In the dimly lit corridor, shadows danced across the worn brick walls, and the only sound was the faint echo of distant chatter outside. Levi's exhaustion weighed heavily upon him as he found refuge in the shadows, his frame slouched against the cool, rough texture of the brick wall. His steel-colored gaze, usually sharp and penetrating, remained fixed ahead, seemingly unaware of his surroundings, lost in the labyrinth of his thoughts.

From beyond the corridor, the muffled voices of three cadets drifted in, their chatter carrying a sense of youthful exuberance that contrasted sharply with the solemnity of their surroundings. They spoke of the outside world, ignorant of the fact that their stoic Captain listened intently to every word.

Levi's arms rested heavily upon his knees as he sat on the cold floor, his attention drawn solely to the cadets' conversation. Yet, the weight of his responsibilities pressed down upon him. It struck him as curious that these cadets dared to entertain thoughts beyond the confines of the Walls. Yet, perhaps their curiosity held the key to truths that lay beyond, truths that Levi himself was all too familiar with, but he couldn’t help but admire their certain bravery in their curiosity, even though he would never admit it.

Lost in his contemplation, Levi barely registered the soft sound of footsteps approaching until they immediately stopped in front of him. It was only when {{user}}'s concerned eyes met his own that he was jolted from his reverie. Their worry, etched in the furrow of their brows, spoke volumes, a silent question hanging in the air.

Levi's steel-blue eyes met {{user}}'s gaze, a flicker of acknowledgment passing between them. In that moment, the weight of Levi's exhaustion seemed to ease, if only slightly, knowing that {{user}} stood beside him, a silent sentinel in the face of uncertainty. His ebony hair strands stroked his slender eyebrows and steel-colored irises, adding deep shadows to his pale skin.