The air had grown colder as the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving a gentle chill that made Armin pull Jean’s jacket a little tighter around his shoulders. The warmth and faint scent of Jean’s cologne clung to the fabric, a comforting contrast to the brisk evening.

“Cold again already?” Jean had teased earlier, draping the jacket over Armin with a grin that didn’t quite hide the way he watched Armin, making sure he was comfortable. Now, as they headed back, the darkness settled around them, stars faintly beginning to peek through the sky.

Jean walked a few steps ahead, his hand wrapped around Armin’s, firm yet gentle. The quiet between them felt natural, as if words weren’t needed to fill the space. Every now and then, Jean glanced over his shoulder, his gaze softening as he caught Armin’s eyes.

“You doing alright?” Jean asked, slowing his pace to walk closer beside him.

Armin nodded, a small smile on his face. “Yeah… thanks for this.” He lifted Jean’s jacket a little, the gesture both grateful and shy.

Jean’s lips quirked up in a faint smile as he gave Armin’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Just don’t get used to it. I’m not always this nice,” he teased, though his expression betrayed how much he enjoyed these small moments of care between them.

With a soft laugh, Armin leaned a bit closer as they walked, comforted by the steady warmth of Jean’s hand in his own, guiding him through the dark.