→ softly | eruri

15

[ERWIN]

The clouds were already gloomy and more dense compared to early morning when Mr. Yeager dismissed me and Miche to go home. Classing up files was definitely not a hard task to do, however it felt like thousands of paper drowning us in this nebulous office. How can Mr. Yeager worked with a poorly lit room with only him a couple other teachers working here. It wasn't my business to know but it had me wondering for quite awhile now.

Later on, I sprinted to the library because the said man released us approximately 20 minutes after the school bell had rang. The majority of the building were now deserted and the library was supposedly be the location of our study session but when I got there, Levi wasn't anywhere in sight. My heart skipped as my eyes searching around the room aimlessly. I made my way deeper, until I reached the back of the place where Levi showed me once in our meeting.

The same dim corner that had beanbags, a small coffee table and shelves of children books. No suspicious activity could be seen, so that led to two conclusions. He either went home or he was still waiting in his class. With that, my feet automatically moved before my brain could even caught all the way up. Passing up corridors, I arrived with a panting breath only to meet nobody in the empty classroom. I hated the thought that I might have kept him waiting for so long and he got tired and left me.

I heaved a heavy sigh as I raked my hair, making it untamed and messy. 'Guess he already got back then.' I whispered to no one. Grabbing my bag, I did the same and got out from the building. Thankfully as I about to exit, I saw a familiar female standing by the school entrance with her arms crossed.

"Hange!" I called.

She turned her head and smiled widely. "Oh, Erwin!" She giggled.

I stopped in front of her, lips crooked. "Hey. Have you seen Levi anywhere?"

Her facial expression dropped. "Uhh, about that. He told me that he was sick and went home. He asked me to tell you that he wanted to cancel the tutoring for today."

My eyelids closed for a beat as I cupped my face. "I see. Well that's fine then."

"Yeah, he seemed pretty worn-out."

I nodded. "Thank you for informing me. I'll be heading home now. See you tomorrow, Hange."

She bit her lips nervously and looked at the ground. An unusual behaviour coming from her but I shook the thought off when she grinned. "Yes, of course. See ya, Erwin!"

***

My heart thumped to the rhythm of my footsteps walking along streets under the hazy clouds. The sky was awash with various shades of grey and the air smelt like storms. I quickened my pace, this was not the day to be caught in a downpour.

Upon entering my house, father was sitting in the dining area. He was still dressed smartly in his uniform, hands flipping pages of a newspaper. He must've heard the door opening so he greeted me without looking.

"Ah, son. You're home early." He spoke. "You usually come home at 6:30. Are you not tutoring that boy, Levi?"

I placed my bag on the couch as I reflected on what Hange had said earlier. "Uhm, no. He said he wasn't feeling very well and wanted to cancel today's session."

"Really?" He flipped on the next page.

I hummed as a response, taking off my coat cautiously. It had been a long day and all the energy had drained out from my body. I deserved some relaxation. Levi was probably doing the same too. I hoped he's getting a good rest.