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

Chapter 21: D-day

The days had slipped by in a blur of activity since Hange's departure. The tea shop had been a hive of energy, from hosting events to managing the steady flow of customers. Between the tea garden, community service projects, and Gabi's endless supply of chaotic ideas, Levi hardly had a moment to sit still. Yet, through it all, there was one thought that remained constant.

Two months had passed. Today was the day.

Levi stood behind the counter, meticulously arranging teacups with a precision that bordered on obsessive. He'd read Hange's letter a few days before, her familiar scrawl detailing her return. There was no grand mystery or surprise this time-just the plain fact that she'd be arriving at midday. Levi didn't need surprises. Knowing was enough.

"Captain, you're in a good mood today," Gabi remarked, leaning over the counter with an impish grin.

"I'm always in a good mood," Levi replied without looking up, his tone flat.

Falco raised an eyebrow as he stocked sugar bowls nearby. "No offense, but...you're not."

Gabi nodded eagerly. "Yeah, you're usually grumpy. But today, you're like...less grumpy. What's the occasion?"

Levi shot them both a warning glance. "If you've got time to analyze me, you've got time to work."

Unfazed, Gabi leaned closer, squinting at him as if trying to solve a riddle. "Wait a second...is it your birthday again? No, we already celebrated that. Did you find a new tea blend?"

Falco chuckled nervously. "Maybe we should just focus on setting up for the lunch crowd."

"Fine," Gabi said with a huff, grabbing a tray of teacups. "But I'm watching you, Levi."

Levi rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the counter, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He couldn't deny that the day felt lighter-like the air itself had shifted in anticipation.

By late morning, the shop was running like clockwork. Customers came and went, the usual chatter filling the air. Onyankopon managed the back room while Yelena handled the kitchen, leaving Levi free to oversee the front.

As the clock neared noon, Levi's gaze flicked to the door with increasing frequency. Gabi noticed immediately.

"You keep looking at the door," she said, carrying a tray of tea to a nearby table. "Are you expecting someone?"

"No," Levi lied smoothly, though his grip on the counter betrayed him.

Falco glanced up from the register. "Maybe it's a supplier? Or one of those ambassadors again?"

Levi grunted in response, but he didn't elaborate.

Just as Gabi was about to press him further, the bell above the door jingled. Hange stepped inside, her presence as chaotic and vibrant as ever. Her travel-worn satchel hung over one shoulder, and her hair was even messier than usual, as if she'd just stepped off the boat and rushed straight to the shop.

"I'm back!" she declared, her voice carrying through the room like a burst of sunlight.

Levi didn't say anything immediately. Instead, he allowed himself a moment to take in the sight of her, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he were mentally cataloging every detail. Then, with his usual gruffness, he said, "You're late."

Hange laughed, striding toward the counter. "I'm right on time, Captain. You're just impatient."

Before Levi could retort, Gabi bounded over, her excitement bubbling over. "Hange! You're back! Did you bring anything cool this time?"

Hange grinned, setting her satchel down on the counter. "Of course I did. But first, let me breathe, Gabi!"

Falco joined them, his smile warm but shy. "Welcome back, Hange. It's been busy here without you."

"Busy?" Hange said, raising an eyebrow as she looked at Levi. "I hope you've been keeping these two in line."

Levi crossed his arms. "Barely."

Hange laughed again, pulling out a small wrapped bundle from her satchel. "Well, I brought gifts. But only if you promise to behave."

Gabi and Falco eagerly leaned in as Hange handed them each a small trinket-Gabi received a carved wooden bird, and Falco a polished stone etched with an intricate design.

"These are amazing!" Gabi exclaimed, clutching her gift. "Where'd you get them?"

Hange launched into an animated explanation of the market she'd visited, her hands flying as she described the vendors and their wares. Levi watched from the corner of his eye, quietly amused by her antics.

As the afternoon wore on, the shop began to quiet. Customers trickled out, leaving just the staff and Hange at the end of the day. Gabi and Falco sat at a corner table, inspecting their gifts and chatting excitedly about the stories Hange had shared.

Levi stood by the counter, wiping down teacups with deliberate care. Hange approached, leaning against the counter with a sly grin.

"Are you going to say anything, or are you just going to glare at me all day?" she teased.

Levi didn't look up. "What's there to say? You're back. That's it."

"Not even a 'welcome home?'" Hange pressed, her grin widening.

Levi set down the cup he was holding and finally met her gaze. "You're home, Hange. Isn't that enough?"

Hange's expression softened, the teasing fading into something gentler. "Yeah," she said quietly. "It is."

As the evening settled in, Levi found himself leaning against the counter, watching as Hange helped Gabi and Falco close up the shop. Her energy filled the room, bringing a warmth that had been missing these past two months.

For once, Levi allowed himself to relax, content in the knowledge that she was here. Even if it wouldn't last forever, it was enough for now.