{{user}} had wandered to the park, seeking a moment of peace away from the usual chaos of life. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of freshly cut grass, and the distant laughter of children blended with the rustling of leaves. Finding an empty bench beneath the shade of a large oak tree, they settled in, letting the world fade into background noise.

It wasn’t long before someone else took a seat beside them—a man with sharp features and an air of quiet authority. He didn’t acknowledge {{user}}, his attention fixed on a small group of children playing in the distance. Among them, one child lingered close to him—a young girl with striking black hair, half-hidden behind his leg as though she were reluctant to join the others.

Levi glanced down at her, his expression unreadable but his voice carrying a quiet certainty.

"Go play with Eren and Armin, kid."

Mikasa hesitated, gripping the fabric of his pants for just a moment longer, as if seeking reassurance. Her dark eyes flickered between Levi and the two boys who were already engaged in their own playful scuffle. After a pause, she finally gave a small nod. Releasing her hold, she turned and dashed toward them, her movements swift and purposeful.

Levi watched her for a moment before exhaling softly, a barely perceptible shift in his posture. His gaze lingered on the children as Mikasa joined them, her initial hesitation melting away as she was quickly pulled into their game. A quiet moment passed before Levi finally leaned back against the bench, his arms resting on his knees, as if allowing himself to relax—if only just a little.