the entertainment is free!"

Levi pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're going to scare them off."

As the morning went on, Hange fell into her usual rhythm-or lack thereof. She greeted each customer with an over-the-top flourish, asking them about their day, their favorite teas, and even their opinions on obscure brewing methods.

One older gentleman chuckled as Hange delivered his tea with a theatrical bow. "You've got quite the personality, miss. Not what I expected from a place called Quiet Tea."

"That's because we're redefining the word 'quiet,'" Hange said with a wink. "It's about quiet moments, not quiet people."

Levi, overhearing, muttered, "It's about tea. Full stop."

By mid-morning, Hange had gathered a small group of regulars in the corner, regaling them with exaggerated tales of the tea shop's recent escapades. She reenacted Gabi's wild herb experiment with dramatic gestures, described the tea-off with Oliver in vivid detail, and even imitated Jean's exasperated expressions during the event.

"And then," Hange said, lowering her voice conspiratorially, "Levi just stared at Oliver like he was daring him to say one more word. It was terrifying. The poor guy practically ran out the door!"

The small group burst into laughter, and even Gabi and Falco couldn't help but grin as they worked.

Levi watched from behind the counter, shaking his head. "You're turning this place into a circus."

"It's called good customer service, Levi," Hange shot back. "You should try it sometime."

Despite the chaos, the day passed smoothly. Customers lingered longer than usual, drawn in by Hange's energy and the warm atmosphere she cultivated. Even Levi had to admit-though only to himself-that the shop felt livelier when she was around.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the shop began to quiet. Gabi and Falco finished their cleaning, and Onyankopon packed up the inventory for the evening. Hange stood by the counter, tying up her satchel, ready for her next journey.

"You're really leaving already?" Gabi asked, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"Duty calls," Hange said with a shrug. "But I'll be back before you know it. Two months tops."

"Two months?!" Gabi exclaimed, her face falling. "That's forever!"

"Time flies when you're having fun," Hange replied, ruffling Gabi's hair. "Take care of the shop for me, okay?"

Falco nodded. "We will."

Hange turned to Onyankopon, extending a hand. "Keep things running smoothly while I'm gone, partner."

Onyankopon smiled, shaking her hand. "Always do. Safe travels, Hange."

Finally, Hange turned to Levi, who was wiping down the counter with his usual stoic precision.

"Don't let them burn the place down," Hange said, grinning.

Levi glanced up, his expression unreadable. "Don't crash your ship."

"Fair trade," Hange said lightly. "See you soon, Levi."

As she walked to the door, Levi spoke again, his voice quieter but firm. "Hange."

She paused, looking back.

"Don't keep them waiting too long," he said, nodding toward the shop.

Hange's grin softened into something gentler. "I won't."

The bell jingled as the door closed behind her, and the shop fell into a familiar quiet.

Gabi sighed dramatically. "It's so boring when she's not here."

"Get used to it," Levi said, his tone sharp but not unkind.

As the others finished tidying up, Levi leaned against the counter, his gaze lingering on the door. The shop was quieter without Hange's energy-too quiet, maybe. But she'd be back.