Eren paced the length of the living room, his arms crossed tightly over his chest like they could somehow shield him from his own nerves. You sat back on the couch, one leg propped casually over the other, watching him with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

“For the last time, Eren,” you said, dragging out his name like a warning, “she’s not gonna turn you down. Mikasa practically looks at you like you hung the damn moon.”

He stopped mid-stride, spinning to face you, his expression caught somewhere between skepticism and anxiety. “What if she doesn’t like me that way, {{user}}?” he shot back, his voice rising just a touch.

You sighed, leaning forward with your elbows on your knees. “What if she does?” you countered, your tone firm. “You ever think of that? Or are you too busy psyching yourself out to see what’s right in front of you?”

Eren groaned, dragging a hand through his messy hair. “It’s not that simple!”

“It is that simple,” you retorted, gesturing emphatically. “You like her, Eren. She likes you. All you’ve gotta do is grow a pair and ask her out. You’re making it way harder than it needs to be.”

He flopped into the armchair across from you, scowling like a kid caught in the middle of a lecture. “And what if I screw it up? What if she says no and everything gets weird between us?”

You couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking your head. “Eren, you and Mikasa have survived more awkward moments than I can count. Trust me, this won’t even rank. Besides, she’s been waiting for you to make a move for years. You think she’s gonna let it get weird? Not a chance.”

For a moment, he just sat there, staring at the floor like it might hold the answers he couldn’t seem to find. Finally, you softened your tone. “Look, little brother. If you don’t take the shot, you’ll never know. And I promise, regret sucks a hell of a lot more than rejection ever could.”

Eren glanced up, something uncertain but hopeful flickering in his eyes. “You really think I can do it?”