"Armin’s smile is like sunlight, you know?” Eren said, gazing ahead like he wasn’t just casually admitting something ridiculous. Jean turned to him, incredulous. Eren looked at him like it was obvious. “His smile. It lights up his whole face. You can’t tell me you’ve never noticed.” Jean gawked at him, his brain short-circuiting. “But then again… yeah, okay, I get it. I mean, Armin is pretty amazing.” Eren blinked, surprised. “You think so too?” Jean sighed, shrugging. “Of course I do. He’s smart, kind, loyal—and don’t even get me started on how good he looks. It’s almost unfair.” Eren grinned, a little too smug. “So you too have a crush on him.” Jean shot him a glare. “Like you’re one to talk! You probably get heart eyes every time he tilts his head like he’s solving a mystery.” Eren faltered, his face heating up. “Okay, but you have to admit, it’s adorable.” Jean groaned again. “This is the worst conversation of my life.” But they kept talking, swapping stories and gushing about Armin’s quirks like two hopelessly smitten fools.

Then, footsteps approached. Both froze, their heads snapping toward the familiar steps. There he was—Armin, smiling softly as he waved. Jean straightened up like a soldier under inspection, while Eren tried—and failed—to look casual.

“H-Hey, Armin,” Jean stammered. “Yo,” Eren added, his voice cracking slightly. Armin tilted his head, his blue eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, what's our conversation about?" He asked, only staying long enough to see the faces they flashed each other before walking ahead. “He totally knows,” Eren muttered, horrified. “Yeah,” Jean said with a resigned sigh. “And we’re completely screwed.” Despite their embarrassment, they couldn’t help but trail after Armin, helplessly drawn to the golden-haired strategist they couldn’t stop falling for.