Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mikasa sat back against the worn, brown leather couch, listening quietly as her friends chattered around her. They were at their usual spot on campus, a quiet corner of the student café that always buzzed with laughter and conversation. The weather outside was gloomy, but inside, the atmosphere was warm, filled with the smell of coffee and the chatter of students trying to wind down after their classes.

The noise was a comforting buzz of familiar voices, the usual banter after a long week of classes. Her friends were animatedly discussing Reiner's party this Friday, as they always did when an event came up. Historia was gushing about the latest outfit she was planning to wear, while Sasha was debating whether she should bring a date. Ymir was lazily scrolling through her phone, occasionally chiming in with an eye-roll or a sarcastic comment.

Mikasa stayed quiet, sipping her coffee, feeling slightly out of place. She didn’t mind the conversation, but she couldn’t help but feel disconnected. Dating wasn’t exactly a priority for her—not that she had the time, and certainly not the confidence. She was used to being the one who simply listened while her friends talked about their romantic entanglements. Not that it bothered her. Not much, anyway.

“Okay, so everyone’s going to Reiner’s, right?” Historia asked, looking around the group. “I already planned my outfit, I want to wear something nice so I can show off a bit.”

Sasha laughed, mouth full of pastry. “I’m going to try to find someone hot. I swear, there are so many cute guys at those parties, and I never get a chance with them.”

Ymir snorted. “You’re all talk, Sasha. You are the one who always gets asked to dance.”

The teasing tone had Mikasa’s stomach tightening. She wasn’t bothered by this type of conversation normally, but today, it felt different. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, trying to ignore the growing knot in her stomach as her friends continued to chat.

“Wait, Mikasa, you’re coming too, right?” Sasha asked, looking over at her.

Mikasa’s gaze dropped to her coffee. “I’m not sure,” she muttered, trying to deflect the question.

“Why not?” Historia asked, giving her a playful nudge. “Don’t tell me you’ve already got plans with some guy.”

Mikasa felt her face flush. She wasn’t ready to admit that, for the most part, she had no interest in dating at all. And she certainly wasn’t going to tell them how she always felt like the odd one out, the girl who wasn’t pretty enough or feminine enough. She was too awkward, too tough, too poor…

“Come on, Mikasa, we’re all dying to know,” Hitch interjected, leaning back in her chair with a smirk. “You can’t possibly tell me that you’re still waiting for the guy who’s gonna ‘fix’ you, can you? Or is it just that you’re too masculine for any guy to like you?”

The words hit Mikasa like a punch to the gut. Her breath caught in her throat, and she could feel her heart racing in her chest. The teasing tone, the way Hitch’s words implied that no guy would ever like someone like her—it all sank deep into Mikasa’s bones.

She had always been self-conscious about her lack of femininity, her stature, the way she carried herself. She didn’t wear skirts, didn’t know how to do her hair like the other girls did, and she had the distinct feeling that no guy would ever look at her the way they looked at Historia or Sasha. Being told she was “too masculine” for anyone to find attractive only made those insecurities flare to life.

“I… I do have a boyfriend,” Mikasa blurted out, the words tumbling out before she could stop them.

The table fell silent. Her friends stared at her in surprise, and for a moment, Mikasa felt a rush of panic. She hadn’t meant to say that. It wasn’t true!

Looking down at her phone, her fingers trembling a little. She was the quiet one of the group, the one who didn’t participate much in the conversations about boys and dating. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to—it just wasn’t something that had ever worked out for her. What was she doing?!

“You have a boyfriend?” Ymir asked, raising an eyebrow. “Since when?”

Mikasa swallowed hard. “We… just got serious. I didn’t say anything because we’re still… figuring things out.”

She shifted uncomfortably on the couch, heart racing as she tried to hide the flush creeping up her neck.

"No way!" Historia started, leaning forward with an excited glint in her eye. "Who’s the lucky guy? He must be pretty special if you’re keeping him under wraps!"

“Yeah,” Ymir added, narrowing her eyes. “You should have told us earlier, Mikasa. We need the details! Who’s he? What’s his deal?”

“That’s awesome! You should totally bring him to Reiner’s party, that way we can meet him!”

“Yeah!” Historia added, her eyes sparkling. “We want to see what kind of guy could make you fall in love!”

Shit.

The words hit her like a punch to the gut. Reiner’s party. She hadn’t even thought about that.

Mikasa’s stomach dropped. She couldn’t back out now. If she didn’t bring someone, they’d know she’d lied, and she couldn’t let that happen. The thought of telling them the truth—that she had no boyfriend, that she didn’t even know what it was like to be with someone—felt impossible. She’d be exposed for the lonely, awkward mess that she felt like.

“Yeah,” Mikasa said, trying to sound confident despite the sinking feeling in her chest. “I’ll... I’ll bring him." Her voice wavered slightly, but she forced herself to smile. “I’ll bring him.”

Her friends cheered, oblivious to her inner turmoil. But inside, Mikasa couldn’t shake the growing sense of dread. She had just committed to bringing a boyfriend she didn’t even have. How was she going to find a boyfriend in two days? How the hell was she going to pull this off? And even worse, how could she ever face the possibility that she was lying to her friends just to avoid their teasing?

Mikasa’s head throbbed as she stared at the rows of books in front of her. She was at the bookstore, desperately trying to focus on finding something that would help her finish an essay that had been looming over her for days. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop thinking about Reiner’s party and the disaster she’d created.

She should have never lied. What was she thinking? She hadn’t been serious about dating anyone, and now she had to somehow find a boyfriend in two days. She didn’t even know where to begin.

Her fingers tapped against the spine of the book in front of her as her frustration grew. She tried to focus on the academic language, but the words just blurred together.

“What the hell is wrong with me?” she muttered under her breath, slamming her forehead into the shelf of books in front of her. The sound echoed in the quiet corner of the store, but it wasn’t enough to stop the storm in her mind.

Bang. She hit her head again. “Stupid, stupid Mikasa…”

The third bang made her eyes water, and this time, a voice spoke up from behind her.

“That’s one way to test the sturdiness of the shelves.”

Mikasa froze, sark eyes going wide in surprise. She turned around quickly to see a man standing there, casually leaning against the aisle with a slight smirk on his lips. He was tall—taller than anyone she’d ever met—and his broad shoulders only made him seem even more imposing. His messy brown hair was pulled back into a loose knot, and his bright teal eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat.

That was definitely the most beautiful man Mikasa ever saw.

She blinked several times, struggling to process what was happening. She’d never been one to get flustered, but this guy was… gorgeous.

“I-I wasn’t—” she stuttered, unable to form a coherent thought.

He raised an eyebrow, taking in her flustered state with a slight chuckle. “You seem like you’re having a rough day.”

“I… I’m fine,” Mikasa said quickly, trying to regain some composure. She turned back to the shelf, hoping the conversation would end there, but instead, the man continued to watch her with amusement.

“You sure about that?” he asked, his voice teasing yet somehow warm. “You look like you’re about to pull the entire shelf down.”

Mikasa felt heat rising to her cheeks. “I’m… just frustrated,” she muttered, trying to focus on the book in front of her again.

The man tilted his head slightly.

“You don’t seem the type to get frustrated so easily.” He took a step closer, not invading her space but still close enough that she could smell the faint woodsy scent of his cologne. “What’s really going on?”

Mikasa hesitated, unsure how to respond. She didn’t know him, and she certainly didn’t want to pour out her problems to a random stranger. But there was something about the way he was looking at her—something that made her feel like maybe, just maybe, she could talk to him.

“Nothing, really. I’m just… dealing with some personal stuff,” she said, trying to brush it off.

He raised an eyebrow again, clearly unconvinced. “Personal stuff, huh? I’ve got a feeling it’s more than that.” His teasing smile only made her more nervous, and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest.

“Alright!” Mikasa said, swallowing her anxiety. She couldn’t keep this charade up forever. “I… I kinda need a boyfriend for two days, or I’m doomed.”

The words just tumbled out before she could stop them. Mikasa’s eyes widened in embarrassment, and she mentally cursed herself for saying it so quickly.

The man’s eyes sparkled with amusement, but he didn’t laugh. “A boyfriend, huh? And why’s that?”

Mikasa rubbed her temples, wishing she could just vanish. “It’s… complicated. My friends, they—well, they were teasing me about being single, and I lied and said I had a boyfriend. But now, I have to bring him to a party on Friday, or I’ll look like a complete idiot.”

She let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the situation settle over her. She wasn’t sure why she was telling him all this, but somehow, it felt easier than she thought it would be.

The man raised an eyebrow again, clearly intrigued. “And you’ve got two days to find a boyfriend?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Mikasa said, her voice tight. “I don’t even know where to start. I’m not the type of girl who… dates, and now I’m stuck with this ridiculous lie.”

He smiled, the warmth in his expression easing some of her tension. “Sounds like a pretty tight spot to be in.”

Mikasa gave a short, nervous laugh, shaking her head. “You have no idea.”

The man leaned in slightly, his voice lowering to a playful yet gentle tone. “Well, it’s just two days, right? I’ll make you look good. How hard can it be?”

Mikasa blinked, surprised by his words. “Wait, what?!”

“I’ll help you,” he said with a confident grin. “You need a boyfriend for two days? I’m your guy.”

Mikasa stared at him, her mind spinning. “You’re offering to… pretend to be my boyfriend?”

His teal eyes twinkled. “Yep. You seem like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Plus, I’m not bad at pretending to be charming.”

Okay, humble much?

Mikasa wasn’t sure if she should be suspicious or relieved. “Why would you do that for me?”

“Why not?” He shrugged, a casual smile on his face. “You seem like you could use a hand. And honestly, you don’t seem the type to take this lightly, so I’m intrigued. I think we’ll have fun.”

Mikasa bit her lip, torn between disbelief and the overwhelming feeling of gratitude. She had no idea who this guy was or why he was offering to help her, but she was running out of options. Maybe this was the break she needed.

“Okay,” she said, her voice soft. “But just two days. That’s it.”

He gave a sly grin. “Of course. Just two days. I’ll make you look good.”

It was finally Friday night, and Mikasa was staring at her reflection in the mirror, feeling like her nerves were about to swallow her whole.

She had spent the last hour meticulously picking out the right outfit—something feminine, something that would make her look like she had it together. It was one of the few dresses she owned: a simple black dress, with a straps and flowy fabric that ended a few inches before her knee, paired it with a simple jacket to avoid looking too exposed. She’d even done her hair, though it felt more like a chore than anything else.

Her heart was pounding in her chest, her thoughts racing.

Why did I even agree to this?

She’d told herself it was just two days, but now, with every passing second, it felt like an eternity. Pretending to be in a relationship with a man she barely knew was far beyond what she’d signed up for.

What if he thinks I’m weird? What if I mess up and they all see through me?

The sound of a text message broke her out of her spiraling thoughts.

Eren: I’m here to pick you up.

Mikasa’s stomach churned, and she let out a shaky breath. She grabbed her purse, adjusted her jacket, and walked to the door, praying she wasn’t about to make the biggest mistake of her life.

As she stepped outside, her eyes immediately locked onto the sleek, expensive sports car parked in front of her building. Her heart jumped in her throat. The car was the kind you’d see in magazines, the kind of car that screamed wealth and success, which made her feel even smaller and out of place.

Eren was leaning against the car, his teal eyes catching the light as he smiled at her. He was even more handsome than she remembered—tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly stylish in a way that made her feel like she was out of her league. Mikasa couldn’t help but feel self-conscious as she approached him. She knew she had dressed up for this, but standing next to him, she suddenly felt plain.

“Hey, Mikasa,” Eren greeted her with a smile, his voice smooth and warm. “You look great.”

Mikasa’s cheeks flushed, and she tried to mask her nerves with a smile. “T-thank you.”

He opened the passenger door for her, and she hesitated for a second before sliding into the car. As soon as the door shut behind her, she realized just how luxurious the interior was. Everything about the car, from it’s sleek panel to the buttery letter seats, screamed sophistication. Her anxiety shot up again, and she shifted in her seat, feeling even more out of place, a little afraid of breathing, least she risk breaking something way out of her budget.

Eren chuckled as he started the engine, glancing over at her. “You’re awfully quiet. Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Mikasa replied quickly, but her voice cracked a little, betraying her nerves. She forced herself to calm down.

It’s just two days. Just two days.

“I’m just a little nervous. I’ve never done this before.”

Eren grinned as he turned onto the main road. “I get it. It’s a little strange, pretending to be someone’s boyfriend. But hey, we’ve got this, right?”

Mikasa nodded, grateful for his reassuring tone. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“So,” Eren continued, his eyes on the road but his tone friendly, “tell me a bit about yourself. What’s your major? What are you studying?”

Mikasa relaxed just a little, grateful for the small talk. It felt like she was in control again. “I’m studying architecture. It’s… school is tough, but I love it.”

“Architecture, huh? That’s impressive,” Eren said, his voice warm and genuinely interested. “I’m a surgeon at Sina Metropolitan Hospital.”

Mikasa blinked. “A surgeon?” From the little she knew, it was one of the biggest hospitals in Sina, and Eren was so young too… “Wow. That’s amazing.”

Eren gave her a small smile, clearly amused by her surprise. “Yeah, it’s a lot of work. But I love it. It keeps me busy.”

“Sounds like it would,” Mikasa muttered, amazed that someone like Eren would even give her the time of day. A surgeon at one of the top hospitals in the city? He was far out of her league.

“So, what’s the deal with your friends?” Eren asked, glancing at her with a playful smirk. “How’d you end up in this mess with them?”

Mikasa hesitated, but then she chuckled nervously. “Well, my friends have this idea that I can’t get a boyfriend. They kind of—well, they tease me about it.”

Eren raised an eyebrow. “Tease you? For being single?”

“Yeah, it’s… it’s embarrassing,” she said, feeling herself blush at the admission. “I’m just… I’m not exactly the girliest, you know? And it’s like, all they talk about is guys and relationships, and I just never fit into that.”

Eren’s expression softened, and he gave her a thoughtful look. “That’s fucked up, actually. You don’t have to be like everyone else. You’re your own person, Mikasa. And I think that’s what makes you interesting.”

Mikasa’s heart skipped a beat at his words.

He was so… kind, in a way that made her feel like maybe she wasn’t as out of place as she thought.

The car slowed as they pulled up to the large, upscale house that was Reiner’s place. The music and laughter spilled out from the open windows, and Mikasa’s nerves returned tenfold. She swallowed, trying to calm herself, but her hands were already trembling.

Eren glanced over at her, probably noticing the shift in her demeanor.

He parked the car, turning off the engine. “Hey, it’s going to be fine. Just breathe. We’ll walk in together, and we’ll own it.”

Mikasa nodded, trying to take a deep breath. “I’m just… I’m not good at this. I don’t know why I agreed to this.”

Eren turned toward her, his gaze gentle but firm. “You don’t have to be perfect, Mikasa. Just be yourself. I’m here, remember?”

She looked at him, her nerves still simmering but softened by his comforting presence. He wasn’t what she had expected—a charming, confident, kind man who didn’t seem at all put off by her awkwardness.

“Thanks,” Mikasa whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

“Let’s go make them all jealous, alright?” Eren said with a wink, his grin widening.

Mikasa hesitated for a second, and then a small smile tugged at her lips.

Maybe—just maybe—this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Mikasa’s heart raced as they stepped into Reiner’s party.

The music was loud, the room was packed, and laughter filled the air. She could feel the warmth of dozens of eyes on them the moment they entered, and it made her feel like she was drowning in the attention.

Why did I do this?

The thought was a constant hum in the back of her mind, but she pushed it aside as best she could. This was what she had to do. If her friends found out she’d lied, they’d never let her live it down. She could already hear Hitch’s smug laughter, Ymir’s biting comments, Historia’s pity. It was easier to fake it than deal with the aftermath.

Eren, with his effortless charm, seemed unfazed. He flashed her a confident smile, his teal eyes sparkling as he guided her deeper into the crowd.

“Relax,” he said softly, leaning in just enough to make her feel like he was speaking only to her. “You’re doing great.”

Mikasa nodded stiffly, trying to swallow her nerves. She couldn’t let herself show how anxious she was. Just act confident. You can do this.

But when they were spotted by her friends, it all became so much harder.

“Mikasa! Is that your boyfriend?” Historia’s voice rang out, louder than necessary, and all the girls turned to look at them. They gasped as if it was the most unexpected thing in the world—probably because, to them, it was.

Mikasa’s stomach flipped, and she felt herself shrinking under the weight of their gazes.

She managed a smile, but it felt strained. “Y-yeah, this is Eren Jaeger,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Eren, these are my friends.”

Eren, unfazed by the sudden attention, smiled charmingly at each of them. His gaze lingered just long enough on each of the girls for them to swoon, especially when he gave them his signature confident grin. “Nice to meet you all,” he said smoothly. “Mikasa’s been telling me all about you.”

The girls immediately melted at the sound of his voice, exchanging excited glances.

“Really? She hasn’t told us anything at all about you, you know?” Ymir said, her eyes shifting between them and settling where Eren’s palm was resting on Mikasa’s waist. “So how old are you?”

“Thirty-three,” he answered with a shrug. “But I’m starting to feel twenty again. Must be the student party vibe.” Eren didn’t even seem fazed by Ymir’s gaze and his reply made Historia giggle, blond hair suddenly twirling around one manicured finger.

“You’re so funny, Eren! Do you mind if I ask you something? Are you related to Dr. Grisha Jaeger?”

“Ah, yeah.” Eren nodded at her, mouth setting in a half smile. Though his face gave nothing away, Mikasa couldn’t shake the feeling he was uncomfortable for the first time since she met him.

“He’s my father, I work with him at the hospital.”

“That’s such a coincidence! My father is always telling us tat Dr. Jaeger is the best, he refuses to see anyone else. I think they are friends, his name is Rod Reiss, maybe you’ve met? You’re a doctor too?” she asked, practically leaning against him.

“Sorry, never had the pleasure, and yeah, cardiovascular surgeon actually.” Eren confirmed casually, shrugging as if his career was no big deal.

“What? You’re telling us this guy is a surgeon?” Even Ymir’s eyes widened, mouth slightly agape.

Mikasa’s heart sank. She hadn’t planned for this. She was already feeling like she was drowning in Eren’s presence, and now her friends were eating up every word, looking at him with wide-eyed admiration.

Even Sasha couldn’t contain her excitement, her eyes practically sparkling. “So, wait, you’re, like, a real doctor? You’re saving lives and stuff?”

Eren chuckled. “I do my best.”

Mikasa hoped her embarrassment wasn’t visible. The quiet discomfort of her situation only intensifying as her friends continued to fawn over him. It wasn’t that she didn’t want them to like him—she did, that’s kind of the point of the whole thing—but every time they looked at Eren, it felt like they were forgetting she was standing there. Like he was the only one who mattered.

Noticing Mikasa’s quietness, Eren reached out, brushing his knuckles lightly against her arm. “You okay?” he asked, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

Mikasa forced a tight smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.” But the words felt hollow, even to herself.

Sensing her unease, Eren smoothly changed the subject, directing the conversation toward lighthearted topics that had everyone laughing. His quick wit and easy charm made it impossible not to like him, and Mikasa found herself relaxing a little despite herself.

At one point, Eren leaned closer and said in a conspiratorial whisper, “If I have to hear one more person call me ‘Dr. Jaeger’ tonight, I might just start telling people I’m a magician instead.”

Mikasa blinked at him, caught off guard. “A magician?”

He smirked. “Yeah. Imagine their faces if I said I specialize in pulling rabbits out of hats instead of saving lives. Think it’d get the same reaction?”

A surprised laugh escaped her before she could stop it. The sound felt foreign, but not unwelcome. Eren smiled at her, his expression softening. “There it is. I knew you had a good laugh in you.”

She shook her head, trying to suppress a grin. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously good-looking, maybe,” he teased, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Mikasa rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the faint blush that crept up her cheeks. For a moment, the tension in her chest eased, and she felt like she could breathe again.

“Hey, how about we grab a drink?” he suggested, giving her an out from the whirlwind of attention.

Mikasa nodded, eager to escape the spotlight, even if it was for just a moment. She let him guide her through the crowd, and the two of them made their way to the bar. As they walked, Mikasa felt Eren’s hand on her back, a gentle pressure that, for a moment, made her feel special. It was comforting.

Once they reached the bar, Mikasa tried to relax as Eren poured them both drinks, his voice light and easy, but she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirrored wall—her plain clothes, her simple hair—reality crashed back in. How could she possibly belong in the same world as someone like him?

“You really okay? We can leave if you want, the hospital could be tragically understaffed tonight.” Eren asked, leaning in close enough for her to hear over the music. His tone was playful, teasing, but with an edge of concern.

“Are they really?” Eren squinted his teal eyes at her and Mikasa shook her head quickly. “ I’m fine, I swear.” But the words felt hollow, even to herself. She wasn’t fine. She was out of her element, surrounded by people who were enamored with Eren, and she didn’t know how to handle any of it.

The party continued around them, but Mikasa felt more and more like she was watching from the sidelines. Eren, effortlessly charming, moved from group to group, talking to people, being the center of attention.

And Mikasa? She was just there.

Her mind kept racing with thoughts of how perfect Eren was. He was kind, confident, good-looking, and successful—everything that Mikasa never thought she could be. He never left her side, an arm firmly wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her into his side, his warmth a comfort but also a reminder of the glaring disparity between them.

As the night went on, Mikasa began to notice the way people looked at her differently now that Eren was by her side. Her friends kept glancing at her with wide eyes, as though they couldn’t believe that someone like Eren would be interested in her. And the guys at the party weren’t any better—they looked at Eren with awe, making Mikasa feel like she was invisible. She was just the background to his perfection.

At one point, Eren turned to her and, without warning, kissed her cheek—a soft, sweet kiss that left her breathless. It wasn’t anything too intense, but it was enough to make her heart flutter and her cheeks flush. The group around them cheered, and Mikasa’s nerves went into overdrive.

It was all so easy for him. He was the perfect boyfriend, the perfect guy, and Mikasa was just pretending. Was that all she was to him? Just a prop for his act?

Things continued like that—perfect, but painfully fake. Mikasa tried to smile, tried to laugh, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t her life. It was his, and she was just along for the ride.

As the night drew to a close and the group slowly started to disperse, Mikasa found herself standing by the door, waiting for Eren, who went to get their coats and was forced to stop and say goodbye to some of Reiner’s friends.

Her chest felt heavy with the weight of her own inadequacy. She had never felt so small, so invisible.

Would anyone even like me if Eren wasn’t here?

The thought clung to her, unshakable. She had been fine before, just her own quiet self. But now? Now, she felt like she was nothing without him.

When Eren returned to her side, he smiled at her and offered his arm. “Ready to go?”

Mikasa nodded, her throat tight. She didn’t trust herself to speak without giving away too much.

As they walked out of the party, Eren’s arm around her shoulder felt like a lifeline—and also a reminder that none of this was real.

Chapter Text

The sun was barely up, but Mikasa had been awake for hours. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts circling like vultures. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop thinking about the night before.

The way Eren had smiled at her, so effortlessly kind. The way he’d teased her just enough to make her laugh without pushing too far. The way he’d made her feel—important, seen, even... special.

She sighed and covered her face with her hands.

Stop it. He was just doing you a favor. Don’t read too much into it.

But her mind didn’t listen. Instead, it replayed the soft kiss he’d placed on her cheek, the warmth of his arm around her shoulders, the way his voice dipped just slightly when he said her name.

She groaned, sitting up and running her hands through her hair.

“Get it together, Mikasa,” she muttered to herself. “It’s over. He’s not your real boyfriend.”

Still, she couldn’t help but wonder. What would it be like to actually date someone like Eren? Someone so confident and caring, someone who could effortlessly draw people in with a smile? The thought made her chest ache, and she quickly shook her head, pushing the idea away.

No. Don’t go there. It’s pointless.

Later that day, Mikasa was sitting at the kitchen table with Historia, Ymir, and Sasha, who had come over to dissect every moment of the party.

“Okay, but seriously,” Historia said, leaning forward with wide eyes. “Where did you even find him? He’s, like, too good to be true.”

Ymir snorted. “Yeah, no kidding. A surgeon? Hot as hell? Either you’ve been holding out on us, or the universe decided to give you every lucky break at once.”

Mikasa felt her cheeks heat up. “It’s not that big of a deal,” she mumbled, focusing on the mug of tea in her hands.

“It is a big deal,” Sasha said, her voice practically a squeal. “You walked into that party like you owned the place, Mikasa. I’ve never seen you like that! And Eren? Oh my god, the way he looked at you...”

“He probably won’t stay, though,” Ymir said with a suffering sigh and then smirked, her tone just sharp enough to sting. “I mean, come on, Ackerman. A guy like that probably has a million girls following him around, and he knows it too. It’s a question of how long it will take, not if.”

Ouch.

Ymir’s comments usually sting, Mikasa knows that. She’s like that with everyone who isn’t Historia. But that one was like rubbing salt onto an open wound, because it was true – Eren had nothing to do with her beyond helping with last night’s party.

Trying not to let it get to her, Mikasa opened her mouth to reply, but the sound of the front door closing cut her off.

Her stomach dropped as she turned to see her cousin, Levi, standing in the doorway. He was still in his police uniform, his sharp gray eyes flicking between the girls before settling on her.

“Hey, Levi,” Historia said with a nervous smile.

“Don’t ‘hey, Levi’ me,” he said flatly. “What’s this I’m hearing about a boyfriend?”

Mikasa’s blood ran cold. “It’s nothing,” she said quickly, standing up and moving toward the sink.

Levi raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t sound like nothing. Who is he?”

“He’s... just someone I’m seeing,” Mikasa said, cursing her unsteady voice.

Levi crossed his arms as he took off his shoes by the door, his expression skeptical. “And you didn’t think to mention this to me? Your own cousin?”

“It’s new,” she said, hoping the lie sounded convincing.

Lying to Levi? Yeah, alright.

Levi didn’t look convinced, of course. His face was still blank as always as he crossed their small living room on his way to his room. “If he’s serious enough to take to parties, he’s serious enough to meet the family. You’re bringing him to the gathering next weekend.”

“What?” Mikasa’s voice came out in a squeak.

“You heard me,” Levi said. “If this guy’s the real deal, I want to meet him.”

Mikasa’s heart sank. There was no way out of this. She swallowed hard and nodded.

“Okay,” she said quietly. “I’ll bring him.”

Levi gave her one last scrutinizing look before disappearing to his room.

As soon as he was gone, Mikasa collapsed back into her chair, her head in her hands.

“Ugh, that was so intense!” Sasha let out a relieved sigh.

Historia nodded, her blond head bobbing up and down vigorously. “No kidding. Levi is always so scary.”

Oh, right. They were still there. Off course those traitors always blab about what they shouldn’t then leave me to deal with the mess!

“Well,” Ymir said with a grin, “good luck with that.”

Mikasa ignored her, pulling out her phone with trembling fingers. She opened Eren’s contact and stared at the blank message box.

What do I even say?

After a few false starts, she finally typed out a message:

Hey, Eren. I know I said last night was just for the party, but... something’s come up. My cousin wants me to bring you to a family gathering next weekend. Would you mind pretending to be my boyfriend again?

Her thumb hovered over the send button for a long moment before she finally pressed it.

There, done.

After shooing the girls out, Mikasa busied herself in the kitchen, trying to push her spiraling thoughts to the back of her mind. Cooking was usually soothing, but tonight her hands shook as she diced vegetables, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

The sound of Levi’s bedroom door opening made her stomach tighten. She didn’t turn around, hoping he’d leave her be.

“Smells good,” Levi said as he entered the kitchen, leaning casually against the counter. “What are you making?”

Guess not.

“Stir fry,” she replied, keeping her voice from wavering. Levi was like a shark who smelled blood in the water, if she showed her nervousness, he would know something was wrong in a minute.

He nodded, watching her for a moment before speaking again. “So, about this boyfriend of yours.”

Mikasa froze for a split second before resuming her chopping. “What about him?”

“Who is he?” Levi asked, his tone deceptively casual.

Mikasa hesitated. God, she hoped Eren would agree, otherwise she’s fucked. “His name is Eren Jaeger, he’s a surgeon at Sina Metropolitan.”

Levi straightened, his eyes narrowing. “Jaeger? As in the Jaegers? The family that owns Sina Metropolitan and half the pharmaceutical industry?”

Oh, okay. She did not know that, but it made sense. Eren’s car, clothes and mannerism all exude a sense of wealth way beyond even a regular surgeon’s pay grade, never mind one as young as him.

She nodded stiffly.

Levi let out a low whistle, but his eyes remained narrowed and suspicious. “Didn’t realize you were dating royalty.”

“He’s not royalty,” Mikasa muttered, her cheeks burning.

“Maybe not, but almost. Grisha Jaeger is one of the most powerful men in Paradis,” Levi said, crossing his arms. “And you’re telling me his golden son is dating you?”

Mikasa winced at the emphasis. “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” she muttered.

Levi raised an eyebrow. “I’m not trying to be an ass, but it doesn’t add up. How’d you two even meet?”

“At a bookstore,” Mikasa said quickly.

“And what, he just fell head over heels for you while picking out medical journals?”

She bit her lip, her chest tightening. “Something like that.”

Levi studied her, his sharp eyes practically peeling back the layers of her story. “You’re a terrible liar, Mikasa.”

Her stomach dropped.

“I’m not lying,” she said, her voice defensive.

“Fine,” Levi said, his tone skeptical. “Then you won’t mind bringing him to the family gathering next weekend.”

Mikasa’s knife slipped, the blade clattering against the cutting board. “But –”

This again? Eren still hadn’t replied to her text, what if he couldn’t make it? What if he had something more important to do with his time? What if he just didn’t want to pretend to be her boyfriend anymore?

“No, you heard me,” Levi said. “If this guy’s as serious about you as you’re saying, he can handle a few nosy relatives.”

“He’s busy,” she blurted out. “He’s a doctor. He probably has work.”

Levi smirked. “Then he can figure it out. If he likes you, he’ll make time.”

Mikasa opened her mouth to argue, but the look on Levi’s face told her it was pointless. She sighed, feeling the weight of the situation settle on her shoulders.

Levi pushed off the counter and grabbed a glass from the cabinet. “I just want to make sure he’s good enough for you, Mikasa. That’s all.”

As he left the kitchen, Mikasa dropped her knife and thought about finding a cliff to throw herself off of it, but that thought was cut short by the buzz of her phone on the counter. She snatched it up, heart skipping a beat when she saw Eren’s name.

Eren: Sure, I’ll help you. One more time. Let me know when and where.

Mikasa exhaled a shaky breath, her emotions a tangled mess of relief, dread, and something else she couldn’t quite name. She quickly typed back a reply:

Thank you. It’s next Saturday at 6 PM. I’ll text you the address.

Her thumb hovered over the send button. She hesitated, then added:

I’m sorry for dragging you into this.

The reply came almost instantly.

Eren: Don’t be. It’s kind of fun.

Mikasa stared at the screen, her lips twitching into a reluctant smile.

Yeah, fun for him, maybe.

The low hum of the car’s engine filled the air as Eren’s sleek, black sports car glided effortlessly through the winding roads leading to the outskirts of Sina, the leather interior pristine and smelling faintly of Eren’s cologne. Mikasa sat stiffly in the passenger seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She tried to focus on the scenery outside the window, but her nerves wouldn’t let her relax.

Eren glanced over at her, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “You know, if you keep clenching your hands like that, your knuckles are going to turn white. Are you always this tense?”

Mikasa huffed, loosening her grip slightly. “I’m fine. And I’m not tense.”

“Uh-huh,” Eren said, clearly unconvinced. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “What’s got you so worked up this time?”

“I’m just… thinking,” she muttered, rolling her shoulders back and forcing herself to relax.

“Dangerous habit,” He joked, his tone light.

Mikasa couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips.

“I’m thinking about Levi, I guess.” She answered. Her cheeks warmed.

She had told him what lead to her needing his help again – about her big-mouthed friends and her protective cousin.

“Actually it’s not just Levi. It’s… everything. I feel like my family’s going to see right through this.”

“Doubtful,” Eren replied easily. “You sold it at the party. Trust me, you’ll sell it there too.”

“That’s different,” Mikasa mumbled. “My friends don’t know me like my family does. Levi’s already suspicious. Aunt Kuchel is going to ask a million questions, and my uncle Kenny—”

“Kenny?” Eren interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes,” Mikasa said, shooting him a look. “My great-uncle. He’s… intense.”

“I think I can handle intense.” Eren smirked. “Seriously, you don’t have to overthink this. We’ll get through the day, and your family will love me. Everyone does.”

She gave him a skeptical look. “Modest much?”

“Not modest. Honest,” Eren shot back, winking.

Mikasa shook her head, trying not to laugh. “You’re impossible.”

“Impossibly charming,” he corrected, earning an actual laugh from her this time.

The sound seemed to please him, and he leaned back in his seat, his grin softening into something more genuine. “There it is.”

“There what is?” Mikasa asked, confused.

“That laugh,” Eren said. “It’s nice. You don’t do it enough.”

Mikasa blinked, her cheeks warming. “I laugh plenty.”

“Not from what I’ve seen,” Eren said, his voice dropping slightly. “But maybe that’s because you’re always surrounded by people who don’t appreciate you.”

Her breath hitched at the sincerity in his tone, and she quickly looked out the window, unsure how to respond.

Eren seemed to sense her discomfort and smoothly shifted the conversation. “Well, if you’re nervous then tell me more about the Ackermans. What are they like?”

Mikasa hesitated, unsure how much to share.

Would Eren kick her to the curb if she told him how odd her family is?

“Well, as you know, Levi is my older cousin. He was kind of a punk as a kid apparently, but he helped to raise anyway and made sure I never felt alone; never complained about having to babysit or take care of me. Family is just really important to him, so he can get protective.”

Eren nodded, his gaze briefly flicking toward her before returning to the road. “Sounds like he really cares about you.”

“He does,” Mikasa admitted. “Even if he has a… unique way of showing it.”

Eren chuckled. “I can see that. So, intense, protective… anything else?”

“He’s also kind of a clean freak, so don’t be surprised if he pulls out a bottle of sanitizer out of nowhere.”

Eren smirked. “Sounds like we’d get along.”

“Doubtful,” she said, but the corner of her mouth twitched upward.

“Why not?” Eren asked, feigning offense.

“Because Levi doesn’t get along with anyone,” she said with a shrug.

“I’ll take that as a challenge,” Eren said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Mikasa rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Good luck.”

“What about the other?”

“Uncle Kenny is very…” Mikasa hesitated. “peculiar. He was in the military before he got hurt, now he owns a bar and spends most of his time drinking and making awful dad jokes. I truly don’t know how Uri – oh, hm, Uri is his husband? He’s Historia’s uncle, actually – even stands him.”

“Aunt Kuchel is very sweet and warm. She took me in after my parents passed away and raised me as her own. Levi was just finishing high school when I came about and Kenny had been discharged, so money was really tight, and she started working two jobs to make it work, so I owe her a lot. She’s like the glue that holds the family together, I’m pretty sure that if she weren’t there Kenny would have raised me and Levi, and it would not have been pretty. She’ll probably try to feed you until you explode too.”

Eren laughed, bright and genuine. “Sounds like my mom.”

“She’s nothing like your mom,” Mikasa blurted out before she could stop herself. She flushed, realizing how much she’d just given away.

“How would you know that? Have you been Googling me, missy?” Eren asked, tilting his head curiously.

“What? No!” Mikasa protested, her voice a little too high-pitched.

He chuckled. “Relax. I’m flattered, really. But if you want to know about my family, all you have to do is ask.”

Mikasa glanced at him, unsure if he was teasing or serious. “Fine. Tell me about them.”

“Well,” Eren began, his tone light, “my dad’s a workaholic. He practically lives at the hospital. My mom’s the opposite—she’d probably throw a party if he ever took a day off. And Zeke… he’s my older brother. Brilliant, but also the biggest pain in the ass you’ll ever meet.”

Despite herself, Mikasa smiled. “You’re close?”

“Close enough,” Eren said with a shrug. “He likes to act like he’s better than me at everything, but I know he’s secretly proud of me.”

“Why do I feel like there’s more to that, hm?”

“Well, sure, there is. But are you sure you want to hear? It’s kind of a long, really silly story.” He waited for her to nod before beginning to talk again.

“Zeke and I weren’t always so close. For one, he’s like ten years older and for two, I used to feel like he was too perfect. It used to upset me you know? Back when I was younger, I had this idea that my dad liked Zeke better because he was proud of the things he did. Zeke always had the best grades, won all the awards in school… So, I tried hard to be the best in everything I did too, so my dad would pay more attention to me.”

“I did everything – track, Muay Thai, basketball, debate. I tried so, so hard, because let me tell you that I was never a natural talent at any of these things.” He chuckled. “Between all of that and keeping my grades up to apply to a good pre-med, I barely had a moment to think. I was always tired, had mood swings – I got angry all the time and my best friend, Armin, always had to hold me back so I wouldn’t go solving my problem by starting fights. Anyways, I worked very hard to be the best and keep up with everything, right? Then, when senior year came, I decided I needed to be valedictorian, since Zeke had been valedictorian. He joked about it too, said that I better make a better speech than his, otherwise they wouldn’t show up for my graduation.”

“I got so burned out that year, Mikasa, I remember even snapping at my mom and she’s like a saint! And when graduation came around, no matter how hard I tried, I didn’t get to be valedictorian. I cried all night when I found out, felt like all my hard work had been for nothing and couldn’t look my parents in the eye. Then one night, my dad came to ask me if I wanted to come with him to the hospital; he had a procedure scheduled and said I could watch it from the other room. I wasn’t really up to it, but I didn’t want to talk about it, so I went and stayed quiet. It turned out to be a pretty important procedure, and it’s rarely done since it has to be quick not to risk the patient’s brain functions. Really cool to watch by the way, but anyways… When my dad finished and we were gonna leave, a bunch of his colleagues came out to congratulate him and I was hanging back waiting for him and you know what he did? He introduced me to every single one of them, said something like ‘this is Eren, my youngest. He’s just finishing high school and he’s already been accepted to Sina University as a pre-med. They were really impressed with his grades - he’s captain of the track team and the debate team, you know? Remember back in the day? Good I could barely keep my grades up, never mind jungle four extracurriculars! His graduation is just around the corner too, next week.’ And I was shocked at first, I didn’t expect him to introduce me, never mind gush to some old dudes about me. My dad is a pretty closed off person, you know? It’s hard to guess what he’s thinking, it took me years to understand him, because from the outside he’s just very stoic.”

“So, I was shocked, I wasn’t the best at everything I did, I was never a natural talent at anything, and I wasn’t going to be valedictorian - I hadn’t even reminded him about the graduation date since it was set months ago when I was still hopeful that I was gonna manage it all, but he remembered. He knew about everything thing I did. On the ride back home, I was kind of speechless, and he looked at me and said ‘Eren, I’m so proud of you, I just want you to know that. I promise you I’ll be there next week, okay? You don’t need to win our affection, you already have it. Always.’” Eren finished, his eyes a little off, like he could remember that moment exactly as it happened.

Mikasa couldn’t help but smile at the way Eren talked about his family, her nerves momentarily forgotten.

“Pretty heavy stuff, hm? After that, I got over my stupid issues with Zeke and we grew closer. What about you? What were you like in high school?” Eren asked, his tone softening.

“Let’s not go there, no need to talk about dark times.”

“Ha! Sure, okay. I’ll let it slide, even though I totally just told you my deepest childhood traumas. Maybe I’ll ask your aunt for pictures. What do you do for fun then?”

“Fun?” Mikasa repeated, as if the concept were foreign to her.

“Yes, fun. You know, hobbies, things you enjoy,” Eren said, giving her a pointed look.

“I don’t know,” Mikasa admitted. “I guess I like reading, working out... things like that.”

Eren nodded thoughtfully. “Let me guess: nonfiction books and punishing workouts.”

Mikasa crossed her arms. “What’s wrong with nonfiction?”

“Nothing,” Eren said, holding up a hand in mock surrender. “It’s just very... serious.”

“And what do you read? Comic books?” she shot back, narrowing her eyes playfully.

“Actually, yes,” Eren said without missing a beat, making her laugh again. “But I also like a good thriller or sci-fi novel. Something that keeps me on my toes.”

Mikasa tilted her head. “That’s... unexpected.”

“What can I say? I’m full of surprises,” Eren said with a grin.

As they continued to talk, Mikasa found herself relaxing more and more. Eren had a way of drawing her out, making her feel seen and heard in a way she wasn’t used to.

“So, what about you?” Mikasa asked after a while. “What do you do for fun?”

Eren pretended to think for a moment. “Besides saving lives? Let’s see… I like swimming, basketball, and cooking when I have the time. Oh, and I’m really good at Mario Kart.”

Mikasa raised an eyebrow. “Mario Kart?”

“Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it,” Eren said, chuckling. “I could teach you, but I’d probably crush you.”

“I’m not sure I’d call that teaching,” Mikasa said dryly, but her lips twitched upward.

“Fair point,” Eren admitted. “Maybe I’d go easy on you. Maybe.”

The tension in her chest eased as the conversation shifted to lighter topics. Eren kept finding ways to make her laugh, whether it was by mimicking a funny voice or sharing an embarrassing story from his residency. By the time they neared Aunt Kuchel’s house, Mikasa was smiling more than she had in days.

But as the car rolled to a stop in front of the house, reality crashed back down on her. Her stomach tightened, and she gripped the strap of her bag tightly.

Eren turned to her, his expression softening. “You okay?”

She nodded, but the tension in her shoulders betrayed her.

“Hey,” he said gently, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.”

Mikasa looked at him, his teal eyes warm and reassuring, and for a moment, she allowed herself to believe him.

“Let’s do this,” she said, forcing a small smile.

Eren returned the smile and opened his door. “That’s the spirit.”

As they stepped out of the car, Mikasa couldn’t help but think how much easier this would all be if it weren’t pretend.

The Ackerman family home was warm and inviting – a modest but well-kept house nestled in the quiet suburbs of Sina. The faint scent of grilled meat and laughter drifted through the air as they got closer to the front porch.

“Relax,” Eren said again, coming around to her side. His easy smile and calm demeanor made her feel slightly less like bolting. “I promise I’m good with families.”

“You haven’t met mine,” Mikasa muttered, but she followed him to the door.

Before they could knock, the door swung open to reveal her Aunt Kuchel, a petite woman with warm brown eyes and a welcoming smile. “Mikasa! And this must be Eren,” she said, her gaze shifting to him.

Eren offered his hand, his charm dialed up to perfection. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Ackerman. Mikasa’s told me so much about you.”

Kuchel beamed, shaking his hand. “Oh, you’re just as handsome as she said you were.”

Mikasa blinked in horror. “I didn’t say that—”

Kuchel waved her off. “Come in, come in. Everyone’s in the backyard.” She looped her arm through Mikasa’s and led them both through the house, chattering about how nice it was to finally meet Eren.

As they stepped out onto the back yard, the scene unfolded: Levi was at the grill, flipping skewers with practiced precision, while Kenny lounged in a chair nearby, a tumbler of whiskey in hand. His husband, Uri, sat next to him, smiling fondly as Kenny mumbled complaints about something trivial.

The moment they appeared, all eyes turned to Mikasa and Eren.

“Well, well,” Kenny drawled, his sharp eyes narrowing on Eren. “So, this is the boyfriend, huh?”

Eren smiled easily, stepping forward to shake Kenny’s hand. “That’s right. Eren Jaeger. It’s great to meet you, Mr. Ackerman.”

Kenny’s eyebrows shot up. “Well, you’ve got manners, I’ll give you that.”

“Boyfriend, huh?” Levi’s voice cut in as he turned from the grill, his gray eyes scrutinizing Eren. “Interesting.”

“Levi,” Kuchel scolded lightly before turning back to Eren. “Don’t mind him. Come, sit. Have you eaten? We’ve got plenty of food.”

As Eren smoothly navigated the introductions, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, Mikasa couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and embarrassment. Eren was perfect—too perfect. He charmed her relatives in the matter of minutes.

“This guy’s a surgeon?” Kenny asked at one point, raising an eyebrow. “Damn, Mikasa, you really hit the jackpot.”

Mikasa’s cheeks burned, and she looked away, muttering, “He’s not—”

“Thank you, sir,” Eren interrupted, his tone respectful but amused. He glanced at Mikasa, his teal eyes sparkling with mischief, and added, “Mikasa’s pretty amazing herself. I’m the lucky one.”

Kuchel clapped her hands together. “Isn’t he just the sweetest?”

Levi watched the exchange with narrowed eyes, but he said nothing, returning to the grill.

Throughout the evening, Eren stayed by Mikasa’s side, helping her carry plates and engaging her family in conversation. He laughed at Kenny’s dry humor, listened attentively as Kuchel told stories from Mikasa’s childhood, and even complimented Levi on his grilling skills, earning a nod from her cousin.

Mikasa, meanwhile, felt like she was on an emotional rollercoaster. On one hand, she was relieved that Eren was handling her family so well. On the other hand, she couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling that this was all just an act—a carefully crafted performance to make her life easier for the day.

At one point, Eren leaned close to her, his voice low and soothing. “You’re doing great,” he said, his hand briefly brushing hers. “I can tell they all adore you.”

Her heart fluttered at his words, even as she struggled to suppress the warmth spreading through her chest. “Thanks,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Eren’s hand lingered for a moment before he pulled away, smiling softly. “Let me know if you need a break, okay?”

Mikasa nodded, her throat tight with unspoken emotion. How was she supposed to keep her feelings in check when he was like this—kind, attentive, and so effortlessly charming?

As the night wore on, she found herself watching him more closely, noting the way he smiled at her family, the way he made them laugh. It wasn’t fair. He made everything seem so easy, and she couldn’t help but wish—just for a moment—that it was real.

Kenny swirled his whiskey, his sharp eyes fixed on Eren as the group gathered around the outdoor table. “So, Eren, what’s that like being a doctor? Stitching people up and saving lives all day?”

Eren leaned back slightly in his chair, completely at ease under Kenny’s scrutinizing gaze. “It’s demanding but rewarding. Long hours, high stakes. You learn to thrive under pressure.”

Kenny smirked. “Sounds like Levi’s job, except instead of saving lives, he’s chasing idiots who screw them up.”

Levi shot Kenny a glare but said nothing, flipping another skewer on the grill.

“And what kind of surgeon are you, exactly?” Levi asked, his tone cool and measured as he turned to face Eren.

“Cardiothoracic,” Eren replied, his voice calm but with a touch of pride. “Mostly heart surgeries, though I’ve been dabbling in transplant work recently.”

Levi raised an eyebrow. “Heart surgeries? Not bad, kid.”

“Hey, who are you calling a kid man? Should I give you my lawyer’s number so you can look up about retirement, old man?”

Did Levi’s mouth just twitch?!

Mikasa was officially speechless. Sure, Eren was effortlessly charming, weaving his way into her family’s good graces like he belonged there. But to manage even a smile out of Levi was unheard of. It made her feel proud, but it also amplified the ache in her chest.

This wasn’t real.

“Your guy’s a keeper,” Kuchel murmured, sitting down beside Mikasa and nudging her gently.

Mikasa nearly jumped, startled out of her thoughts. “Aunt Kuchel, it’s not—”

“He looks at you like you’re the only person in the world,” Kuchel interrupted softly, her kind eyes sparkling. “And don’t tell me you don’t see it, because I see it clear as day. The way you look at him, too.”

Mikasa felt her face heat up. “He’s just—he’s just really good at this,” she stammered.

“At what? Caring about you?” Kuchel pressed, a knowing smile on her lips.

“No,” Mikasa protested weakly, her voice barely audible. “This is...” Pretend. He’s just pretending. “He’s just trying to get along with you.”

Kuchel tilted her head, her expression softening. “No, sweetheart, there’s something real there, I can see. And it’s okay to want that for yourself. Don’t be scared to let someone in.”

Mikasa swallowed hard, her gaze darting back to Eren, who was now listening intently as Kenny told a wildly exaggerated story about one of his past escapades. Eren laughed easily, leaning forward like he was genuinely invested.

Kuchel patted Mikasa’s hand. “Just think about it, okay? He seems like a good man. And if he’s willing to show up here for you, that’s worth something.”

Mikasa nodded mutely, her heart a confused mess of butterflies and unease. As much as she wanted to believe her aunt’s words, she couldn’t shake the gnawing reminder that this was all just temporary.

Across the yard, Eren caught her gaze and flashed her a quick smile. The simple gesture made her stomach flip, and she quickly looked away, focusing instead on the plate in her lap.

The ride home was unusually quiet.

Eventually, they had to leave; Eren got called in to cover one of the doctors, who had to step out because of a family emergency.

Mikasa sat in the passenger seat, her hands resting in her lap, fidgeting with the hem of her sweater. The evening at her family gathering had gone better than she’d expected, but it had left her feeling strangely hollow. Every kind word Eren had said, every warm laugh, every easy smile—it all felt like a double-edged sword.

Eren glanced at her, his sharp teal eyes flicking between her and the road. “You’re quiet,” he said gently. “More than usual.”

Mikasa forced a small smile. “I’m just tired.”

He didn’t look convinced. “Tired, huh? Or is something else on your mind?”

She hesitated, biting the inside of her cheek. She couldn’t tell him the truth. She couldn’t—

“I wish you were my real boyfriend,” the words tumbled out of her mouth before she could stop them. Her heart slammed against her ribcage, and she immediately backpedaled, her voice a panicked stammer. “I mean—it’s just a joke! I didn’t mean—I mean, it was just—you know…”

She trailed off, her face flaming as she stared resolutely out the window.

Eren didn’t respond right away. When she finally dared to glance at him, his expression was unreadable, his lips pressed into a thoughtful line. His eyes, however, flickered with something she couldn’t quite place.

“I see,” he said finally, his tone soft but with an edge of curiosity that made her squirm.

Mikasa couldn’t bring herself to say anything else, and the rest of the ride was drenched in awkward silence. She kept her gaze firmly fixed on the city lights outside the window, her chest tight with embarrassment and guilt.

When Eren finally pulled up in front of her apartment building, he turned off the car but didn’t move to leave. Instead, he shifted in his seat, angling himself toward her.

“Mikasa,” he said, his voice low but firm.

She stiffened but looked at him hesitantly, unable to avoid the intensity of his gaze.

“What’s going on?” he asked, his expression earnest. “You’ve been distant since we left your family’s place.”

She hesitated, feeling her throat tighten. “I just…” She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I feel guilty, okay? For dragging you into this fake relationship. It’s not fair to you.”

Eren tilted his head, studying her. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to,” he said simply, his voice steady and sincere.

Her breath hitched, and she looked down at her hands. “But—”

“No buts,” he interrupted gently. “You didn’t force me into this, Mikasa. I chose to help you. And I’m not going to let you carry the weight of this alone.”

The conviction in his voice wrapped around her like a warm blanket, easing some of the tension in her chest. She didn’t know how to respond, her emotions swirling in a chaotic storm.

Eren reached over, his hand brushing against hers for a brief moment before pulling back. “Get some rest,” he said, his tone softening. Then, leaning over slightly, he pressed a warm, lingering kiss to her cheek.

Mikasa froze, her heart pounding as she felt the heat of his lips against her skin.

“Goodnight, Mikasa,” he murmured, pulling back and giving her a small smile before she stepped out of the car.

She stood there on the sidewalk in stunned silence, watching as he drove away, the faint hum of the engine fading into the distance. Mikasa pressed a hand to her cheek, warmth radiating from where his lips had touched her.

In that moment, her mind was strangely quiet, but her heart was a tangled mess of feelings—gratitude, guilt, and something far more dangerous.

Chapter Text

The café was warm and inviting, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint hum of conversation. Mikasa sat across from Eren, her fingers nervously toying with the edge of her napkin. She had spent days debating whether or not to reach out, but now that she was here, she wasn’t sure what to say.

Eren, as always, looked effortlessly composed. He leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady on her, a small, patient smile playing on his lips. He had greeted her with the same easy charm that had been undoing her from the start, and now she was spiraling.

The waitress arrived with their drinks, placing a latte in front of Mikasa and a black coffee in front of Eren. “Anything else?” she asked cheerily.

Mikasa shook her head, murmuring a quiet thanks before the waitress left. She wrapped her hands around her cup, the warmth grounding her as she tried to summon the courage to speak.

“So,” Eren began, his voice low and inviting. “What’s on your mind?”

Mikasa hesitated, her heart racing. She could thank him for everything, apologize for dragging him into her mess, maybe find a way to—

“Mikasa?”

Her thoughts snapped back to the present at the sound of her name. Eren’s teal eyes were searching hers, and she could feel her face heat up. “I just... wanted to thank you,” she said finally. “For everything. You didn’t have to help me, but you did, and I just—”

Before she could finish, the bell above the café door jingled, and Mikasa’s stomach dropped. In walked Historia, Ymir, and Sasha, laughing and chattering as they scanned the room. It didn’t take long for their eyes to land on her and Eren.

She should have picked a place far away from the campus.

“Mikasa!” Historia’s voice carried through the café, and Mikasa braced herself as the trio made a beeline for their table.

“Oh my God, you’re here with Eren!” Sasha exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

Ymir smirked, nudging Mikasa playfully. “Trying to keep him all to yourself, huh?”

Mikasa forced a smile, her mind racing. “We were just—”

“Hey,” Eren said smoothly, cutting in with a friendly smile. “Good to see you all again.”

Historia’s eyes lit up. “We were wondering when we would see you guys again. You should come to our next hangout! We’re planning something for Friday night.”

Another party?!

“Yeah, come on,” Sasha chimed in. “It’ll be fun!”

Mikasa opened her mouth to protest, but Eren was already nodding. “Sure,” he said easily. “Sounds great.”

The girls left a few minutes later, after chatting about plans and exchanging a few more pleasantries. As soon as they were out of sight, Mikasa slumped in her seat, groaning softly as she pressed her hands to her temples.

“Don’t people have lives?” she muttered. “Why does everyone want to hang out all the time?”

Eren chuckled, but the sound was gentle, not mocking. “You okay?”

Mikasa shook her head. “No, I’m not. I don’t want to bother you again. I can tell them we broke up or something. I’ll figure it out.” Her voice was rushed, her breathing uneven as she fidgeted with her cup.

Eren leaned forward, his expression softening. “Mikasa,” he said quietly, “calm down. Breathe.”

She tried, but the words kept tumbling out. “I don’t want to keep pretending because if I do—” She froze, realizing too late what she was about to say.

Eren tilted his head, his eyes narrowing slightly. “If you do…?”

She stared down at the table, her throat tight. “If I do, I won’t want to end it,” she said in a small voice, barely audible.

Silence fell between them. Mikasa dared to glance up, expecting confusion or disbelief, but what she saw instead was something that made her heart stutter: vulnerability.

Eren let out a slow breath, his hand running through his hair. “You’re not the only one who’s been feeling that way,” he admitted, his voice soft but steady. “I’ve been trying not to think about it—about us—because I didn’t want to complicate things. But…” He trailed off, meeting her eyes. “Seeing how upset you’ve been, how much this has been weighing on you—it made me realize something.”

Her breath caught as he reached across the table, his hand brushing against hers.

“I don’t want to pretend anymore either,” he said, his voice low but sure. “I don’t want this to be fake. I want to be with you. For real.”

Mikasa’s heart felt like it was about to burst. Relief, joy, and disbelief collided in her chest, leaving her momentarily speechless.

“Eren…” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“You are an amazing girl, Mikasa. You work hard for everything you got and you love your family. You are absurdly nice all the time, even with your stupid friends – don’t give me that look! They are always doubting you, making you feel bad about being who you are. It’s okay to care about clothes and boyfriends but it’s okay not to either. I want to have the chance to get to know all about you, but I really like the shy, determined Mikasa I already know.” His lips curved into a small, reassuring smile. “I want to be your real boyfriend. Only if you want to, of course. You would have to accept an old guy who works too many hours and talks your ears off, and I come with an weird family too! Think carefully about it, you would have to meet Dad and Zeke and I cannot guarantee your sanity after that!”

Her response was immediate, a breathless laugh escaping her.

It felt weird to look into his eyes and finally see sincerity. She was used to seeing him as someone nice, but detached, and to see his bright iris reflecting something real felt like a moment in a dream, the kind that makes you snuggle closer to your pillow and sigh.

The warmth in his eyes was unmistakable as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

For the first time in days, the tension in Mikasa’s chest eased, replaced by a giddy, unfamiliar happiness.

The café felt quieter somehow, the low murmur of voices and the clinking of cups fading into the background as Mikasa sat across from Eren, her pulse pounding in her ears. His words hung in the air, weighty and sincere, yet impossibly light at the same time.

"I don't want this to be fake. I want to be a good boyfriend for you. For real."

Her breath caught in her throat, and she stared at him, searching his face for any hint that he might be joking or uncertain. But all she found was earnestness in those bright teal eyes, a vulnerability that mirrored her own.

"Eren..." she whispered, her voice trembling.

He leaned forward slightly, his fingers brushing against hers in a gesture that felt so natural, so grounding. "I mean it," he said softly. "I wasn’t expecting this, but the more time I’ve spent with you, the more I realized how much I... like being around you. You make me feel like I can just be myself." He let out a small, almost self-deprecating laugh. "And honestly, I’ve been trying not to screw it up by saying something stupid or rushing you."

Mikasa blinked, taken aback. "You? Worry about screwing up? That’s weird, I remember you telling me a few times how perfect you are…" she asked, a hint of teasing creeping into her tone.

Eren chuckled, a warm, genuine sound. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” His gaze softened. "I didn’t want to push you into anything, but I also didn’t want to lose the chance to see where this could go."

Her heart twisted at his words, and she felt a pang of guilt for how much she had been second-guessing herself. "I thought…" She hesitated, gathering her courage. "I thought you were just helping me because you felt sorry for me. Like… you were too nice to say no."

Eren’s eyebrows shot up. "What? No, not at all," he said, his tone firm. "If I didn’t want to help, I wouldn’t have. But more than that…" His voice softened, and he gave her a lopsided smile. "I wanted to spend time with you. I wanted to get to know you."

Mikasa felt warmth flood her chest, a mix of relief and something else she wasn’t ready to name just yet. "I’ve been so scared," she admitted quietly, her eyes dropping to her coffee. "Scared of getting attached to something that wasn’t real. Of letting myself hope for something I thought I couldn’t have."

Eren’s hand settled over hers, steady and reassuring. "It is real," he said simply. "If you want it to be."

She looked up at him, her vision blurring slightly. There was no hesitation in his expression, no trace of doubt. For the first time in what felt like forever, the weight pressing on her chest began to lift.

"I do," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want this to be real too."

The smile that spread across Eren’s face was so genuine, so warm, that Mikasa couldn’t help but mirror it.

For the rest of their coffee date, the tension that had been gnawing at her all week seemed to vanish. Their conversation flowed easily, a mix of teasing banter and quiet confessions that left her feeling lighter than she had in years.

When they stepped out of the café, the cool evening air nipping at her cheeks, Mikasa found herself already anticipating their next meeting—not with nerves or dread, but with something she could only describe as excitement.

Eren walked her to the door of her apartment building, pausing to glance down at her. "So," he said, his voice low and teasing. "Does this mean I’m officially your boyfriend now?"

Mikasa felt her cheeks heat, but she managed to meet his gaze with a small smile. "I guess it does," she said, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

"Good," he said, his smile softening. "Because I really like being around you, Mikasa."

Before she could respond, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek, his lips warm against her skin. "Goodnight," he murmured, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes again.

"Goodnight," she replied, her voice barely audible.

She watched as he walked to his car, her heart swelling with a mix of emotions she didn’t yet have words for. Relief, joy, hope—they all mingled together, leaving her standing on the doorstep with a smile she couldn’t seem to shake.

For the first time in a long time, Mikasa felt truly light, the weight of her worries replaced by a quiet, steady warmth. And as she stepped inside, already looking forward to seeing Eren again, she realized that for once, she wasn’t nervous about what came next.

The evening air was crisp as Mikasa and Eren made their way toward Jean and Connie’s place for the group hang-out. Laughter and chatter drifted from the houses they passed, but Mikasa’s mind was far from the noise around her.

It had only been a few days since everything between her and Eren had shifted from a carefully constructed lie to something real, and the change was overwhelming. She kept replaying their conversation in her mind, the way he had looked at her, the way he had spoken—like he truly wanted to be with her. And then there were the moments they shared, those small, tender gestures that left her heart fluttering in a way she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in years.

But now, with the weight of everything hitting her at once, Mikasa couldn’t shake the gnawing sense of vulnerability creeping up on her. This relationship had started out as a lie. What if everything she had with Eren was just a result of pity, or maybe he was just going along with it out of kindness? Her feelings for him had grown but so had her doubts. What if she had misread everything?

She felt her chest tighten, and before she knew it, her frown deepened, her thoughts spiraling out of control.

Eren, who had been walking beside her with a carefree grin, must have sensed the shift in her mood. His hand brushed against hers before he gently took it in his, pulling her to a stop.

"Mikasa," he said softly, his voice laced with concern, "what’s going on?"

She couldn’t bring herself to answer right away. She didn’t want to admit the mess swirling inside her, but her silence was enough for Eren to know she was struggling. His gaze softened, and before she could pull away or offer an excuse, he stepped closer, cupping her face with his free hand.

"I’m not going anywhere," he murmured, his voice warm and steady. "I’m here. You don’t have to keep all of this inside."

Mikasa’s breath caught in her throat, the sincerity in his voice reaching her heart. She blinked back the sudden wave of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her, and just as she was about to say something, he leaned in.

Eren kissed her—softly, slowly, and with all the warmth and tenderness that had built between them. It wasn’t a rushed kiss, not one meant to shut her up or take away her worries, but one that spoke volumes about everything they had been through.

The world around them faded as Mikasa closed her eyes, leaning into him, her heart racing as his lips pressed against hers. The kiss was deep, filled with passion, and yet, at the same time, it was filled with an understanding—an understanding that they had both fought to get to this point. It wasn’t just the kiss that made her heart soar, but the quiet connection, the way Eren’s touch made her feel like she was the only person in the world.

Mikasa’s hands found their way to his chest, and she felt the steady thrum of his heartbeat against her palm. He kissed her with the kind of care and tenderness she had never expected, and as the kiss deepened, all the doubts that had clouded her mind seemed to melt away.

When they finally pulled back, Mikasa’s face was flushed, and she felt a silly grin spread across her face. Her chest fluttered with joy, her heart a chaotic but happy mess of emotions.

Eren smiled at her, his eyes shining with the same warmth she felt in her chest. "I don’t want you to worry," he said, brushing a lock of hair away from her face. "We’ve got this, Mikasa. We’ve got each other."

She nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "I know. I just… I can’t believe this is real. I can’t believe I’m here with you."

Eren chuckled softly, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "Well, you better get used to it," he teased, making Mikasa laugh softly, her heart lightening at the sound.

For the first time in a long while, Mikasa didn’t feel uncertain. As they started walking again, this time with their fingers intertwined, the weight of her thoughts seemed less heavy. The kiss had washed away her doubts, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to feel the joy of simply being with Eren.

Maybe everything had started out complicated, but now, with Eren by her side, it felt like things could finally be as simple as they should be.

After the kiss, Mikasa and Eren stood for a moment, the world around them silent, save for the gentle hum of the evening breeze. The weight of their emotions felt lighter now, and Mikasa’s heart raced, a mix of joy and relief flooding her chest.

She barely registered the fact that they had arrived at Jean and Connie’s hangout. Mikasa was still lost in the warmth of Eren’s kiss, the feeling of his lips on hers lingering in the best way possible. She was about to speak when Eren’s voice cut through the silence, low and playful.

"So," he began, his lips curling into a teasing smile, "how about we ditch your friends and go on a date instead?"

Mikasa blinked, slightly taken aback. "A date?"

Eren’s grin widened, and he nodded. "Yeah, I mean, we’ve been to two hangouts with your friends now, but we still haven’t had a proper date. Just you and me, no distractions. We deserve it, don’t you think?"

Her heart fluttered, and a shy smile tugged at her lips. She had to admit, the idea of spending time alone with Eren, without the pressure of pretending or trying to live up to anyone’s expectations, was exactly what she needed.

"You’re right," Mikasa said, her voice soft but filled with excitement. "I’d love that."

Eren’s eyes lit up at her response, and he gently tugged her toward where he had parked his car, as if this simple gesture had become second nature to him, and they drove away from the noise and bustle of the hangout, heading toward a quiet part of the city that Mikasa had never been to before.

As they parked and walked to a small park that overlooked the city, Mikasa felt a sense of peace settle in her chest. Eren led her to a bench beneath a tree, its branches swaying gently in the evening breeze. There was a stillness in the air, and the faint sounds of distant traffic only added to the calming atmosphere.

"I come here during my breaks at the hospital, when I need to get away from everything," Eren said, as they both sat down. "It’s quiet, so it’s a good place to think, but also a good place to just be."

Mikasa smiled, feeling the weight of the world lift from her shoulders. She realized she hadn’t fully relaxed in what felt like years—not until now, when she was sitting next to Eren, in a place that felt just as safe as his presence.

Eren reached over, offering her the ice cream cone they ordered at the little truck near the entrance with a grin. "Here, something sweet to match the mood."

Mikasa laughed, accepting the treat, and they fell into an easy conversation. They talked about everything and nothing—about their favorite foods, their favorite movies, and the odd quirks of their daily lives. Mikasa felt herself laughing freely, the sound filling the space between them as Eren’s teasing remarks made her smile wider than she had in a long time.

After a while, the conversation shifted, becoming quieter, more intimate. Eren’s gaze softened as he turned to her, watching her in a way that made Mikasa’s heart skip a beat.

"Hey," Eren said, his voice gentle but serious. "You’ve been quiet for a bit. What’s going on?"

Mikasa’s breath caught in her throat. She had never been one to share her insecurities, but in this moment, she couldn’t hide from him anymore. She had to be honest, to tell him everything that had been weighing on her mind.

"I… I guess I’ve been thinking a lot," she began, her voice shaky. "About us, about me. I’ve never really felt like I fit in anywhere. You know, I’m always so aware of how different I am. My job, my family… even my looks." She paused, her gaze falling to the ground. "I’ve always felt like I’m not good enough, like I’m too much of one thing and not enough of another."

Eren’s expression softened with understanding, and he reached over to gently lift her chin so she would meet his eyes. "Mikasa," he said, his voice filled with sincerity, "I don’t care about any of that. You don’t have to change for me, or for anyone. You’re perfect just the way you are. You don’t need to be ‘enough’ for anyone but yourself."

Mikasa felt a tear slip down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away, embarrassed. "I just—"

Eren leaned in, cupping her cheek and brushing his thumb over her skin. "It’s okay," he murmured. "I’m here. I’ve got you."

The weight of her fears seemed to dissolve with his words. For the first time, Mikasa felt truly seen, not for what she thought she should be, but for who she truly was.

The moment lingered between them, comfortable and quiet, and Mikasa let herself relax into the warmth of Eren’s presence. It was difficult to accept that he was right. That she didn’t have to be perfect or to pretend.

But she really, really wanted to. And she would, in time.

Eren smiled at her, his hand resting on hers. "So, I guess no more pretending, huh?"

Mikasa chuckled softly, feeling the tension melt away from her body. "No more pretending," she agreed, her heart lighter than it had been in days.

They sat there for a while, just the two of them, watching the city lights twinkle beneath them. Mikasa felt a sense of peace she had never known, her heart full of warmth and the certainty that, whatever the future held, they would face it together.

She finally had someone who liked her for who she was, and he didn’t even have to pretend.