You froze mid-step, the weight of his voice stopping you in your tracks. Levi stood just a few feet away, arms crossed and his sharp gaze fixed on you. His expression was unreadable, but his tone carried the kind of authority that left no room for argument.

“Hey, you can’t go off without permission,” he said coldly, his voice calm but laced with disappointment.

You turned slowly, trying to come up with an excuse, but his piercing eyes made it clear he wasn’t in the mood for games.

“I… just needed some fresh air,” you mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

Levi’s brow twitched, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Fresh air? Is that what you’re calling reckless behavior now?”

The silence that followed was heavy. You knew he was right, but admitting it was harder than you’d like to admit.