Erevi × A Confession

"Sit down, Jaeger."

(This story is from Eren's POV)

This is getting out of hand... I scold myself. Focus on the lesson.

I stare ahead at the front of the classroom, where our instructor is writing down today's lesson. He turns around towards the class, a serious expression on his face.

"Who can tell me what formation this is?" The corporal scans across the classroom, looking for volunteers. Everyone is staring at their notes intently, avoiding eye contact. Except me.

"Ah. Eren..." he says slyly, staring directly into my eyes. "Could you tell me what this formation is?" He gestures to the complicated diagram he has drawn on the board.

I feel my face flush as my fellow students all turn to stare at Corporal Levi's latest victim. Their eyes are filled with pity. Just like always.

You only ever pick on me! I feel like screaming at the Corporal. Why?

The answer was obvious. I'm always staring at him. And he knows it. Why won't he say anything about it? Is he trying to manipulate me or something?

Levi was growing impatient. "Hey brat, are you going to answer my question, or are you just going to keep staring ahead with that horrified expression on your face?"

I squinted my eyes to try and decipher all of the circles and lines he had drawn on the board. "I... I don't know, s-sir." I muttered.

"You what?" He smirked slightly. He had heard me the first time.

"You heard me, sir." I stood up from my chair, clenching my fists.

My classmates gasped. I made eye contact with Armin across the room. He looked petrified, his eyes wide. He mouthed the words, "Sit down."

I shook my head, then turned back to Levi, fuming.

His face flickered. For an instant, I swear I saw a shocked expression. But he quickly replaced it with a look of amusement.

"Did I, Jaeger? Did I?" His dark eyes glittered. He's taunting me. I try to tell myself. Don't fall for his trap.

My fists are shaking now. It's not too late to apologize and sit down. But I stand my ground.

"Yes. I believe you did, sir." I try my best to keep my voice level, but I feel it rising. "Now if you could please stop being an ass and actually teach us something, that would be GREAT!"

My classmates turn silent. The only sound in the room is my ragged breathing. The Corporal just stands there, his face unreadable. I don't know what to expect. Shouting, a beating, some sort of rigorous cleaning as punishment. But all he does is stare at me.

Suddenly, he breaks the silence with a simple phrase.

"Sit down, Jaeger."