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

Chapter 27: The Planning

Days and weeks blurred until one day, the tea shop was quiet, long closed for the evening. The warm glow of lantern light filled the space, casting soft shadows across the walls. Gabi and Falco had left hours ago, their chatter lingering faintly in the corners of the room. Onyankopon and Yelena were at the counter, sipping tea while discussing supplies for the week. Levi and Hange, meanwhile, sat at a small table in the corner, their heads close together.

Hange was grinning as she scrawled notes on a piece of paper, her handwriting a chaotic mess of arrows and crossed-out lines. Levi sat across from her, arms folded and expression unreadable, though the occasional twitch of his eyebrow betrayed his frustration.

"I'm just saying," Hange began, waving her pen like a conductor's baton, "two weeks gives us plenty of time. It's practical, efficient, and leaves room for adjustments if we need them."

Levi's brow furrowed. "Two weeks is cutting it close. A week is enough."

Hange blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then a sly grin spread across her face. "Levi Ackerman, are you in a rush?"

"Tch. Don't make it weird," Levi muttered, shifting slightly in his seat. "The sooner it's done, the better."

Hange leaned back in her chair, her grin widening. "Wow. Didn't think I'd see the day you'd be the impatient one."

Levi's lips twitched in what might have been a smirk. "Someone has to keep things moving, Four Eyes. You'd spend three days debating which boots to wear."

"Hey!" Hange protested, though her laugh betrayed her amusement. "For the record, I already know which boots I'm wearing."

"Great. One less thing to slow us down."

Their conversation might have gone unnoticed, but Onyankopon had been casually eavesdropping from the counter. He exchanged a quick glance with Yelena, who raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing with each passing second.

"Excuse me," Onyankopon interrupted, setting down his teacup. "But what exactly are you two planning so secretly?"

Levi froze, his eyes narrowing slightly as they flicked toward Onyankopon. "Nothing that concerns you."

Hange, however, seemed entirely unbothered. She propped her chin on her hand, grinning. "Oh, it's not a secret. It's just... a personal project."

Onyankopon tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Personal, huh? Sounds important."

"It is," Hange said, leaning closer to Levi. "Which is why we're being efficient. Right, Levi?"

Levi grunted, clearly annoyed. "Stop talking."

Yelena, who had been watching in silence, finally spoke. "You two are terrible at being subtle, you know that?"

Hange laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "What's subtlety good for, anyway?"

Onyankopon studied them for a moment longer before a knowing smile spread across his face. "Ah, I see. No wonder you've been whispering like conspirators for weeks. Congratulations."

Levi's glare sharpened, his jaw tightening. "We didn't say anything."

"You didn't have to," Onyankopon replied smoothly. "It's written all over your faces."

"Levi has a face that says 'congratulations'?" Hange teased, poking at Levi's hand. "That's a first."

"Shut it, Four Eyes," Levi muttered, though there was no real bite in his tone.

Onyankopon chuckled. "Well, since you're clearly planning something important, let me help. If you're looking for a location or someone to officiate-hypothetically speaking-I know a few people who can keep things quiet."

Hange perked up, her grin returning full force. "Really? That would save us so much time!"

Levi shot her a warning look. "Don't start dragging people into this."

"Oh, come on," Hange said, nudging his arm. "Onyankopon's trustworthy. And you said it yourself-sooner is better."

Levi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine. But keep it small."

"Of course!" Hange said brightly, turning back to Onyankopon. "You're the best, you know that?"

"I try," Onyankopon said with a modest shrug. "There's a beach not far from here-quiet, secluded, perfect for a... private gathering."

Levi's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "It's close?"

"An hour's ride, at most," Onyankopon confirmed. "If that works for you two, I'll make the arrangements."

Levi gave a short nod. "Do it."

Yelena leaned forward, her smirk sharp. "And who's going to witness this... private project?"

"Just you two," Hange said without hesitation. "That's it. No fuss, no crowd."

"Perfect," Yelena replied, raising her teacup in a mock toast. "Here's to your... personal project."

As the shop grew quiet again, Onyankopon and Yelena left to begin making discreet arrangements. Levi and Hange remained at the table, their plans spread out before them. The lantern light flickered gently, casting a warm glow on their faces.

"You know," Hange said after a while, tapping her pen against the table, "I didn't think you'd be the one pushing for this to happen so soon."

Levi didn't look up from the notes he was reviewing. "I've had enough waiting."

Hange smiled softly, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. "You're full of surprises, Captain."

Levi glanced at her, his gaze steady. "Don't get used to it."

Hange chuckled, shaking her head. "Too late." She reached across the table, her hand brushing against his. "Thanks for doing this with me."

"Someone has to keep you from making it a disaster," Levi replied dryly, but the faintest trace of a smile tugged at his lips.

Their quiet conversation stretched into the night, the weight of their plans balanced by the warmth of their companionship. For all the chaos and secrets surrounding their lives, this moment was theirs alone-simple, quiet, and full of purpose.