Cigarettes | levihan

T H I R T Y - N I N E

THIRD PERSON's POV:

"Levi." Hanji began, unsure whether or not to continue with what she was going to say, "I wanna go back to school."

"You're already in school, dumbass."

She laughed, "I don't want to teach high schoolers anymore, I want to go back. I just feel like I'm not done yet."

He sighed looking out the window at the drizzling rain, "One year ago today, I made a bet with you."

"I might've broken that bet a couple of times."

"All that matters is that you've made progress. That's all I can ask for."

After receiving the news from their doctor, Hanji had lost it that night. The night she had first touched a cigarette in months, she was ashamed, ashamed that she had come this far and fell apart at some bad news. But Levi was there, he understood.

"But Hanji, I can't just up and leave, I have my business here."

His girlfriend stood up and dropped her plate in the sink, Levi's "parenting" had finally broke her. She had enough of getting sprayed with everytime she didn't clean up after herself.

"Levi, I was given the opportunity to go back, and I took that opportunity."

"So you're leaving me? Is this your way of breaking up with me? Hell, Four-eyes, what was even the point in trying for a damn kid?!"

Her eyes began to water, "That was long before I knew about this, that's why I quit trying!"

"Oh really, I thought we quit trying because you accepted that we weren't getting anywhere."

She took a step back, hands clenched, "What did you say?"

"I'm not saying it again. You're blind, not deaf."

Hanji kicked the island in front of her with such force that it broke the cupboard beneath, "Fuck you, I'm leaving next week, and don't bother trying to change my mind. It's already done, you jackass."

"Wait, Hanji-" Levi called out, but she ignored him as the door slammed, her anger showing through her actions. All he could think about was what he'd done and how he lost her.

•••

The following days were in silence, Hanji's chattering self was nowhere to be found. Levi had missed her ecstatic self, and in two days, she would be gone. There was still unresolved anger between them, unsure of this could even be fixed. He couldn't take anymore of the silence.

"Hanji."

"What is it?" She snapped.

The apology was lost as he knew that being angry would be easier for her to leave. He had to accept that dream, no matter how hard it is for him. He simply had to let her go, she had grown, she knew how to take care of herself now.

They love each other, but maybe their time together has come to an end.

"Nothing." He replied. "Just, have a safe flight."

Her flight would be tonight, her bags were all settled by the door as she finished up packing.

"I have no say in the matter."

"Die then."

His answer brought out Hanji's laughter in which he felt like he hadn't heard in so long. Their relationship was always twisted, that's what they loved about each other.

"Alright, my stuff is all packed, I've double checked. Unless, you want to check for me?" The brunette offered with a light smile knowing that Levi loved to take control for stuff like this.

He shook his head as he held his cup up, "No I trust you, I'm sure you have everything. Your suitcases are by the door, one carry on, your ID, money, credit cards, and passport."

"Yup, my passport is on the nightstand. Don't want to forget that."

They stared at each other, Levi waited for the lightbulb to switch on. At this point, he realized that she wouldn't catch on.

"Remind me, where's the passport again?"

"On the nigh- oh. Oh!" She exclaimed as she ran to the spare bedroom to grab it. Levi shook his head in amusement as he remembered that he wouldn't get to see her antics like this anymore.

He wouldn't get to see her anymore. Never hear her sing in the shower, her rants about how the walking dead could never happen, her random dances in public.

He'll miss her.

The love of his life.

"Goodbye Levi."

That was all she said, and with nothing else left, she closed the door behind her. Sighing, he placed the cup down and walked to the window where he saw the car waiting for her. His stomach dropped at the sight, but he smiled as he saw her come out with her passport in her mouth.

Levi's hand reached down to the box next to the windowsill, opening the drawer to reveal a jewelry box. He cracked it open, a beautiful engagement ring sitting inside. Dust had been gathering as the stone shone in the moonlight.

It was a dainty tanzanite ring with a copper finish. Levi had bought it on their six month anniversary, he knew he wanted to marry Hanji. They'd always browse engagement rings with each other telling the other what they liked.

Hanji had told him how she hated those huge rings that would take half of her hand. She had always loved the dainty rings with the small stones, she didn't need a big ring for someone to show how much they love her. Instead, she wanted someone to listen and show her love through their actions and words.

The box closed with a snap as he dropped it back in the drawer, what a shame she'll never wear it. A shame that she'll never know how much he loves her.

A damn shame that they won't grow old together. But that's life for you.

Instagram: levihansociety
Published: 12/23/2020
Word Count: 968 words