What if {ereri}

9

Levi

Another nightmare.

I woke up gasping, my heart racing.

Every night this week.

Every night, the same screams.

Every night, the same stares.

I pulled the blanket over my head.

Closed my eyes.

Hoped for sleep that wouldn't come.

⸻

Morning.

I sat at the table with Eren, Armin, and Mikasa.

They were talking. I was silent.

Then—

"Levi," Mikasa said. "Are you okay?"

I looked at her.

I nodded.

"You look pale," Armin added. "And you have dark circles."

I shrugged.

I felt Eren staring.

His brows were furrowed, eyes worried.

I looked at him.

"I... not sleep," I mumbled.

Eren's eyes softened.

He took my hand under the table.

"You wake up," he said quietly. "Every night. I see it."

I hesitated.

I couldn't lie.

I nodded.

His grip tightened.

Our meals arrived.

I didn't touch mine.

"Levi, you need to eat," Mikasa said.

I shook my head.

"Not hungry."

"Please, for me?" Eren asked.

I sighed.

Then—nodded.

I picked up the bread. Ate it.

⸻

Two cadets walked over.

A blonde girl and a tall brunette.

"Hey, everyone," the blonde said, smiling. "I thought I'd introduce myself. Krista Lenz."

"And I'm Ymir," the brunette added. "And if any of you mess with my Krista, you'll pay for it."

Her eyes landed on me.

Why me?

They sat around us.

Krista tilted her head.

"And who are you?"

Armin answered for us.

"I'm Armin, and these are Eren, Mikasa, and Levi."

Ymir's eyes narrowed.

"You're the one who beat the hell out of Horse Face."

I looked down.

"So what?" Eren said, defensive. "He deserved it."

Ymir shrugged. "I don't care. Just watch your back. He's got it in for you."

I nodded.

Krista studied me.

"So it's true," she said softly. "You don't talk much."