Unspoken Norms | Levi Ackerman ✔️

Chp 30 ~ The Formal Part 1

Fun Fact: Levi has a bad fashion sense.

I don't agree with this one... cz I mean EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD ON THIS GUY.

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Levi's POV

The school hall was bedecked with everything festive. Iridescent streamers and balloons, rainbow-coloured paper chains, even magnolia-themed garlands were hung about the place.

All of this unnecessary fuss...

I tsked under my breath as people started appearing through the double door entrance, overly dressed in ball gowns and tailored suits.

Not that I was complaining about myself—I looked decent. Modest even.

But definitely not showy or extravagant. What a waste. Many show-offs were swishing their frilly dresses around, giggling like drunk brats.

"Look who it is," someone scoffed, that once playful, vain tone becoming a distant memory. I didn't need to turn to know who it was.

"Jarrod."

The blonde-haired boy materialised into my vision, clad in a fine charcoal suit with a golden bowtie. "Listen Levi, since we're no longer friends, you better stay out of my way. Also, do me a favour; don't steal any of my girls tonight. They've given you enough attention."

With that, Jarrod sauntered off toward the circular dinner tables, the rest of the bully group trailing his every step. After declaring that I no longer stood on their side—on Jarrod's side—the guys had mostly kept away from me.

I was more than glad, to be honest. I didn't care about my popularity anymore. All they did was harass me every now and then, following either of us. But now Jarrod could keep all his ass-kissers to himself.

Heading for the table with my two best friends, I nodded as they saved me a seat. Both looked decorous in their choice of attire; Furlan in a grey waistcoat suit, Isabel in a tasteful cream-coloured frock.

"You look striking, Levi," Furlan remarked, offering a wink. "I guess Jarrod won't be getting the attention he wants."

I sat down between them. "You heard?"

"Yeah... he was pretty loud about it."

"Big bro, don't worry," Isabel assured, adjusting the silver cutlery in front of her. "After what happened at assembly, we've cut off our friendship with them. Those idiots."

I didn't fail to notice her quick glance at me—a glance seeking for my approval. I rolled my eyes, gently patting her head. "Glad to hear it."

More Year 10 students were streaming through the doors, clothed in more ostentatious apparel. It was rather easy to spot Hange, Erwin and the rest of the morons.

"Oh. My. Goodness. Is that LEVI?!" I fought the urge to hide behind a chair as Shitty-Glasses dashed across the hall, dragging along the others.

Rising from my seat to say something upfront, Hange pulled me into a massive squeeze. Shock and disgust rooted me to my feet, but in the end I managed to shove her away. "You know I don't like hugs, Four-Eyes."

Even though I faced Hange, I couldn't tear my attention away from a certain someone. I watched her every move as she entered the hall, dazzling in a black gown embedded with sparkly gems. Eren, Jean and the other bastards walked with her, but my eyes were set.

Before I could make a move, someone else gave me a second hug of the day. Two. Hugs. In. A. Day. "Don'tfucking—"

"God, Levi," Petra commented astonishingly, "you look absolutely resplendent!" She wore an elegant white silk dress, patterned with golden swirls. Amber jewellery hung from her ears, neck and arms, matching the colour of her irises.

My eyes felt sore at the sight of so many glittering accessories. "Uh... thanks," I bit out reluctantly, trying to suppress my anger. 

Once the clock ticked seven, dinner trays began filing out. Waiters and waitresses—most likely hired—served dishes of salad, pasta and steak as part of the three-course meal. Vanilla panna cotta in fancy tumblers were for dessert, drizzled with berries.

I'd taken one spoonful and gave it to Isabel who devoured both cups eagerly.

The dancing started as soon as the first person finished their meal. A large disco ball hung in the centre of the room, bestudding its light over the dance floor and surrounding tables.

Now is my chance. I couldn't ignore my feelings any longer.

(Y/N) sat opposite of me at the twelve-seated table, laughing at something Sasha did. 

I got up and wound around the seats, quietly clearing my throat. What was I going to say? How would I say it? In what tone of voice? By the time I stood behind her, (Y/N) was already looking at me expectantly.

And then the feeling hit me unawares. An almost giddy, unstable emotion; like ripples in a pond. "(Y/N)... I-I uh, do y-you..." —damn it, Levi, compose yourself— "Do you w-want to... d-d-dance?"

What the fuck is wrong with you? I thought, scratching the back of my neck. You see her every day. This time isn't any different.

Her face lit up. "I'd love to."

I felt my own rare delight bubble inside me. But this time it was.