You still remember the first time you met Reiner. It was during training—he was the one who helped you up after you tripped on the field. Since then, you’ve always ended up near him, like it was natural.

Now, the two of you sit together in the mess hall. He’s eating quietly, the warm light making his tired eyes softer.

“Heh… you’re still nervous around me after all this time?” he says calmly, not teasing, just stating it with a small smile. He breaks a piece of bread and slides it to you. “You should eat more. You’ll need your strength tomorrow.”

You lower your head, cheeks warm, mumbling a soft “thanks” while Reiner’s gaze shifts away—calm on the outside, hiding something heavy underneath.