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

Chapter 40: Waiting Game

The tea shop was as busy as ever, bustling with customers and the soft clink of teacups. But Levi barely noticed. His movements were as precise as always-pouring tea, brewing fresh pots, cleaning the counter-but his sharp eyes carried an unmistakable edge, a restlessness that no amount of routine could settle.

It had been weeks since Hange left for Paradis, and even longer since her last letter. She was usually consistent, her letters arriving like clockwork, each one filled with tales of her travels, her meetings, and her discoveries. But this silence? It gnawed at him.

Levi didn't voice his concern, of course. He never did. But the tension was visible to anyone who paid attention. Gabi and Falco certainly noticed, though they knew better than to ask.

"Captain's even quieter than usual," Gabi whispered to Falco as she restocked the tea tins.

"Yeah," Falco agreed, glancing toward Levi, who was scrubbing the same spot on the counter for the third time. "Do you think he's okay?"

Gabi frowned. "I don't know. But if we ask, he'll probably just glare at us."

From his corner, Onyankopon observed the scene with a knowing look. He'd seen Levi in this state before-guarded, tense, and simmering with emotions he wouldn't dare name.

By the time evening came and the last customer left, Levi closed the shop with a deliberate slowness. The lanterns cast soft shadows across the walls, and the usual warmth of the tea shop felt muted.

Later that night, Levi sat at the small table near the counter, a half-empty cup of tea in front of him. The silence of the shop was deafening, broken only by the occasional creak of the floorboards or the faint rustling of leaves from the tea garden outside.

His mind raced, replaying their last moments together-the way Hange had smiled at him, the confidence in her voice when she promised she'd be back soon. He could still hear her teasing words, see the way her hand lingered on his arm as she boarded the carriage.

"You always promise to come back," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible.

But the silence stretched, and the absence of her letters felt heavier with each passing day. Levi clenched his jaw, his fingers tightening around the teacup. He hated this-this waiting, this helplessness.

Upstairs, Levi paced the length of his room. The moonlight streaming through the window did little to ease his restlessness. He opened the small cabinet where Hange's letters were neatly stacked, her handwriting scrawled across each envelope. He ran his fingers over them, hesitating before pulling out the most recent one.

He unfolded the letter carefully, reading her familiar words once more.

Hey Levi,

How's my favorite grump doing? Scaring off customers again, or have Gabi and Falco figured out how to charm them despite you? I hope the shop hasn't burned down yet-though knowing you, it's probably cleaner than ever. Maybe too clean.

The summit's just as boring as I expected. Lots of talking, lots of nodding, and way too much sitting. I'm pretty sure my legs are going to rebel after this. Armin's here, of course, being his usual diplomatic self. I've already teased him about his "Commander Face." You'd have loved his reaction-so flustered he almost spilled his tea.

Speaking of tea, I found something interesting while wandering around the market here. It's a blend with dried citrus and spices-smells amazing. I'll bring some back for you to try. Maybe you can even add it to the shop's menu, though I know how picky you are about new blends.

I hope you're eating properly. Don't just drink tea all day and call it a meal. Gabi and Falco better be keeping you in check, or I'll have to come back and yell at all three of you.

Take care of yourself, Levi. Don't worry about me-this summit is nothing I can't handle. I'll be back soon to make sure you're not glaring holes into the counter.

PS: I'll write again soon. Take care of the shop, and don't scare off too many customers.

Yours,
Hange

Her tone was light, her words reassuring. But now, weeks later, they felt hollow.

The next morning, Gabi and Falco arrived early, chatting as they prepared for the day. Levi was already at the counter, arranging teacups with unnecessary precision.

"Good morning, Captain!" Gabi called cheerfully, trying to lift the mood.

Levi grunted in response, not looking up.

Falco nudged Gabi. "Leave him be," he whispered.

But Gabi wasn't one to back down. "Captain, you've been acting weird. Are you sure everything's okay?"

Levi's sharp gaze snapped to her, but she held her ground.

"I'm fine," he said curtly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Gabi frowned but didn't push further. Falco shot her a warning glance, and the two retreated to their tasks.

Onyankopon arrived a short while later, his usual calm demeanor unshaken by Levi's mood. He placed a fresh bundle of tea leaves on the counter, giving Levi a pointed look.

"Still no letter?" Onyankopon asked quietly.

Levi shook his head, his expression unreadable.

"She's fine, Levi," Onyankopon said with quiet confidence. "You know Hange. She always finds her way back."

Levi didn't respond, but his grip on the counter tightened.

By nightfall, the shop was quiet again. Levi sat alone at the small table, the weight of the day pressing down on him. His gaze drifted to the empty hook by the door where Hange's coat usually hung.

He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. His mind wandered to memories of her-the way she'd burst into the shop with a wild story, her laughter filling the space, her presence grounding him in a way nothing else could.

"Damn it Hange," he muttered, his voice rough.

For the first time in years, Levi felt truly restless. The waiting was unbearable, the silence deafening. And the fear-the fear that something had happened-gnawed at him in ways he couldn't put into words.

But for now, all he could do was wait.