Scene: Planning in the Forest

The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden light through the dense trees of the forest. Eren and Armin sat on a large rock near a clearing, a map spread between them. The mission tomorrow was risky, but they were determined to get it right.

Armin, pointing to a marked section on the map, explained, “If we approach from here, we’ll have the element of surprise, but the terrain is uneven. It’s dangerous.”

Eren leaned forward, brows furrowed. “Then we’ll clear a path. I don’t care if it’s dangerous. We can’t give them a chance to regroup.”

Armin shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the seriousness of the conversation. “You always think like that—charging straight in. But this time, let’s think ahead. If something goes wrong, we’ll have no way to retreat.”

Eren sat back, crossing his arms. He didn’t argue, not this time. Instead, he watched Armin carefully, noting the way his hands moved as he traced potential routes. After a moment of silence, Eren reached out and adjusted Armin’s jacket collar, which had flipped upward during their discussion.

Armin paused, looking up at Eren with a curious expression.

“You’re always looking out for us, so someone has to look out for you,” Eren said casually, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He leaned forward again, tapping the map. “Alright, what’s your plan if we can’t retreat? What’s the backup?”

Armin blinked, caught off guard for a second, before his smile widened. “I’ve already thought of one.”

“Of course you have,” Eren said, shaking his head with a grin. “I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

“Hopefully, you’ll never have to find out,” Armin replied softly, his tone both teasing and earnest.

The two shared a look—one of mutual trust, confidence, and understanding. The forest around them was quiet, but in that moment, their bond spoke volumes.