Once Again

→9

I went back to work after, that's when I saw Eren.

Eren approached me, a little sheepish than usual.

"Hey, [f/n], I was wondering if we could have some dinner at this place I know after work" he said with a shy smile.

It sounded more like a date though. Unfortunately, I got plans.

"Ah, no thanks, Eren. I got some plans later" I said, trying to make it sound polite and all. But when his expression dropped, I felt guilty

"Well, um, I actually- oh wait, did you receive my text?" I asked. Eren looked confused for a second before pulling out his phone from his pocket.

He checked the screen, then he blinked, surprised.

"You wanna come over and talk about the plan? Well sure. I mean your apartment is just next to mi-"

I covered his mouth immediately, shushing him before looking around cautiously, hoping nobody heard.

If someone knew me and Eren live in the same apartment complex, somebody might get the wrong idea.

"Shhh" I said in the lowest whisper "We wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea"

Eren nodded, and I swore I saw a faint blush on his tan cheeks. I uncovered his mouth, pulling back.

"Let's just save the dinner for next time" I smiled turning my heel. I waved "See ya" before walking back to work.

"See you later" Eren said. My eyes widened. Just when he said that, Sasha walked by.

"Oh, my. 'See you later' he said. Where would you meet after work? I wonder..." Sasha grinned as she passed by us.

I shook my head, pretending not to hear and go back to work.

★★★

"Eren" I knocked on the door of his apartment.

He opened almost immediately, as if he was expecting me.

"Hey" he greeted "Come on in"

I did as I was told, excusing myself silently. We settled in the living room where there were a few snacks on the coffee table.

"So, any plans?" Eren asked, perching himself on the couch. I sat there silently.

I really don't know what to do. I tried thinking earlier, but nothing came. Then I thought, maybe reading some of her books would help.

"Well, maybe reading some of her works could help" I said, looking at the book in my hands. This was one of my favorites.

Eren gave me weird look at first, as if he was saying yeah that could help. Sarcastically.

But he shook his head. "Hm, I'm not sure how but I trust you with this"

He scooted closer until our shoulders brush, looking at the book.

"So what's it about?"

"Well, it's a long story. A girl with a family problem and all. Then a guy entered her life. Cliché, but it displayed a good lesson regarding life" I said, smiling slightly "I started reading yesterday and I'm halfway through"

I fumbled with the bookmark and Eren looked surprised.

"How could you even read that fast?"

"I don't know. Sometimes I just see the scenarios in my head as I read and it goes on and on" I opened the book where I marked it.

"But why come here though?" He asked. Then I blushed, thinking he might get the wrong idea.

"Well, we're in this project together, right? And don't worry I won't stay here too long" I said in which Eren turned his head, looking to his side.

Is he pouting?

"You can stay here as long as you want I'm fine with that..."

"What?"

"Nothing"

I shook my head "Anyway, I'll finish this in one go. So, maybe you could do other stuff so you won't get bored" I suggested.

"Nah, don't worry about me" he looked around the house "There's nothing much to do here. Oh and have some snacks if you want" Eren gestured to the chips nestled on the table before them.

I chuckled "They look tempting but I'll take them later. Thanks" I smiled at him "okay, shutting away the real world. Time to read"

Time seemed to pass by as I did. I was engrossed reading I almost forgot Eren was there.

My eyes were getting a bit tired as I rubbed them, yawning. But this the best part. The part I remembered all too well.

Nothing lasts forever. Not the cold night, not the storm. The sun will rise after. A new day, a new start. New beginnings. We could start over.

Said the highlighted quote.

But when you said goodbye. I held my breath, telling myself not to cry. But somehow, I held myself together. Goodbye doesn't mean forever. We'll see each other again.

I sighed, dazed. This part just gets me everytime I would reread it. It was the girl's letter to the boy.

I kept reading, and when I reached the last page and read the last line, I sighed in content.

"I never got tired of reading this.." I stretched, closing the book before setting it down on the table.

Then I heard a gentle snore. I turned.

To my surprise, Eren stayed by my side as I read. And somehow, he'd fallen asleep.

I stared at him, his sleeping face was adorable. His features were relaxed, chest rising and falling from steady breathing.

His teal eyes were closed, his lashes were kinda long. His lips were slightly parted and it was cute the way he breathed.

Breathing in through his nose while exhaling through his lips, making a faint puff puff sound every now and then.

I didn't realize I was already gazing at him, our faces inches apart as I examined his features closely.

Then he suddenly stirred, as if he was looking for a more comfortable position. I didn't want to wake him up.

I looked around for some blanket and found one in his room. Which was awkward since I've never been in a guy's room and I entered it without consent.

I tucked him under the blanket gently, putting it around his sleeping form.

I sat there on the couch, watching him sleep. Somehow, I didn't feel like leaving. He stayed with me when I was reading, I should stay with him for a while. Leaving him without notice would be weird.

Eren was being vulnerable, I wouldn't miss this moment. Taking out my phone, I took a picture of him, giggling like a fangirl.

Eren got my false love letter to blackmail me. Then I got this to blackmail him.

But after, I sat there watching him sleep. I was tempted to stroke his soft-looking brown hair but I held myself back.

As I did, I slowly fell into my own slumber.