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

Chapter 38: A Letter from Paradis

The tea shop was alive with its usual rhythm: the clink of teacups, quiet chatter from customers, and the subtle rustling of leaves in the tea garden outside. Levi stood at the counter, methodically pouring tea for a customer, while Hange was at her usual desk in the back, scribbling furiously in her journal.

The bell above the door jingled, drawing their attention as Onyankopon entered, holding a small envelope. His expression was unreadable as he approached the counter and handed it to Hange.

"A letter for you," Onyankopon said, his tone quieter than usual. "From Paradis."

Levi's sharp gaze flicked to the envelope in Hange's hands. The seal of Paradis' government was unmistakable. Hange's smile faltered, and for a moment, her fingers lingered over the envelope as if reluctant to open it.

"Well, let's see what they want this time," she said, breaking the seal with her thumb. Her eyes scanned the letter, her grin fading into a more subdued expression. Levi didn't miss the faint furrow of her brow.

"What is it?" Levi asked, his voice low and steady, though his grip on the edge of the counter tightened.

Hange folded the letter and tucked it back into the envelope. "They need me there," she said lightly, though the ease in her tone sounded forced. "The ambassadors need me in Paradis for some meetings. Standard stuff."

Levi's eyes narrowed. "When?"

Hange hesitated. "They want me to leave in two days."

"Two days?" Gabi, who had been stacking teacups nearby, piped up. "That's so soon!"

Hange offered a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "That's how these things go. Diplomacy doesn't wait."

Levi's jaw tightened. "And you're just going to go?"

"Of course," Hange replied, her voice gentle but firm. "They need me."

Levi didn't respond immediately, but the sharp edge in his gaze was impossible to miss.

The day dragged on, but Levi couldn't shake the tension that had settled in his chest. Something about the urgency of the letter and Hange's carefully constructed nonchalance didn't sit right with him.

That evening, after the shop closed and the lanterns dimmed, Levi and Hange sat together at the small table near the counter. A pot of tea rested between them, untouched. Hange leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed as Levi leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly on the table.

"You're hiding something," Levi said bluntly, breaking the heavy silence.

Hange blinked at him, then let out a soft laugh. "Levi, I'm not hiding anything. It's just another summit. You know how these things go."

"No," he said, his voice sharp. "This is different. You're different. Why are they calling you back so suddenly?"

Hange sighed, her expression softening. "Levi, it's not that unusual. Paradis is still trying to rebuild relationships with the rest of the world. These meetings are a regular part of that process."

Levi's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching. "If it's so regular, why do you look like you're bracing for something?"

Hange leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "I'm not 'bracing' for anything. I know what I'm doing. This is my job."

"You're needed here," Levi said, his tone lower but no less intense. "Let someone else go."

Hange shook her head, her voice firm. "It doesn't work like that. You know that."

"Then make it work," Levi snapped, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "I don't like this, Hange. Something feels off, and you know it."

Hange's eyes softened, and she reached across the table, her hand brushing against his. "Levi," she said quietly, her tone gentler now. "I know you're worried. And I appreciate that more than I can say. But this is something I have to do. I promised I'd see this through."

Levi didn't pull his hand away, but he didn't look at her, either. His gaze was fixed on the table, his expression stormy. "You always promise to come back."

"And I always do," Hange said, squeezing his hand. "I'll be careful, I swear."

Levi finally looked up, his eyes searching hers. "You better. I'm not losing you too."

"You won't," Hange said, her voice steady. "This is just another trip. I'll be back before you know it."

Later that night, Hange packed her things upstairs while Levi remained downstairs, cleaning the counter with slow, deliberate motions. His mind churned with unspoken thoughts, the tension in his chest refusing to ease.

When Hange finally came down, her bag slung over her shoulder, she hesitated in the doorway, glancing back at him.

"Don't stay up too late," she said with a small, teasing smile. "I'll need you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to see me off."

Levi didn't respond, but the faintest flicker of a smirk crossed his face as she turned and disappeared into the night.

The shop felt too quiet without her, the lantern's light casting long shadows across the empty space. Levi leaned against the counter, his gaze distant. He didn't like this-not the timing, not the urgency, and certainly not the unshakable feeling that this trip was different from the others.

But for now, all he could do was trust her.