Dearest

Chapter 14

I was 8 when I first met Levi Ackerman, my world remained the same.

My mom told me to be kind to him, that we should help each other because we are getting married. I was fine with that because back then, I think Levi was cool.

And then, I went to boarding school, to college. I met a lot of people, made friends, enemies, and Armin. My sweet Armin. He was smart and kind. I admired him until that admiration turned to love. Armin was my world. I completely forgot about Levi or my pending marriage with him.

I thought we are on the same page then, Levi and I. I thought that he met someone he likes during boarding school. I thought he went to boarding school too. I thought...

"Eren! Psst!"

I snapped out of my thoughts and stared at Sasha at the door.

"He's back again."

Again? This is the third time. Taking a deep breath, I decided to face him. I've been avoiding him for too long, and I should apologize for using my Alpha voice on him on his first visit.

"You can go home now Sasha, I'll handle him."

"Okay." The beta left. Leaving me to deal with this... Rivaille.

Fixing myself, I took a peek of him through the window of my door.

And there he was, sitting on the waiting area with another box on his lap, this time it was wrapped nicely and even had a bow.

I kept assuring to myself that he is not Levi and he will never be but seeing him only brings back the guilt that I've been carrying since Levi died.

Placing my hand on the doorknob, I brace myself for what's to come.

****

The moment I heard the door clicked opened, I stood up. Smiling like an idiot at the mare sight of Eren Yeager. He looked dashing today with his lab coat on. As always. Come to think of it, I never saw the doctor out of his professional clothing. What would Dr. Eren look like in casual?

I clutch my gift and held it out to him. Like a highschooler giving chocolates during Valentine's day. Fuck, I'm getting soft and pathetic. What is happening to me? "Here, Ummm... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you... Last time. I just want to have dinner with you."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize. I'm sorry for using my Alpha voice on you, I shouldn't have done that." Eren sighs.

"Oh, it's fine. So dinner?" I pressed.
He stared at me for a moment before switching his gaze at my present. "Is this for me?"

"Yes, please accept as my.... gift." Oh god, please let this man accept my gift. I work hard on baking it perfectly and wrapped it nicely. The bow was a nightmare but I did. So please. I begged internally.

I offered at the gift for too long my arms grew tired. When I was about to lower my hands, Eren took the box from me.

"Thank you," he said with a small smile.

I felt all the hardship on baking and doing the bow was washed away by the simple small smile on his face. But of course, it doesn't end here. "Cool. So? Dinner?"

He stared at me for a while, like he is still contemplating. For some reason, I feel like I'm gonna shrunk under his gaze because those fucking beautiful eyes should be banned! Fuck! For the first time, I can feel my cockiness shreds under those blue-green eyes.

"Okay."

"Huh?" I blink. Did he?

"Wait for me outside, I'll just close up."