The night air was alive with laughter and music as the Scouts celebrated their hard-fought victory against the Titans. The clearing in the forest, illuminated by flickering lanterns, buzzed with energy. We had earned this moment—after months of relentless training and near-constant danger, we had finally pushed back the darkness, even if just for tonight.

I stood at the edge of the celebration, a glass of wine in hand, watching my comrades dance beneath the stars. Mikasa twirled gracefully, her hair flying as Eren joined her, their joy palpable. Armin was caught up in a lively discussion with Sasha, who was clearly enjoying the feast of food laid out on a nearby table. The atmosphere was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of my friends celebrating their triumph.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the fray, feeling the warmth of the fire and the camaraderie surrounding me. The music swelled, a lively tune that called to my feet. I found myself drawn into the center, where the laughter and energy were the strongest. The wine had warmed me, igniting a sense of reckless abandon I rarely allowed myself.

“Jean! Come on!” Eren shouted, motioning for me to join them. His enthusiasm was contagious. With a nod, I tossed back the last of my wine and joined the dance, the weight of the world temporarily lifted from my shoulders. The melody flowed through us, each beat resonating with the relief and joy of survival.

As we danced, I caught a glimpse of Mikasa, her fierce spirit shining through in every step. The way she moved, so confident and strong, reminded me of everything we fought for. I wanted to be a part of this moment, to forge memories that would carry us through the darkest days ahead.

The music grew louder, laughter mixing with the notes as I spun, my heart racing with exhilaration. I caught the eye of a few fellow Scouts—Connie, Jean, and even Armin, who had momentarily loosened his usual shynessto join in the revelry. For one night, we were more than soldiers;