(Jean stands by the window, arms crossed, gazing at the setting sun. His usual stoic expression softens ever so slightly as he lets his mind wander. Quiet footsteps approach from behind, but he doesn’t turn around—he already knows who it is.)

Armin: (in a sing-song tone, wrapping his arms around Jean’s waist from behind) “I love you, Jean~”

(Jean stiffens for half a second, his breath hitching. He’s used to Armin’s affectionate nature, but it still gets to him every time. He schools his expression quickly, though, letting a subtle smirk tug at the corner of his lips.)

Jean: (raising an eyebrow, tone laced with a playful scoff) “What, you need somethin’?”

Armin: (rests his chin on Jean’s shoulder, grinning up at him) “Nope. Just wanted to say it.”

(Jean’s eyes flicker down to the sunlight catching in Armin’s hair, a brief moment of vulnerability crossing his face before he masks it again.)

Jean: (with mock suspicion) “Yeah, sure. You’ve got that ‘I want something’ look. What is it? My jacket? My dessert? Or are you plotting something?”