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“You’re lying.”
Y/N raised an eyebrow, not entirely sure what Sasha was accusing her of this time. “Lying about what?”
Sasha leaned across the table, finger dramatically pointed at Y/N’s face like she was delivering the final verdict in a courtroom drama. “You’re not actually dating Senior Levi.”
Y/N blinked — then burst out laughing.
“This isn’t funny!” Historia huffed, though the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth betrayed her amusement. “We’re being serious.”
“Okay, okay.” Y/N waved a hand, still chuckling. “But seriously, where is this even coming from?”
“No offense, Y/N,” Jean chimed in, “but we’ve never seen him hold your hand. Not even once.”
“Actually, he did,” Mikasa said flatly, barely looking up from her phone. “That time Y/N tripped on the stairs, and Levi caught her.”
“That doesn’t count!” Connie slammed his hand on the table, eyes wide with exaggerated drama. “That was an emergency hand-hold. That’s just basic survival, not romance.”
“See?” Sasha nodded sagely. “Even our resident idiot knows what romance should look like.”
“Oi! Who are you calling an idiot?!” Connie shot back, sending the group into a round of laughter.
Y/N leaned back in her chair, resting her chin in her palm, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched the chaos unfold. Typical. Sasha and Connie could turn anything into a full-on argument.
“Can we please focus?” Historia sighed, the responsible mom-friend in full force. “Y/N, look. We all know you and Senior Levi have been close since childhood. But being childhood friends and actually dating? That’s different.”
“Of course it is.” Y/N shrugged. “Who said otherwise?” She glanced at Mikasa, hoping her boyfriend’s cousin would at least offer some backup — but Mikasa just sipped her drink, clearly staying out of this mess. Typical.
“And that’s exactly the point!” Jean jabbed a finger at her. “When we see you two together, it’s just so... plain. No flirting, no cute couple moments — hell, it’s been almost two years, and we’ve never seen Senior Levi do a single romantic thing for you. Not even on White Day.”
Y/N raised an eyebrow. “I think he’s pretty romantic, actually.”
Jean’s skepticism only grew. “Alright then — where do you guys even go for dates?”
“Sometimes the arcade. Or I hang out at his house — his mom and I love baking together.”
A pause.
“That’s it?” Sasha looked genuinely offended. “No candlelit dinners? No surprise movie dates? No sunset walks on the beach?”
“We’re not in a K-drama,” Y/N snorted.
“Okay…” Sasha tried again, this time slower, like she was dealing with a particularly difficult puzzle. “Then where does he usually take you on holidays? Any romantic getaways?”
“His office,” Y/N answered without hesitation. “You know how his workload doubles during holidays.”
Historia’s brow furrowed, her concern obvious. “Okay… but what about the important stuff? Like saying ‘I love you’? How often does that happen?”
Y/N tilted her head, mentally rewinding through their moments together. “Hmm… I think the last time was… Valentine’s Day.”
Connie promptly choked on his drink, coughing loud enough to earn a few looks from nearby tables.
Jean pinched the bridge of his nose. “Alright. Cute couple moments? Like holding hands under the table? Or feeding each other fries?”
“It’s Levi freaking Ackerman,” Sasha deadpanned. “That’s a dumb question.” Like hell Levi would ever say something like ‘honey’ or act cute like the K-pop idols Historia was obsessed with.
“Alright, fine — gifts? Birthday surprises?” Jean pressed, determined to get something out of her.
“He was too busy last year.”
Jean groaned, dramatically leaning back in his chair like her answers physically caused him pain. “Okay, forget all that — let’s just cut to the chase. How many times have you even kissed?”
“Once,” Y/N said without hesitation. Then after a beat, she added, “Well, if you count that accidental kiss when I tripped, then twice. And sometimes Uncle Kenny barges in before we can even try.”
The table went completely silent.
“And… what about…” Sasha leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper, like she was asking for state secrets. “You know… sex?”
“Never.”
If silence could kill, they’d all be dead on the spot.
“...What kind of relationship is this?!” Connie finally exploded, throwing both hands in the air like Y/N had just confessed she was dating a hologram.
Y/N only grinned, leaning back comfortably, eyes sparkling with a teasing glint. “A relationship between two perfectly normal humans, obviously. A man and a woman, in case you forgot.”
“That’s not what we meant!” Jean groaned, slapping his forehead.
Y/N laughed, fully enjoying herself now. “Relax, horse-face.” She waved him off. “I know what you’re all trying to say — but what happens between me and Levi is for us to know and for you to never find out.”
She leaned back in her chair, a teasing sparkle in her eyes. “He’s just… shy.”
“Shy?!” Jean practically choked on his drink. “If you’ve ever seen Armin and Annie, that’s what shy looks like — and even they’ve kissed more than you two!”
Mikasa, who’d been silent this whole time, suddenly pointed toward the café window. “Speaking of Levi… he’s here. He said he’s been calling and texting you, but you didn’t answer.”
Y/N fished out her phone, only to realize the screen was black. “Oh. Dead battery. Whoops.”
She stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “Alright guys, I’m out. Duty calls.”
“Wait—!” Historia tried to grab her sleeve. “We’re not done here.”
“We can continue this chat later… or never!” Y/N grinned over her shoulder before making a quick exit. “Bye~!”
And just like that, she was gone — leaving her friends frozen at the table, still stunned, still suspicious, and still absolutely convinced that there was no way Y/N and Levi’s relationship could be anything close to normal.
Historia groaned, slumping against the table dramatically. “Mikasa, please. Please tell us your cousin isn’t that hopeless when it comes to romance.”
“Yeah,” Sasha chimed in, shaking her head. “I mean, Y/N’s a total catch — how can she survive in a relationship that dry?”
Mikasa didn’t answer right away. Instead, she just smiled — a soft, almost secretive smile, like she knew something they didn’t.
Y/N blew into her hands, rubbing them together in a futile attempt to chase away the biting cold. Late November always had a way of creeping under her skin, the kind of cold that clung to her fingertips and nose no matter how many layers she wore.
As she stood outside the café, her breath curled into soft clouds in the air while her eyes scanned the street for a familiar car.
It didn’t take long to spot it — Levi’s sleek, slightly-too-clean car parked just down the block. With a quick jog, she slipped into the passenger seat, immediately rubbing her hands together again for warmth.
A soft sigh escaped her lips as the cozy heat wrapped around her. “Lucky me. Your heater’s on.”
“Obviously.” Levi’s voice came from the driver’s seat, low and flat like always. His hands rested on the steering wheel, fingers tapping idly. “You think I’d make you sit in a damn icebox?”
Y/N grinned, leaning back into the seat as her fingers thawed. “Well, you do have a reputation for being emotionally constipated. Who knows? Maybe you think suffering builds character.”
Levi shot her a look — the kind of look only he could pull off. Equal parts unimpressed and fond, like she was both an idiot and his favorite person in the world.
“Don’t push your luck,” he muttered, though his hand was already reaching over, grabbing one of hers and bringing it to the heater vent. His thumb brushed over her knuckles absentmindedly, like it was second nature.
Y/N couldn’t help but smile — the kind of smile her friends would never believe existed when it came to Levi Ackerman.
“Thanks,” she said softly, fingers curling against his palm.
He didn’t reply, but the way he held her hand just a little tighter said enough.
“How can you smile like that, Mikasa?” Historia asked, disbelief clear on her face. “I know you and your cousin don’t exactly get along, but Y/N’s your best friend—right up there with Armin and Eren. Shouldn’t you be at least a little worried about her dating someone like him?”
Mikasa just shrugged, her expression calm, almost amused. “You guys only see what they let you see,” she said simply. “Levi might be the most arrogant, pain-in-the-ass human alive—but when it comes to Y/N, there’s no one better for her.”
“Seriously? Why?” Sasha leaned in, eager for some insider gossip.
Mikasa’s gaze softened slightly, her mind drifting back. “Do you guys remember last spring? The time we all promised to watch the first day of cherry blossoms together?”
The table fell quiet, memories stirring in the back of their minds.
“If I remember right… didn’t we cancel that plan?” Connie asked, though his uncertain tone made it clear he wasn’t entirely sure. Then again, he barely remembered what he ate last night.
“No,” Historia corrected, brows furrowing. “We still went, but Mikasa, Eren, and Senior Levi stayed behind because of Y/N’s mom… right?”
Mikasa nodded. “Yeah. That day, I’ve never seen Levi drive so fast. He was reckless enough to make Eren nearly throw up.”
Flashback
“It’s time,” Levi muttered under his breath, glancing at his watch.
He wore his usual stoic mask, but Mikasa knew better. Being his cousin, she could tell when something was off — and right now, Levi was worried. Y/N was never late, especially not for something like this.
“Maybe she’s nearby,” Eren offered, trying to ease the tension. “Sasha and Connie got stuck in traffic, so they’re late too.” He glanced toward the entrance. “Historia only just got here herself.”
Levi clicked his tongue, annoyed. “Tch. Even though I’m busy as hell, I made time for this — and this is what I get? A bunch of late idiots.” Despite the grumbling, his hand never left his phone, fingers typing out a quick message to Y/N. No reply.
“Senior Levi, maybe Eren’s right. Let’s just wait five more minutes,” Armin suggested, ever the peacemaker.
Mikasa, who had been trying to call Y/N, suddenly froze when someone answered — but it wasn’t Y/N. “Hello? Oh—Senior Erwin… This is Mikasa.” Her expression darkened. “Wait, what? Y/N’s mom—? …Okay. The usual hospital, right? Got it. Thank you.”
Levi was already watching her closely. “What happened?”
Mikasa lowered her phone. “Y/N’s mom collapsed. Senior Erwin said the ambulance just took her to the hospital.”
Levi didn’t even wait for the full explanation. He bolted toward his car without a word.
“Senior Levi! Wait up!” Eren yelled, grabbing Mikasa’s arm as they both sprinted after him. “Armin, tell the others we can’t make it today. Just go without us — we’ll explain later!”
Luckily, Eren and Mikasa managed to catch up before Levi peeled off without them. The three of them squeezed into the car, and what followed was a ride none of them would ever forget. Levi, panicked and laser-focused, drove like a man possessed — cutting corners, weaving through traffic, and sending Eren into a cold sweat the entire way.
To this day, both Eren and Mikasa silently agreed never to get in a car with Levi if Y/N was involved in an emergency.
When they finally arrived at the hospital, they rushed to the emergency room, only to find out Y/N’s mom had already been transferred to a regular room. Fortunately, the crisis wasn’t as serious as they’d feared — just a bad case of exhaustion and nausea from overworking herself.
Y/N’s mom even managed to smile at them, reassuring everyone she was fine and that her old illness wasn’t acting up again. In fact, she was cleared to go home the very next day.
But even after everything settled, one thing stuck with Mikasa — the sight of her famously cold and composed cousin, completely losing it the moment Y/N was in trouble.
End of Flashback
“And after that,” Mikasa continued, “we even spent time with Y/N’s family a month later. Her parents felt bad for how chaotic that day turned out, so they invited us over and made a huge meal to make up for it.”
She paused, a small smile tugging at her lips. “That was also the day Y/N accidentally kissed him.”
The group leaned in, eyes wide with curiosity, but Mikasa just shrugged.
“What I’m trying to say,” she went on, “is that you guys don’t need to worry so much about her. Y/N knows what’s best for herself — always has. And even if Levi ever does something stupid in the future, she’s not alone. She has Senior Erwin, me, Eren… and all of you.”
“What’s with that sudden grin?” Levi glanced at her, his brow slightly raised, eyes flicking between her and the road.
Y/N chuckled softly, leaning her head back against the seat. “I just remembered that spring, when my mom collapsed. If I’m not wrong, Eren threw up the second the adrenaline wore off — thanks to your driving.”
Levi scoffed, fingers drumming lightly on the steering wheel. “Tch. What was I supposed to do? Mikasa said your mom collapsed — I wasn’t about to waste time driving like some damn Sunday chauffeur.”
Y/N shook her head, her smile turning fond. “Fair point. Though, to be honest, Brother Erwin tends to overreact about things like that. Even if I just miss one text or call, he’s already convinced something tragic has happened.”
Levi’s mouth twitched — the faintest hint of a smile — but he didn’t argue. Because the truth was, he remembered that day just as clearly as she did.
Flashback
“Thank God everything’s fine now,” Erwin sighed, shoulders finally relaxing after hours of tension. “Are you absolutely sure we don’t need to call Josh?”
Y/N shook her head firmly. “There’s no need to drag him into this. He just started his second year, and his dorm has strict curfews anyway. No point worrying him over something that’s already under control.”
Mr. Eckhart chuckled quietly, the kind of laugh only a father could give — full of pride and quiet affection. How did I get so lucky to have a daughter like this? he thought. Selfless, reliable, always thinking about everyone else first. Surely, he must’ve saved the world in a past life.
“It’s almost the end of visiting hours,” Mr. Eckhart gently reminded her. “You still have classes tomorrow. And Erwin has work. We all know who’s staying with your mom tonight.”
“But, Dad—”
“No buts.” His voice softened, but it left no room for argument. “You did enough today, sweetheart. Go home with Erwin and rest. Your mom and I will be fine.”
Y/N eventually agreed, leaving with Erwin while Levi — who had driven there with Mikasa and Eren — took the brats home. At least, that was the plan.
But Levi couldn’t shake the feeling. Y/N had acted like her usual self — smiling, laughing, staying strong for everyone — but something felt off. That calm, responsible front of hers was too perfect, too polished. Levi had seen it before and it never felt good.
A few minutes later, instead of heading home, Levi found himself driving somewhere else.
I’m near your house. Mind giving me a minute?
The text was short, direct — just like him.
Y/N had just cracked open her textbook when her phone lit up. Her brows lifted in surprise, but she didn’t hesitate. She grabbed her cardigan and stepped outside. Under the dim glow of the streetlamp, she spotted Levi leaning against his car, one hand raised in a small wave. In his other hand was a small bag from her favorite pâtisserie.
“Got you something to keep you company while you study.”
His voice was gruff, almost casual — but the gesture wasn’t.
And just like that, something inside her gave way
She ran to him without a word, arms wrapping tightly around his middle. Her face pressed into his chest, and the tears — the ones she’d been swallowing all day — finally spilled out.
For once, she wasn’t the responsible daughter or the strong big sister. She didn’t need to smile for anyone, didn’t need to carry the weight of being "the reliable one."
She could just cry.
Levi froze for a second — not because he didn’t expect it, but because every time she showed this side of herself, it hit him somewhere deep, somewhere fragile. But then his arm came up, steady and warm, hand settling firmly against her back. His grip said what words couldn’t.
I’m here. Take your time.
And she did.
End of Flashback.
“So,” Levi said after a moment, glancing sideways at her, “what kind of crap were they grilling you about this time?”
Y/N snorted, rubbing her hands together before tucking them into her sleeves. “Oh, you know. The usual. How I’m apparently dating the most unromantic man alive.”
Levi’s brow twitched. “Tch! They need to get a hobby.”
“To be fair…” Y/N turned toward him, eyes sparkling with playful mischief. “They’re not wrong. We’ve been together for almost two years and they’ve never seen us hold hands. Or do anything remotely ‘normal couple’.”
Levi’s fingers flexed slightly on the wheel. “Didn’t realize we were supposed to put on a damn show.”
Y/N laughed softly. “Relax, Boss. I told them you’re just shy.”
Levi scoffed, loud and offended. “Shy?”
“Painfully.”
He shot her a sharp side glance. “I’m not shy.”
“Says the guy who nearly flatlined when I kissed him the first time.”
Levi’s ears turned the faintest shade of pink, barely visible under the soft glow of the dashboard lights. “That’s because you did it in front of your mom, dumbass.”
Y/N’s jaw dropped in exaggerated horror. “Oh my god, I forgot about that!” She leaned back, grinning wide. “You were so red, I thought we were gonna have to call an ambulance.”
“Keep laughing and I’ll turn this car around.”
“No, you won’t.”
“Try me.”
But his hands stayed firmly on the wheel, and somewhere in the corner of his mouth, the tiniest flicker of a smile made an appearance.
After a beat of comfortable silence, Y/N’s voice softened. “They just… don’t see what I see. That’s all.”
Levi’s grip loosened, his shoulders losing that ever-present tension. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She rested her head against the window, watching the city lights blur past. “They don’t see how you always keep an extra jacket in your car — for me. Or how you text me to eat lunch because you know I forget. Or the time you spent a full hour fixing my charm bracelet after it broke, even though you called it a useless piece of junk.”
Levi didn’t answer right away, but his free hand shifted off the gear stick, finding her thigh and resting there, solid and familiar. The blush was still there — faint, but no longer hidden.
“They don’t need to see that,” he murmured, almost to himself. “That’s just for you.”
Y/N’s smile softened, her fingers brushing over his hand, tracing the rough skin gently.
“Yeah,” she said quietly. “Just for me.”
The End