Marked With Deception (ereri)

Chapter Seven

~Eren's POV~

It's not like I get to choose who I love. It comes naturally. But how can you fall in love if you don't even love yourself? 

You don't wanna be their friend. You want them to hold your hand until the very end. You want to lay your head on their shoulder as you guys ride home together in a cab. You want to kiss their lips until you lose your breath. 

Love is fucking hard. 

The morning light shined through the once dark room. The dust flew past our faces like we weren't there. Neither of us had words to say. 

"Okay um...bye," I slowly left him by himself closing the door behind me. 

I was drawn back at the sudden bright lights of hallway. Faces pass by unaware of everything. Everyone in their own world. Without looking back, I made my way towards the staircase to head to my first period class. 

The paint of the railings were chipping and disgusting to the touch. The tiles beneath my feet were covered in dust and some were even cracked. This school is shit, but it's the only thing I actually have for education. I don't have the option, privilege, or strength to be home schooled. 

The straps on my backpack started to put a lot of strain on my shoulders as I reached the top floor. My heart was beating out of my chest at how unfit I was. As well of the nervousness running through my veins. 

Reaching my class, I noticed Mikasa and Jean standing next to each other outside the doorway. Jean has always been a flirt with girls even though everyone thought he was gay. He was all over Marco in junior high and never left his side. Ever.

Ever since Marco moved out, Jean has tried desperately to cling to someone. For months he tried to be buddies with me, but I always shut him out. 

He's just weird? I guess. I don't pay attention a lot. 

Mikasa had her back pressed against the lockers uninterested in whatever Jean had to say. Honestly, I could care less too.

Ignoring the two, my feet quickly brought me inside of my first period class. Armin sat at his desk picking at a hangnail on his finger. His complete focus was on his hand until I plopped myself in the desk next to his. 

His eyes shot up and were lit with excitement. 

"Hey Eren!" He turned his entire body so he'd face me, "You're here a little earlier than usual."

The image continued to replay in my head. His lips on mine. Breathing the same air as him. My world stopped when he stepped in it. Levi; the King.

Shaking my head to shoo away my thoughts, I gave a small shrug to say I didn't realize. 

Armin continued to spit out random sentences that I had no concern in. My head laid against the palm of my hand until I saw Mikasa walk through the door with Jean following closely behind her like a puppy. 

She sat in her usual seat near Armin and I, while Jean left to sit in his. 

"Hey guys," she spoke nonchalantly, "Whatcha talking about?"

"About how Jean is head over heels for you," I joked while chuckling at my own comment. 

Mikasa rolled her eyes, "Shut up, he offered me to study with him after school and insisted I bring you two, he always talks about you—Eren—it's so annoying honestly."

Smirking, I crossed my legs in a feminine manner before saying, "Am I really that attractive?"

The two laughed, which I expected.