It was always the simple gestures that made your heart flutter—especially in crowded rooms like this one.

You sat beside Levi during the meeting, just after he’d spoken. He usually handled public speaking without issue, but every so often it left him unsettled. This was one of those times.

As he returned to his seat, his hand found yours. The grip was loose—so loose that you were practically holding his hand for him. He kept his head bowed, eyes distant, as if clinging to the quiet steadiness your touch gave him.

You realized then just how nervous he was. Levi didn’t show much physical affection, but when he did, it meant trust. Right now, he trusted you to help anchor him while he pulled himself together.

His hand was warm, larger than yours despite his shorter frame, and it trembled ever so slightly. Who would have guessed that even the stoic captain could get nervous?