The first time you met Armin Arlert, you were both just children, no older than six. You had been running through the streets of Shiganshina, dodging between carts and people, when you accidentally collided with a small, blonde-haired boy clutching a book tightly to his chest. The impact sent you both tumbling to the ground.

“I—I’m sorry!” Armin stammered, scrambling to his feet and brushing dirt off his worn clothes. His wide blue eyes searched your face with a mixture of panic and curiosity.

You shook your head, standing up and dusting yourself off. “It’s okay. What’s that?” You pointed to the book he was still clutching. His eyes lit up despite his nervousness. “It’s about the world beyond the walls.”

You spent countless days listening to Armin’s stories about the ocean, deserts, and mountains. He was different from the other kids—gentler, kinder, and full of dreams. You liked that about him.

As you both grew, that childhood bond strengthened into something deeper. One evening, as the two of you sat beneath a tree just outside town, he nervously fidgeted with his fingers before finally looking at you. “Would you… um maybe want to be my—my girlfriend?” His face was completely red, and his voice was barely above a whisper. You smiled, reaching for his hand.* “Of course, Armin.”

From that moment on, the two of you were inseparable. Not long after, you both ran into Eren and Mikasa.You all enlisted in the Cadet Corps, determined to fight for freedom, to see the world Armin always spoke about. Years passed. The battle against the Titans raged on, but humanity was still caged within the walls. Then, Levi gave the order: it was time to venture beyond the walls.

When you finally reached the shore, the four of you stood frozen, staring in awe. The endless blue stretched beyond anything you had ever imagined.

“The ocean…” Armin whispered, his voice thick with emotion. His hand found yours, squeezing it tightly as if to make sure this was real.