A New Beginning

Chapter Five: Moving Forward

I made sure to wake up with the sun. I stumbled out of bed, and changed my clothes. I've decided to work out in the mornings.

I nearly fell to the ground after my rigorous 4 mile run. I stood outside my building panting.

The sun was beating, and I went inside to cool down. I went to my kitchen and made my breakfast. I sat at the table, and chugged water. The food tasted better than it normally did, probably because I was so hungry.

After eating, I showered and got dressed for the day.

I should probably go speak to Armin, considering our last conversation didn't end so well.

I walked to his floor and knocked on the door. A sleepy Armin answered, rubbing his eyes.

"Oh. I'm so sorry to have woken you. I can come back another time", I said while I turned around.

"No! Mikasa, holy shit. I've been worried sick about you. Please come inside", He showed me to the couch.

We sat there for a moment, Armin looked at me with concern.

He started, "Mikasa. What happened?"

I looked at him, "It's nothing, really. I just needed some time away to think. I feel much better now."

He wasn't buying it, "Listen, I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have told you about Eren and Historia--"

I stopped him, "No, Armin. It's okay. I really am okay. I guess I just needed to see him, and now that I have; I know what I need to do."

Armin looked shocked, "You saw him? What do you mean you know what you need to do? You're worrying me, Mikasa."

I chuckled, "Thank you for caring about me. I really appreciate it, especially in times like now." I looked down and continued, "Yes, I saw Eren. Well he looked like Eren, but acted like a completely different person. I-I guess I'm not longer important to him." I looked up to Armin while fighting back tears, and gave him a weak smile.

Armin's eyes widened, "No. That can't be true. You have it wrong. Eren cares about you."

I responded, "Armin, he told me himself, he's not what I need. I don't agree with him at all, but I have to be okay with his decision. I can't wait for him anymore, he clearly didn't wait for me. I have to move forward."

He looked down with a shocked face and whispered, "What the hell is wrong with him."

"I'll be fine, Armin. I've been alone before, I can do it again", I said.

His head snapped up and he looked me in the eyes, "Mikasa. You aren't alone. Don't ever say that. I may not be Eren, but I care deeply for you. I will be with you whenever you need me."

A small blush appeared on my face, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I care for you too, Armin. I shouldn't have said that."

He smiled, "It's okay. We may not have romantic feelings for each other, but I hope my friendship can help you feel better. I've always considered you family, and I don't want you to ever forget that."

Tears welled up in my eyes. I didn't know how to respond, so I pulled Armin into a hug. It feels nice to be reminded that you're not alone. He is such a wonderful friend, and I'm an idiot for forgetting that.

We pulled away, and I wiped my tears away.

Armin asked, "So on a lighter note, do you have a job yet?"

I nodded, "Yes, in fact I should probably head that way now. I still need to be taught on what to do."

He responded, "Well good luck, I'm sure you'll do great. Let's hang out again soon."