Story | Attack On Titan

even if i hate it (the already deviated fate has been cut off)

How did I end up here?! [Name] thought to themselves, trying to avoid eye contact with anyone around them as Eren dragged them along with Armin toward the boys' dorm. Their hands began to sweat a little, nervousness creeping in as they felt the stares from the other boys. It didn't help that the room was small, and personal space was clearly not a priority for any of them.

[Name] kept their legs tightly pressed together, feeling the heat of the boys' presence around them. The smell in the cabin was unbearable—sweat, dirt, and something else. Do these boys not shower? Or even clean? [Name] thought in disgust, crossing their arms. They tried to focus on something else, anything other than the thick, musty air. Their gaze drifted up to see Eren talking to Connie about the exercise happening tomorrow.

They kept expecting a staff member to come barging in at any moment to kick them out especially for lights out which should be happening soon. [Name] had only come because Eren had asked them to join, and they didn't have the heart to say no. Now, here they were, sitting on someone's bed—luckily the cleanest one they could find—watching Eren and Armin talk to Connie and Jean. But, deep down, [Name] didn't have a good feeling about the two boys. They didn't seem like they would be much help to Eren, and their attitudes were starting to get under [Name]'s skin.

"The trick to staying upright?" Connie repeated, his voice taking on a cocky tone. He flashed Eren a grin that made [Name]'s eye twitch with irritation, though they tried to keep it hidden. "Sorry, but I'm a genius. All I can say is to feel it."

[Name]'s finger twitched, a sigh escaping them as they looked at Jean. The smug look on Jean's face made their stomach turn, and they exhaled sharply as they could already hear what Jean plan to say to Eren at this point.

"Actually," Jean said, "I'd like you to tell me... How are you still sane after you humiliated yourself like that?"

Eren's pleading expression caught [Name]'s attention as he ignored Jean's taunting. "Guys, I'm begging you here..." he said, sounding desperate. His voice was barely above a whisper, and it made [Name] feel for him. They could tell that Eren was really trying to get through to these boys, but it didn't seem like he was getting anywhere. Eren had better chances with kids at this point.

Connie huffed, clearly enjoying the discomfort Eren was feeling. "But didn't you say just yesterday something like, 'People who aren't strong enough should leave'?" Connie said with a taunting edge, leaning back smugly.

Okay, I can't help you there. [Name] scratched their cheek, remembering the exact words Eren had said yesterday. Now, it was clear Eren was regretting them, and [Name] couldn't help but feel bad for him. He looked like he had just been slapped in the face by his own words, and well he was.

"Am I wrong?" Connie pressed, raising a brow as he noticed how much he was getting under Eren's skin. Eren's mouth kept moving, but no words came out, and Connie wasn't done. "Or was it, 'If you don't have the talent, you have to leave'? Which is it?"

The silence in the room was thick. Eren's face had gone pale, his eyes wide in horror. The weight of his own words crashing down on him like a tidal wave.

Ouch, double hit K.O., [Name] thought, wincing slightly. They knew this was something Eren would have to face on his own. It was a lesson he needed to learn. Accountability for his actions—something they couldn't protect him from. As much as they wanted to, they couldn't shield him from the consequences of his own choices. If they did, how would he ever grow? How would he ever learn what it truly meant to stand up for himself and his own ideals?

Eren's mouth was still moving, but no sound came out. His face twisted with confusion and shame. And [Name] felt for him—they really did. But Eren needed to face this. It wasn't about getting sympathy or excuses. He needed to learn how to take responsibility for his words, his actions. They could be his support, but they couldn't be his crutch. Not forever.