#levi colwill | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

pdriesta · 8 days ago

Text

pairing — levixblack!girl

genre — tooth-rotting fluff

word count — 16k

summary —levi colwill never believed in fate—until he met y/n. their chance encounters at the café leave him questioning everything he thought he knew about destiny. she’s guarded and doesn’t give him the time of day, but he’s determined to win her over. yet, how can he do that when he can’t even remember his own name?

an — peak avoidant procrastination core! instead of studying for finals, this idea came to me and i knew i had to write it. i hope you enjoy!

masterlist

levi wasn’t sure why he walked into the café. he’d passed it plenty of times on his way home, its muted green awning blending into the quiet street. it wasn’t the kind of place that screamed for attention—no neon signs or bright chalkboards advertising specials. maybe that’s why it appealed to him this morning.

he needed something... different. not the usual machine-brewed coffee from the training ground or the same protein-packed routine he’d been following for months. he wanted something strong. sharp.

so here he was.

the café was still waking up, the kind of place where the hum of a grinder and the occasional clatter of mugs filled the silence. the barista behind the counter didn’t even blink when he walked in, hoodie pulled low over his face, hands shoved into his pockets.

“black coffee,” he said, his voice barely above a mumble.

the barista nodded, moving with the kind of precision that only came from years of practice. levi stepped back, leaning against the counter as he waited.

his eyes wandered around the room, taking in the cozy, unassuming vibe. exposed brick walls. shelves lined with books and plants. a handful of tables, most of them empty.

except one.

his gaze landed on a girl near the window.

she was sitting alone, her head bent slightly, long braids falling over her shoulder in a way that made them look impossibly soft. she had clear-framed glasses perched on her nose and headphones covering her ears, the kind that looked big enough to block out the world.

her hands were busy with... something.

he squinted, trying to figure it out. she was holding a bundle of yarn, looping it around a shiny metal stick with quick, practiced movements. he didn’t have a clue what she was doing, but it was oddly mesmerizing.

“coffee’s ready,” the barista called, snapping him out of it.

levi grabbed the cup, hesitating for a moment before heading to her table.

he didn’t think about what he was going to say. he rarely did.

“hey,” he said, stepping into her line of vision.

she glanced up, her fingers pausing for half a second before resuming their work. “hi.”

her tone wasn’t warm, but it wasn’t rude, either. indifferent, maybe.

“what are you... doing?” he asked, gesturing vaguely at her hands.

her eyes flicked to the yarn, then back to him. “crocheting.”

he blinked. “cro... what?”

“crocheting,” she repeated, slower this time. “you know, making things with yarn?”

“oh.” he nodded like he understood, even though he didn’t.

her hands moved again, looping and twisting the yarn with practiced ease. he wanted to ask more, but something about the way she was looking at him—calm, detached, like she’d seen through whatever he was about to say—made him falter.

“so, uh... do you come here often?” he tried, leaning on the table slightly.

her brow lifted, and for a moment, he thought she might laugh.

“is that your line?”

he grinned, trying to play it off. “no, just... curious. i haven’t seen you here before.”

“maybe you weren’t looking,” she said simply, her attention already drifting back to her yarn.

he frowned. that wasn’t the response he’d expected.

“well,” he said, straightening up, “if you’re a regular, maybe i’ll see you around again.”

“maybe,” she said, not looking up.

he lingered for a second, waiting for... something. but she didn’t give him anything. no name, no question, not even a glance.

“right. have a good day,” he said finally, backing away.

she hummed in response, a soft, dismissive sound that made his chest tighten in a way he didn’t like to think about.

levi left the café, the cool morning air hitting him like a splash of water.

it wasn’t until he was halfway down the street that it hit him.

he never told her his name.

“idiot,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head.

still, he couldn’t shake the image of her—the calm, focused way she’d ignored him, the faint smirk that had lingered on her lips when she called him out.

he told himself he wouldn’t go back. she didn’t seem interested, anyway.

but deep down, he knew this wasn’t the last time he’d see her.

levi didn’t usually believe in fate.

but after last night’s match—an edge-of-your-seat thriller that had him riding high on adrenaline well past midnight—he couldn’t help the good feeling that crept over him when he woke up this morning. it wasn’t just the win, though that felt sweet enough to carry him through the rest of the week.

he thought of her.

the girl from the café.

he told himself it was harmless, coming back. his training session wasn’t until later that afternoon, and he needed coffee anyway. besides, it wasn’t like he knew she’d even be there. but something in him—a quiet, nagging instinct—urged him to go.

by the time he stepped into the café, his heart was already beating a little faster.

he spotted her almost immediately.

she was in the same seat by the window, her head bent slightly as her hands worked at another bundle of yarn. the morning light streaming in through the glass caught on the soft brown of her skin, her long braids swaying as she adjusted her position.

he didn’t realize he was smiling until he was already at the counter.

“just a black coffee, please,” he told the barista, his eyes darting back toward her table as the machine hummed to life.

she hadn’t noticed him. her focus was entirely on whatever she was making, her fingers moving with that same quiet efficiency that had caught his attention last time.

coffee in hand, he made his way over, his sneakers making a soft scuffing sound against the floor. he stopped just short of her table, waiting for her to glance up.

she didn’t.

“hey,” he said, the word hanging in the air for a moment before her head tilted slightly toward him.

she pulled one side of her headphones off, her eyes meeting his with that same calm, almost detached gaze he remembered.

“hi.”

he gestured to the empty chair across from her. “mind if i sit?”

she glanced around the café, taking in the sea of empty chairs and tables, before looking back at him.

“you couldn’t find anywhere else?” she asked, her tone dry but not unkind.

he laughed softly, running a hand over the back of his neck. “what can i say? the company here’s unmatched.”

she stared at him for a moment, her lips pressing into a line like she was deciding whether to send him away. then, with a small tilt of her head, she gestured toward the chair.

“go ahead.”

“thanks,” he said, sliding into the seat with a small grin.

her attention drifted back to her hands, the yarn pulling taut as she worked. for a while, he just watched, sipping his coffee and trying to think of something to say.

“so,” he started, nodding toward the yarn in her hands. “what are you making this time?”

she glanced up briefly, her brows lifting. “this time?”

“yeah,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “last time, you said it was a blanket, right?”

her lips twitched, and for a second, he thought she might actually smile.

“it wasn’t a blanket,” she said, her tone patient but amused. “it was a sweater.”

he blinked, caught off guard. “a sweater?”

“yeah.”

“like... a proper one? with sleeves?”

she tilted her head slightly, her fingers never stopping their work. “aren’t most sweaters proper ones?”

he let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “you’re telling me you made a sweater with just that... hook thing?”

“crochet hook,” she corrected, her voice steady.

“right. that.” he gestured toward her hands, still baffled. “how do you even do that? doesn’t it take forever?”

“depends on the pattern,” she said, her tone nonchalant. “some things take longer than others.”

he nodded, though he didn’t entirely understand. “how long have you been doing it?”

she paused for a moment, her gaze flicking up to meet his before returning to her yarn. “since i was a kid. my grandmother taught me.”

“that’s... cool,” he said, though the word felt too small for what he meant. “so, you just make stuff like sweaters and blankets for fun?”

“sometimes,” she said. “sometimes i sell them.”

he sat back, genuinely impressed. “you’re telling me people buy this stuff?”

her lips curved slightly, the faintest hint of pride in her expression. “yeah. people buy this stuff.”

he let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “that’s mad. i can’t even sew a button back on my shirt.”

“doesn’t surprise me,” she said lightly, her tone teasing.

he grinned, leaning forward again. “you’re full of jokes today, huh?”

“just being honest.”

he laughed, the sound drawing a few curious glances from the barista behind the counter. he didn’t care. for the first time in a long time, he felt like he didn’t have to try so hard to impress someone.

“what’s your coffee order?” he asked after a moment, the question slipping out before he could stop it.

“a latte,” she said, not looking up.

“what flavor?”

“hazelnut.”

“fancy,” he said, raising his brows.

“not really,” she said, her tone even.

he chuckled, taking another sip of his coffee. the bitterness felt grounding, a sharp contrast to the way his chest felt light just sitting across from her.

they fell into a comfortable silence, the soft click of her crochet hook filling the space between them. he wanted to keep talking, to ask her more, but something about her calm focus made him hesitate.

eventually, he drained the last of his coffee and set the cup down with a quiet clink.

“thanks for letting me sit,” he said, pushing his chair back slightly.

“sure,” she said, her gaze still on her hands.

he lingered for a moment, the words caught in his throat. he thought about introducing himself, thought about saying something clever or memorable. but instead, he just nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets as he stood.

“see you around,” he said lightly.

she hummed in response, not looking up.

as he stepped outside, the cool morning air hit his face, and he realized he was smiling.

she hadn’t asked who he was. she hadn’t cared.

and for some reason, that made him want to see her again even more.

levi sat there, his gaze drifting back to the yarn slipping through her fingers, the steady rhythm of her hands like a quiet hum in the background. he took a sip of his black coffee, grimacing a little. it was fine, but he wasn't exactly a fan. black coffee was just something to get him through, especially after a late-night match and the early morning training ahead.

"i still don’t get why you drink this," he muttered, shaking his head. "it’s not even that great." he chuckled, trying to make the comment lighthearted, though it was clear from the way he cradled the cup that he didn’t find it appealing.

she glanced at him from behind her glasses, her eyes briefly meeting his before flicking back to her project. “i’m guessing you’re not here for the coffee,” she said, her voice flat.

he smiled, leaning in slightly, genuinely curious. "yeah, i’m trying to expand my horizons. i only drink black coffee when i’m tired or when work’s got me running on fumes." he paused, eyeing his cup again. "but i don’t even like it that much."

“so, you’re still figuring out what you actually like?” she asked, her voice carrying that same cool indifference. but there was something in her tone that made him want to push past her walls.

levi shifted in his seat, adjusting himself slightly. “i guess so. i don’t even know what i’m looking for.”

she snorted, but it wasn’t in a mean way. “i could tell,” she said, focusing on her hands again. “you’re still working on figuring yourself out, huh?”

levi chuckled softly, nodding. "you could say that."

a silence settled between them, but this time, it wasn’t uncomfortable. levi found himself watching her again, intrigued not only by her skills but by the way she carried herself. the way she didn’t rush, didn’t give much away.

“so, what made you start doing this?” he asked, trying again, genuinely wanting to know more about her.

she gave a small shrug, her hands working faster now, the movements fluid. “just picked it up. been doing it since i was a kid.”

"that’s impressive," levi said, leaning forward a bit. "i could never do something like that. i can barely manage to focus for more than a few minutes at a time."

she glanced up at him briefly, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "you don’t look like you’ve got the patience for it."

he smiled at that, leaning back in his chair. “maybe not. but i like the idea of making something from nothing.”

"well, it takes time," she replied, her voice low and steady, focusing intently on the sweater in front of her.

levi watched her for a moment, the tension between them subtle but palpable. his mind was racing with questions, but he couldn’t figure out how to ask without feeling like he was pushing too hard.

“what’s your name, by the way?” he asked, finally breaking the silence, his words slipping out before he could stop them.

she didn’t stop her work, her hands still moving expertly as she glanced up at him for a split second. “you’ll have to work for it,” she said, her lips curling slightly.

levi chuckled, nodding. “fair enough. guess i’ll keep trying then.”

“guess so,” she said, her tone nonchalant, though a slight smile tugged at her lips.

he smiled back, not sure why the idea of keeping her name out of reach made him want to try even harder. “well, i’ll be back tomorrow. i’ll try a chai latte next time. see if i like that better than this black coffee.”

"we’ll see," she said, barely sparing him another glance as she continued her work.

levi stood up, gathering his things. “alright then. i’ll be around.”

"maybe," she replied, not looking up.

he walked out of the café, the door chiming behind him, but this time, there was something different in the air. he didn’t know exactly what it was, but he had a feeling he’d be back tomorrow, and the day after that, until he figured out what it was that kept pulling him to her.

levi had come to the café so often, he didn't even think twice about sitting in his usual spot anymore. it had become a place he didn't mind spending time, especially after training sessions that left him exhausted. but there was something else that kept pulling him in—something he couldn’t quite shake. and that was the girl. the girl with the quiet hands that worked magic with yarn, the girl who barely seemed to notice him at first, and yet, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. he'd grown fond of the place, sure, but it was really because of her.

tonight, he hadn't planned to see her. he didn’t even expect to find her here at this late hour. but the moment he walked in, he instinctively went to the same table by the window, his eyes scanning the dimly lit café. the usual crowd had thinned out, but as he pulled out his phone, scrolling through a few texts and messages, something caught his attention. his breath hitched in his chest as his gaze lifted, locking onto her.

she was standing in front of him, her hands holding two drinks, and in that moment, levi couldn’t breathe properly. she looked... different. so different that for a second, he thought maybe he had missed something—had he even been looking at her the way he should have before? her hair wasn’t in braids anymore, but loose, soft curls that framed her face perfectly. her baby hairs were delicately laid, and she wore no glasses this time. she was dressed in a brown pencil skirt, a beige turtleneck, and the most stunning leather thigh-high platform boots he’d ever seen. even standing up, he was still towering over her, but it didn’t matter. she looked incredible.

he stood up, instinctively wanting to say something, anything. but all he could manage was a quiet breath, his voice unsure. “you... you look different.”

she laughed softly, the sound easy and effortless. “thank you, i guess.”

levi watched as she slipped into the seat ahead of him, the same spot she always sat in when he’d seen her before. she settled in, as if nothing had changed. but he had changed. he was suddenly more aware of her—of the way she held herself, the quiet elegance in her movements.

“you’re here late,” she commented, her voice calm as she placed one of the drinks in front of him.

"yeah, i guess i've... grown fond of this place," levi said, unsure why he added the ‘fond’ part. it just came out. but it was true. he had grown fond of the café, especially at this hour when everything was quieter, and the bustle of the city outside seemed a world away.

she raised an eyebrow at him, almost teasing. “you didn’t get a drink?”

levi chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “was going to. didn’t really know what to get.” his gaze shifted to the drink she’d placed in front of him, his curiosity piqued.

without saying much more, she nudged the drink closer to him, a small smirk tugging at her lips. “you said you wanted to widen your horizons. try this, and see if it meets the expectations of your ‘black soulless coffee’.”

levi blinked, momentarily taken aback by her words, but then he smiled. “you’re too generous,” he murmured, finally taking the drink from the table. “thank you.”

he took a sip, not expecting much, but when the flavor exploded on his taste buds, he nearly groaned. it was nothing like what he thought it would be. it was smooth, sweet, and somehow rich, with layers of flavor he couldn’t quite place. he leaned back in his seat, wide-eyed. “holy shit... this is... good. is this even coffee? it tastes like... a cake.”

she chuckled softly, clearly enjoying his reaction. “it’s a cookie butter latte. half sweet, decaf. considering it’s the evening.” she paused, her fingers absentmindedly tapping on the table as she looked up at him. “you’re welcome, i guess.”

levi blinked, still trying to wrap his head around how good it was. “this is incredible. no one’s ever done this for me before.”

“well,” she said with a shrug, her tone light but not unkind, “don’t get used to it, pretty boy. that ran me five pounds.”

levi let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “i’m definitely coming back for this.” he took another sip, savoring the taste. “so you’re a uni student, huh?”

“yep, go to ucl,” she replied, her voice still casual. “but it’s break right now, so i come here to unwind.”

levi couldn’t help but smile at that, the way she spoke so simply, as if she was still somewhat closed off, but in a way that intrigued him even more. “must be nice. i bet it gets overwhelming with everything you’re doing.”

she shrugged again, looking down at her drink. “it is what it is. everyone has their own shit to deal with, right?”

“yeah, i get that,” levi agreed quietly, his gaze on her. “but it’s nice to have a place to unwind, right?”

“i guess so,” she said, her voice quieting for a moment. “it’s better than dealing with everything in my dorm.”

levi noticed how her expression shifted slightly, a bit more guarded than before, and it made him want to ask more. something about her still felt off, but he wasn’t sure if it was something she wanted to talk about. yet, as if the question was out before he could stop it, he found himself leaning forward, a genuine curiosity in his voice. “so, what’s got you all dressed up tonight? not that i’m complaining,” he added quickly, not wanting her to think he was being too nosy.

her lips curled slightly, and for a moment, he could see a flicker of something behind her eyes. “it’s none of your business,” she said, her tone a bit sharper, but she didn’t look mad. more resigned. “but i’m coming from a bad date.”

levi blinked, taken aback. he hadn’t expected that, and it hit him harder than he thought it would. jealousy rose in his chest without warning, but he tried to keep it off his face as he asked, “bad date? what happened?”

“he was... well, he wasn’t exactly my type,” she started, leaning back in her seat, clearly in the mood to share now. “kept talking about himself. didn’t really seem interested in anything i had to say. and, let’s just say, there was a lot of... silence.” she rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her drink as if she was trying to distance herself from the memory.

levi let out a small chuckle, trying to hide the slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “sounds like a disaster.”

“yeah, well, i guess you could say that.” she sighed, her shoulders dropping. “and then he asked if i wanted to go out to dinner after, like, i didn’t just sit through the world’s longest monologue.” she shook her head, a laugh escaping her despite herself. “some people just have no idea how to talk to anyone.”

levi nodded, half-laughing, half-intrigued by the way she was speaking now. “sounds like you dodged a bullet.” he paused. “but i’m sorry that happened.”

“yeah, me too,” she muttered, eyes on her drink. “but i’ll live.”

levi couldn’t help himself. the silence between them was comfortable now, but the way she looked tonight—how she spoke so casually about her date, yet still had that mysterious air about her—made him want to push just a little further.

he leaned back in his chair, his eyes finding hers once more, a playful grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "you know," he said, his voice lower than before, smooth, almost teasing. "i can’t help but think that if i’d been on that date, things might have gone a little differently."

her brow arched slightly, and she glanced up at him, the faintest smile playing on her lips. "oh? how’s that?"

he shrugged, his smile widening, his voice almost a whisper. "well, for starters, i actually listen when people talk," he teased, leaning forward just enough to close the space between them. "and i definitely wouldn’t have spent the whole time talking about myself. unless, of course, you wanted me to."

her eyes narrowed slightly, but there was no mistaking the hint of amusement in them. “so you’re saying i should’ve been on a date with you instead?”

levi chuckled, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back again, crossing his arms with a confident smirk. “well, i wouldn’t want to say that, but... maybe you’re onto something.”

she laughed softly, shaking her head. “you’re a piece of work, you know that?”

he shrugged casually, his grin never wavering. "hey, if i’m gonna be a piece of work, at least i’m a good one." he leaned in a little closer, his gaze locking onto hers. “you know, if you ever want a do-over on that bad date, i’m pretty sure i could make it worth your while.”

she paused, eyes flickering to his lips for a split second before meeting his gaze again, her voice quieter now. "you’re bold, i’ll give you that."

levi’s grin softened slightly, but his eyes never left hers. "yeah, well, it wouldn’t be me if i wasn’t."

he took another sip of his drink, watching as she did the same, a subtle tension now hanging between them. he was flirting, sure, but it felt different with her. like something more. something unspoken. and as the seconds ticked by, he realized he didn’t mind the tension. in fact, he kind of liked it.

“you know, i’ll be back tomorrow,” he said casually, his voice smooth, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "i’ll be here... just in case you want to give me another chance to prove i’m not so bad."

she looked at him for a long moment, her lips curling into a smile. "we’ll see about that, pretty boy."

and with that, levi stood, his heart racing a little faster than it should have, but he didn’t let it show. he smiled at her, giving her one last lingering look before he turned and walked out of the café, the door chiming behind him. as he stepped out into the cool evening air, he couldn't help but feel like he was one step closer to understanding just what it was about her that kept him coming back. and as much as he’d like to think it was just for the coffee, he knew it was something—someone—far more intriguing than that.

the days without him felt oddly long. y/n found herself sitting in her usual spot at the café, the soft hum of background chatter surrounding her, but it wasn’t the same. he wasn’t here, and though she tried to tell herself it was fine, that she didn’t need to see him every day, she couldn't help the way her thoughts drifted back to him. to the last time they spoke. to the way he always seemed to appear out of nowhere, like some kind of mirage, and then somehow make the air feel just a little bit lighter.

she hadn't seen him for days—he’d mentioned something about traveling, which, in her mind, had only made him seem even more distant, like he was off somewhere doing something important. she couldn't quite figure out how she felt about that. part of her wanted to believe it was just the simple, fleeting nature of their interactions, that she'd be perfectly fine without him. after all, they barely knew each other.

but, there was something about him. something that kept tugging at her, something she couldn’t shake, no matter how much she tried to keep herself busy with her coursework or with her crochet projects. every time she made coffee at home, she wondered if it tasted like the one he’d gotten her. that cookie butter latte. the one he seemed so taken with. the one she couldn’t help but think about every time her mind wandered.

it wasn’t even about the drink anymore—it was about him.

as much as y/n didn’t want to admit it, there was something magnetic about him. not just the way he looked, though he was undeniably handsome, but the way he made her feel. seen, even in the briefest moments of their conversations. he didn’t ask for much, didn’t try to push her past her boundaries, but he was there—always just a little bit closer than she was ready for.

y/n found herself wondering what he was doing now. what he was thinking. if he ever thought of her the way she was thinking of him. she had no way of knowing, of course. he was a stranger. just the handsome boy from the coffee shop.

he’d slipped in and out of her life so seamlessly that she had barely noticed. until now, when he wasn’t there anymore.

levi sat on the bus to newcastle, the city’s skyline fading behind him, and couldn’t help but think of her. the girl from the coffee shop. the one who, despite her quiet nature, had managed to capture his attention with nothing more than a smile and the faintest of glances.

it hadn’t been a big deal when he’d first noticed her, but now? now it felt different. it was the little things. the moved her hair from her faxe when when she was focused, the way she looked down when she smiled, as if she were shy about it. the way she’d corrected him when he’d called her knitting “crocheting” the other day—it had been a small thing, but he’d liked it. liked how she didn’t let him get away with things, even in passing.

he found himself thinking about their conversations more than he should have. wondering what she was doing, where she was, what she was thinking. maybe it was the fact that he was so used to people coming and going, but with her, it felt different. like she was a part of something he didn’t quite understand, but couldn’t stop thinking about.

he knew nothing about her, other than the small details she’d shared—she went to school, studied something, but had never told him exactly what. he didn’t know her name, didn’t even know what made her laugh the hardest. but still, he found himself wishing he could know. wishing he could be the one she reached out to. wishing he could see that smile again.

and yet, despite all of that, he hadn’t gotten her number. hadn’t asked her for it. maybe it was the fact that their interactions felt like something so casual, so simple, that asking for something more felt... strange. he didn’t want to ruin what they had, even if it was fleeting. he wasn’t sure if he was ready to push for more—maybe because he didn’t know what that even meant with someone like her.

but damn it, he thought as he gazed out the window, he missed her.

back at the café, y/n found herself checking her phone more often than usual. the same notification that had come through earlier in the day had now come through again. a message from one of her friends. but she didn’t really care about that. her eyes darted to the door when she heard the jingle of the bell. he wasn’t there. of course, he wasn’t. he was away.

the thought made her chest tighten, and she found herself biting her lip, fighting against the way her mind kept trailing back to him. she didn’t even know his name. didn’t know anything about him other than the fact that he liked the same spot she did. and that somehow, that was enough for her.

y/n let out a breath, trying to focus on her work, but it was impossible not to think of him. she hated how much his absence had affected her, even if she didn’t know how to put it into words. there was something magnetic about him, something in the way he looked at her that made her feel like maybe, just maybe, she wasn’t just the girl sitting at the table, minding her own business. she was her.

the thought made her smile, despite herself. and that damn smile, she couldn’t even explain it. it was like it had a life of its own.

it had only been a few days. but she couldn't help wondering if he was thinking of her too. if he was sitting wherever he was, lost in his own thoughts, just like she was.

the next day, y/n walked into the café, the familiar chime of the door ringing in her ears. she looked around, expecting to find her usual spot empty, as it had been for the past few days. but this time, her gaze immediately found him—the boy from the coffee shop.

he was sitting in his usual seat, but this time, there was a small change. two cups sat on the table in front of him, each one steaming gently, a soft swirl of vapor rising from the tops. his presence seemed to fill the space in a way it hadn’t before, and y/n felt an odd sense of relief settle over her. she couldn’t explain why, but the sight of him, sitting there waiting for her, made her feel oddly happy. maybe it was because she hadn't realized how much she'd missed him until now.

he hadn’t seen her yet, so she took a deep breath before walking over, the heels of her boots clicking softly on the floor as she approached. when he finally looked up, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

“you’re here early today,” she commented, settling into her seat across from him.

levi didn’t answer right away, his eyes briefly flickering between the two cups before he looked back at her. he didn’t want to make it obvious, but he’d been waiting for this moment all morning. it felt... comforting to see her again, like a small piece of normalcy in the whirlwind of his own thoughts.

“yeah,” he said with a small grin, his voice steady, “wanted us to try something new together.” he pushed one of the cups in her direction. “this one’s for you. a little something different.”

y/n raised an eyebrow, her fingers instinctively reaching for the cup. “new, huh? what’s the catch?”

“no catch,” he said, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. “just thought it might be nice to... mix things up.” his voice was casual, but there was something in the way his eyes softened when he looked at her that made her heart race just a little faster.

she smiled as she picked up the cup, the warmth of it radiating through her fingers. taking a small sip, she was surprised at how much she liked it. the flavor wasn’t overpowering but had a sweetness to it that lingered on her tongue.

“okay,” she said, setting it back down with a raised eyebrow. “this... is actually really good. what is it?”

he hesitated for a second, not because he didn’t know, but because he wasn’t sure how to explain it without making it sound like he was showing off. he didn’t want to reveal too much, didn’t want her to think that he was that guy.

“it’s a caramel hazelnut latte. i thought you might like something a bit sweeter,” he replied, his gaze flicking to her.

“yeah,” she nodded, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. “you definitely know what you’re doing.” she leaned back slightly in her chair, looking at him with a small smirk. “you’ve got good taste. i’ll give you that.”

levi felt a small chuckle escape his lips, his usual reserved nature slipping for just a moment. “glad to know i didn’t completely mess up.”

they sat in a comfortable silence for a few seconds, both sipping their drinks, enjoying the warmth that filled the space between them. levi’s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than usual, watching the way she curled her fingers around the cup, the way her gaze flicked to the window, as if lost in thought.

“how was your trip?” she asked, breaking the silence, her voice soft but curious.

he stiffened slightly, caught off guard by the question. he wasn’t used to sharing details of his personal life with people, especially not when he didn’t know where it would lead. but somehow, with her, it didn’t feel as hard as it usually did.

“it was... fine,” he replied after a beat, shifting in his seat. “same old. long hours on the road. nothing too exciting.”

y/n nodded, sensing there was more he wasn’t saying but not pressing him for it. “i get that. the whole traveling thing must get old.”

“yeah,” he said, his fingers tapping against the rim of his cup, “but it’s part of the job.” he paused, his mind racing for a moment. then, before he could stop himself, he added, “though... i can’t say i missed the long bus rides or the hotel rooms.”

she smiled at that, her gaze softening. “sounds rough.”

“you have no idea,” he said, his voice lighter than before.

she looked at him then, really looked at him, and for a brief moment, levi felt a strange sort of vulnerability settle in his chest. he wasn’t used to people looking at him like that. like they cared.

he quickly cleared his throat and leaned back in his seat. “but enough about me. what about you? how’s school going?”

the question caught her off guard, but she shrugged, not wanting to seem too eager to talk about herself. “it’s going alright. i’m just... trying to keep up, you know? exams are coming up soon, so it’s been a bit hectic.”

“i bet,” he said, his voice laced with genuine interest. “must be tough balancing all of that.”

“yeah, well,” she paused, taking another sip of her drink, “i manage. just a little more coffee and a lot of late nights.”

he chuckled, a soft sound that made her smile involuntarily. “yeah, well, you’ve definitely got me hooked,” he admitted with a grin. “i didn’t really need coffee before, but i think you’ve converted me.”

y/n raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a teasing smile. she leaned forward slightly, her gaze meeting his with a hint of mischief. “are you sure it’s the coffee you need?” she asked, her voice light but laced with something deeper.

levi froze for a moment, caught off guard by her sudden flirtation. she was really flirting with him, wasn’t she? the girl who always seemed so composed, so hard to read, was throwing him off balance with just a few words. the playful glint in her eyes only made it harder for him to stay focused. he tried to laugh it off, but there was a nervous edge to it.

“what do you mean?” he asked, trying to sound casual, though his heart had picked up its pace.

she shrugged, her lips curling upward as she leaned back into her chair. “oh, nothing,” she said, her voice soft but teasing. “just thinking... you seem to get a little lost in your thoughts these days.”

levi blinked, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. he knew she was being playful, but the way she said it made him feel exposed in a way he wasn’t used to. he ran a hand through his hair, trying to regain his composure, but he was already hooked on the way her words had made him feel.

“you think i’m lost in my thoughts?” he asked, a playful edge creeping into his tone as he leaned forward, mirroring her position. “maybe you’re just distracting me.”

she laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement, but there was something different about the way she looked at him now. she was still holding that confident, almost untouchable energy, but there was a softness to it. it was as if they were playing this delicate game of flirtation, testing the waters without really admitting anything.

“maybe,” she said, a coy smile tugging at her lips. “but it’s a good distraction, don’t you think?”

levi wasn’t sure how to respond. he had come here expecting another quiet, easy conversation, but now everything felt charged with an intensity he hadn’t expected. it was as if the dynamic between them had shifted in an instant, and he didn’t quite know how to navigate it. still, he couldn’t deny that he liked it—liked the way she was making him feel, liked the way the air between them had thickened.

“i don’t know,” he said, his voice lowering just a touch. “guess i’ll have to keep coming back to find out.”

y/n tilted her head, studying him, and for the first time, levi saw a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. it was subtle, like a crack in a mask she’d perfected over time, but he caught it. just for a second. and it made his chest tighten, wanting to see more of her behind that guarded exterior.

“you’re welcome to,” she said, her tone playful but somehow more inviting than before. she picked up her drink again, taking another sip, and they fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the tension between them almost palpable.

“how was the trip, though?” she asked after a beat, bringing the conversation back to something more grounded. she didn’t want to dwell too much on the moment, but she couldn’t help but wonder what was really going on behind his cool exterior.

he hesitated for a moment, not wanting to give too much away. “work trip,” he said simply. “nothing exciting. just the usual.”

y/n nodded, her gaze softening. “you know, you don’t have to be so mysterious all the time. i won’t bite.”

he chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair again. “i don’t know,” he said, his tone teasing. “you seem like you’ve got a few tricks up your sleeve.”

she smirked, clearly enjoying the back and forth. “maybe. but you’re just as mysterious as i am, aren’t you?” she tilted her head, narrowing her eyes slightly. “can’t hide behind that charm forever.”

he leaned in slightly, his voice low and playful. “guess we’ll just have to keep finding out about each other then, won’t we?”

she looked at him, their eyes locking for a brief moment, the flirtation between them lingering in the air like an unspoken promise. for the first time, levi wasn’t sure where this was going, but he knew one thing for sure—he didn’t want it to end.

and y/n, despite all her usual composure, couldn’t help but feel the same.

there was a brief silence before she tilted her head, studying him in a way that made him feel both self-conscious and oddly seen. she didn’t know who he was—what he did for a living—but she seemed to be genuinely interested in him, and he couldn’t help but feel the need to keep that illusion intact, just a little longer.

“so,” she said after a moment, “how was the trip, really? you said it was just a game, but i feel like there’s more you’re not telling me.”

levi smiled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. he leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice just a little. “guess you’ll have to keep asking, if you really want to know.”

her eyes narrowed playfully, but she said nothing more, just taking another sip of her drink as they both sat in comfortable silence, the world around them fading as the moment stretched on.

and for levi, that quiet, unspoken connection—no matter how small or fleeting—felt like something worth holding on to.

the café was unusually quiet when y/n arrived, her usual table by the window empty for once. she was already there, seated with her laptop in front of her, but something was different today. usually, she had a crochet project or a book, but now she was hunched over her laptop, fingers flying over the keys, her brows furrowed in frustration. the tension in her posture spoke volumes. levi hadn’t even noticed at first—he’d been so used to seeing her relaxed, calm, even playful—but today, she seemed anything but.

when levi walked in, he didn’t expect to see her first. the sight of her there, looking so different from the usual sunny demeanor he was used to, made his heart twist in an unfamiliar way. he ordered their usual drinks, and without a second thought, made his way toward her, two steaming cups in hand.

he took a step closer, then another, his eyes scanning the table. "hey," he said softly, and she startled slightly, glancing up from her screen, her face tense. she tried to mask it with a small smile, but levi could see right through it. there was something off, something she wasn’t letting on.

"hey," she replied, her voice strained. "what’s up?"

he set the cups down on the table gently and leaned in a little, studying her. "you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle but curious. it wasn’t like her to be so absorbed in work, to be so... off balance. "what’s wrong?"

she gave a small shrug, trying to brush it off. "what do you mean?" she asked, but the tension in her voice was impossible to miss.

levi tilted his head, his gaze not leaving her. "well, usually you're making something, or reading, or just... doing your thing. i’ve never seen you bring work here before. so... must mean you have a lot on your plate." his words were slow, deliberate, as if he were carefully navigating the space between them, not wanting to overstep but also unable to ignore the concern bubbling up in him.

y/n let out a small huff, and a frustrated sigh escaped her lips. "is it that obvious?" she asked, her voice a little sharper than she intended. it was clear she hadn’t expected him to notice, to see through the facade she’d tried to maintain all morning. but levi wasn’t just anyone; he was... different.

before she could retreat into herself, he did something he’d never done before. something that sent a jolt through her chest. he didn’t sit across from her like he always did. instead, he moved around the table, sliding into the seat next to her. the shift in space was almost intimate, the proximity far closer than it had ever been. his large frame pressed up against hers, their shoulders nudged together in a way that left her feeling acutely aware of how close they were.

she blinked, momentarily stunned by the sudden closeness. "what are you doing?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, but she couldn’t move away, couldn't bring herself to make the space between them. instead, she returned her gaze to her screen, pretending to focus on the words before her.

but levi wasn’t having any of it. gently, he reached over and placed a hand on her chin. his touch was featherlight, as if testing the waters, but it was enough to make her body stiffen for a second, caught off guard by the soft, intimate gesture. her breath caught in her throat as he guided her face toward him, forcing her to meet his eyes.

and once she did, she couldn’t look away.

levi’s gaze was intense, searching. it felt like he was prying into her very soul with that look, digging deeper than she was prepared for. it made her heart race, her breath hitching in her throat, but she couldn’t escape it. not from him. not from the way he held her gaze like he was trying to understand her, trying to reach her in a way no one else had.

he whispered, his breath warm against her skin, "talk to me."

and those three words, so simple yet so loaded, broke something inside of her.

y/n blinked rapidly, her chest tightening as a rush of emotion flooded her all at once. her mind raced, and for a moment, she thought she might drown in it. she hadn’t realized how much she needed to talk, how much she needed someone to listen. she hadn’t expected him to be that someone, not like this.

but she couldn’t stop herself.

“it’s this damn group project,” she muttered, her voice cracking slightly. “i’ve been doing everything, everything. no one else is pulling their weight. they’re all either half-assing it or disappearing altogether. it’s like... like they don’t care, and i’m stuck picking up the pieces. it’s not fair. i’m so tired. i can’t keep doing all the work on my own.”

her words spilled out faster than she could stop them, the floodgates breaking open, and for the first time in a long time, she let herself be vulnerable in front of someone. levi didn’t interrupt, didn’t try to comfort her with empty words. instead, he just listened, his eyes never leaving hers as she continued.

"i feel like i’m drowning, like no matter how hard i try, nothing’s good enough. i can’t be the only one carrying the weight of everyone’s mistakes. and i’ve been trying to stay calm, trying to keep everything together, but i just... i just can’t anymore. i’m exhausted." she let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of it all, the pressure pressing down on her chest.

levi didn’t speak for a moment, letting her words hang in the air, the tension between them palpable. then, slowly, he leaned closer, his arm brushing against hers, the warmth of his body grounding her.

“you don’t have to do everything on your own,” he said quietly, his voice soft but firm, like he was trying to make her believe it. “you don’t have to carry everything, y/n. you don’t have to be the only one holding it all together.”

she blinked, the sincerity in his voice making something inside her shift. it wasn’t just the words—it was the way he said them, as if he meant every syllable. he didn’t offer her advice, didn’t try to fix her problems, but his presence, the way he was there with her, offering a quiet kind of support, was enough. it was more than enough.

y/n took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. she wasn’t used to opening up, wasn’t used to being this raw with anyone, but somehow, with levi, it felt different. safer, even.

“thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, but levi heard it.

and even though she didn’t say it, he knew what she meant.

levi watched her carefully, the tension slowly easing from her shoulders. the silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable anymore—it was like a quiet understanding, an unspoken connection that neither of them had expected but both felt. he noticed her looking at her screen again, the stress still lingering in her eyes, so he decided to do something, anything, to lighten the mood.

he slid the new drink he’d gotten her toward her, the warm cup resting gently in front of her. "here," he said softly, giving her a small smile. "thought you might like to try this one. it’s a new blend i saw. figured we could see if it’s any good together."

she looked at the cup for a moment, her fingers brushing against it before she met his eyes. "you keep surprising me with these," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. she picked up the cup, her fingers wrapping around the warmth of it, and took a careful sip. immediately, her eyes lit up, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "okay, this... this is actually really good."

levi grinned, pleased with her reaction. he hadn’t known if it would be her thing, but seeing the spark of enjoyment in her face made it worth the guesswork. "i knew it," he said, leaning back in his chair a little. "i have a pretty solid track record."

y/n shook her head, laughing lightly, and for a moment, it felt like the weight of her frustrations had melted away, if only for a little while. the sound of her laughter, soft and genuine, warmed levi in a way he hadn’t expected. it was so rare to hear her laugh, and when it came, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

she took another sip of the drink, her shoulders relaxing further, and levi found himself watching her with a quiet smile. then, without thinking, he slid his hand over to hers, the gesture casual but deliberate, and gently squeezed her fingers.

"look," he started, his voice a little more serious now, though still soft. "if you need help with this project or... whatever else, i’m here, okay? i might not be a hot shot pre-med student like you, but i can at least sit here and look pretty if that’s what you need." he said it with a teasing smile, but there was an edge of sincerity underneath it all.

y/n raised an eyebrow at him, the smallest hint of a playful smirk on her lips. "you? look pretty?" she asked, her voice teasing but light. "i think you might be underselling yourself."

levi’s smile widened, but he stayed quiet for a beat before responding, his tone low, as if he was trying to make her take him seriously despite the playful words. "no, really," he said, his voice softening. "if you need anything—anything at all—i’ll help. even if it’s just sitting here and being a distraction. i’ll do it."

y/n looked at him, her gaze soft, and for a moment, he could tell she wasn’t just seeing the boy who sat across from her at the coffee shop. she was seeing him, the person, the one who cared, the one who wanted to make things easier for her, even if he didn’t have the answers.

"honestly," she said, her voice quieter now, "just having you here is enough. you don’t need to do anything." she looked down at their hands for a moment, her thumb brushing gently over his knuckles before she added, "it’s just... nice. to have someone here."

levi’s chest tightened at her words, and though he wanted to say more, to somehow put into words how much it meant to him, he simply stayed quiet. there was no need for more. sometimes, silence spoke louder than anything else.

he kept his hand in hers, the warmth between them undeniable, and watched as she started to relax, her fingers slowly uncurling from their tense grip around her cup. for once, her eyes weren’t filled with worry or frustration. they were just... soft. and he realized, for the first time in a long time, that maybe he didn’t have to fix everything. maybe being there, just being present, was enough.

and as they sat together, both silently savoring the quiet comfort of the moment, levi knew one thing for certain—he didn’t want to be anywhere else.

levi sat back in his chair, the laughter of his friends and teammates filling the air as the waiters bustled around the table. the dim lighting of the restaurant cast a soft glow over the group, their conversations ebbing and flowing like the clink of glasses and the rhythm of silverware. it was a typical night out—good food, good company, the kind of evening that didn’t require much thought, just relaxation. but levi’s mind wasn’t entirely present.

his gaze flickered to the empty seat next to him, where his friends’ girlfriends had nestled themselves, chatting animatedly with each other. he wasn’t sure why, but his thoughts kept drifting back to her—the girl from the coffee shop.

the memory of her soft laughter, her gentle teasing, the way her eyes would light up when she found something amusing... it lingered with him like the scent of freshly brewed coffee, something impossible to shake off. the fact that he didn’t even know her name didn’t help the restlessness in his chest.

"yo, levi, are you even listening, mate?" noni’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. levi blinked, realizing everyone at the table was now looking at him expectantly.

"what?" he replied, his attention snapping back to the group. noni grinned mischievously.

"you’ve been staring off into space for like, the past five minutes," noni said, nudging him with his elbow. "someone’s got a girl on his mind, huh?"

levi chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "nah, just thinking about stuff," he muttered, but his tone gave him away. he didn’t want to get into it. not yet.

"oh, really?" cole chimed in, winking at him. "come on, mate, you’ve been acting all... distracted lately. is there someone we don’t know about?"

there were chuckles around the table as several of the guys gave each other knowing looks. levi shifted in his seat, feeling the familiar pull of anxiety creep up on him. he didn’t know how to explain it. he wasn’t used to having his emotions laid bare in front of everyone.

"i do have someone," levi said, his voice quiet, but a little more confident than before. he tried to sound casual about it, though the words left his mouth with an unfamiliar weight. "there’s someone i’m seeing."

the teasing stopped for a second, and the table fell silent as they all looked at him, eyes wide with curiosity. noni was the first to break the silence. "oh really?" he asked, his grin widening. "and what’s her name, then?"

levi froze, a frown tugging at his lips. the question hit him harder than he expected. he had been so careful about not saying anything, so careful not to reveal that he didn’t know her name.

"uhh..." he stammered, feeling the pressure building as all eyes were on him. "i mean... i haven’t really asked yet," he added quickly, trying to play it off.

the table erupted in laughter.

"are you kidding me, levi?" jadon laughed, shaking his head. "you’re telling us you’re seeing a girl, but you don’t even know her name?" he leaned back in his chair, his eyes widening in mock disbelief. "what, are you just calling her 'coffee girl' or something?"

"nah, man, it’s not like that," levi muttered, his face heating up under the attention. he felt himself getting defensive, even though part of him knew they were just joking. "we’ve been talking for a while. i just... i dunno, things just haven't... come up, you know?"

wes raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing. "wait a minute. you’re telling me you’ve been hanging out with her and you don’t even know her name?" he laughed, nudging cole beside him. "this guy, man. how do you even manage that?"

"you’re not exactly a smooth talker, are you, levi?" cole teased, elbowing him lightly. "what’s next? you’re gonna tell us she doesn’t have a number either?"

levi felt his face flush even deeper. "shut up," he muttered, trying to hide the embarrassment in his voice. but the laughter around him only grew louder.

"you gotta be joking, mate," noni continued, shaking his head. "the king of football can’t even get a name out of a girl? you must be slipping."

levi shot him a half-smile, but his mind was elsewhere. part of him wanted to tell them everything—that he didn’t care about her being some random girl, that it wasn’t like what they were implying. it wasn’t just a casual thing to him. but the words didn’t come. instead, he just shrugged, doing his best to keep his cool.

"yeah, yeah, laugh it up," he muttered. "but when it happens, you’ll know."

there was a pause before cole leaned in, giving levi a knowing look. "come on, levi, we’re just messing with you. but seriously, you’re gonna have to get that name soon, yeah? she’s not gonna just let you keep calling her 'coffee girl' forever."

"trust me, i know," levi muttered, rubbing the back of his neck again. "i’ll figure it out."

he tried to push the conversation aside, but as the laughter died down and the conversation turned to other things, levi couldn’t help but feel a small knot in his stomach. he didn’t mind his friends teasing him. in fact, he expected it. but the fact that they were right, that he had no idea how to even start asking for her name, bothered him more than he cared to admit.

as he glanced at the group around him, his thoughts drifted back to her, to the soft curl of her hair, to the way she made everything feel just a little bit warmer whenever she was near. he didn’t even know her name. but he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

the soft hum of the coffee shop, the gentle murmur of conversations, the aroma of freshly ground beans—it was all so familiar to levi by now. each visit had become a small ritual, a time where the world outside didn’t matter as much, where the only thing that mattered was the girl who sat in the corner, reading her book or typing away at her laptop, always so absorbed in her own world.

it had been a month since their first meeting, and levi found himself losing track of time whenever he was with her. he couldn’t help it. she had this way of making everything else fade into the background. even now, as he walked in, the bell above the door chiming softly, he saw her sitting there—calm, relaxed, her eyes glued to the pages of the book in her hands.

he had meant to do it today. he had promised himself he would finally ask her name, that today would be the day. but as soon as his eyes landed on her, that familiar pull in his chest took over, and all thoughts of anything else slipped away.

her posture was soft, her shoulders slightly hunched as she read, her face the picture of concentration. her hair, the same messy braid that he’d come to adore, framed her face in a way that made everything else seem secondary. levi had always been drawn to the way she carried herself, the way she was so quiet yet somehow so... alive in her own space. there was a gentleness to her that made everything around her feel quieter, more peaceful.

he wasn’t sure what it was about her. maybe it was the way she looked at him sometimes, those fleeting moments where their eyes would meet and hold for just a second longer than normal. maybe it was the way she always made him feel like he was the only one in the room, even though they were surrounded by people. or maybe it was just her presence, the way she seemed to fit into the space like she belonged there, and for some reason, levi felt like he belonged with her, too.

his steps carried him toward her before he could stop them, and before he knew it, he was sitting beside her—not across from her, like he usually did, but right next to her. the familiar warmth of her presence immediately wrapped around him, and his breath hitched slightly.

she didn’t seem to notice him at first, her nose still buried in the book. levi couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly beautiful she was, how she didn’t try to stand out or demand attention. she just was. and somehow, that made him want to know her more, made him want to understand the quiet strength behind those deep brown eyes.

he leaned in slightly, just close enough to let his shoulder brush against hers. her breath hitched slightly, and she glanced up, her eyes meeting his. for a moment, neither of them spoke, as if the world had slowed down just for them.

“you’re here early today,” he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. it wasn’t much, but it was enough to break the silence. she smiled, her lips curling upward in that way that made his heart beat just a little faster.

“yeah,” she said, closing her book gently and setting it down on the table. “i wanted to get some reading done before the noise picked up. i’ve been putting it off all week.”

levi chuckled softly. “sounds familiar. i do that with everything.”

the air between them felt charged, electric in the quiet space. he shifted slightly, moving closer, his hand brushing lightly against hers. he hadn’t done that in the past, but for some reason, it felt natural to him now, as if they had somehow crossed into a different kind of space together.

he hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to ask the question that had been gnawing at him for weeks. but the words didn’t come out easily. he didn’t want to make it awkward. he didn’t want to ruin the easy rhythm they had, the comfort of just existing in each other’s space.

she must have sensed the hesitation, because she looked at him curiously, her brow furrowing slightly. “what’s wrong?”

levi swallowed, shaking his head. “nothing, just…” he trailed off, feeling his throat tighten. this wasn’t how he imagined asking. he had thought he’d be smooth about it, or at least more confident, but now he couldn’t find the words. “i just... i’ve been thinking about something,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost vulnerable.

“like what?” she asked, her eyes searching his face.

levi didn’t want to say it, didn’t want to risk making things weird, but it was like the words were already on the tip of his tongue. “i don’t know your name,” he said softly, the truth tumbling out before he could stop it.

for a moment, she didn’t say anything. her eyes widened, and for a brief second, levi thought he’d made a mistake, thought he’d pushed too far. but then she laughed—lightly, almost nervously—and his chest eased.

“that’s... that’s funny,” she said, her voice soft. “i guess i never introduced myself, did i?” she tilted her head slightly, her gaze softening as she looked at him. “my name’s y/n.”

his heart skipped a beat. y/n. the name seemed to fit her in ways he couldn’t explain, like it had been made just for her.

“y/n,” he whispered, savoring the sound of it. he smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. “it’s... perfect.”

the quiet buzz of the coffee shop seemed to fade away as levi let the sound of her name roll around in his head. y/n. he couldn’t help but smile to himself, the relief that washed over him surprising even him. it was such a simple thing—knowing her name—but for some reason, it felt like a milestone.

her smile deepened at the sight of him so obviously pleased with himself, and he felt a warmth spread through his chest. he could have stayed in this moment forever, just sitting here with her, knowing who she was at last.

“so, you’re y/n,” levi said again, as if testing the name out on his tongue. “it suits you.”

her cheeks pinkened just slightly, and she shrugged. “it’s just a name,” she said, her voice soft but with a playful edge to it.

“i don’t know,” levi said, leaning in a little closer, “it feels like it means something more when it’s coming from you.”

y/n raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting him to get all smooth with her, and a tiny laugh bubbled up in her throat. “you really do know how to say things,” she teased.

levi couldn’t help but grin at that. he liked the way she reacted to him, the way she seemed so at ease with his quiet attention, but he could tell there was something more underneath—something that kept her grounded, that kept her in control of the conversation. it intrigued him more than he wanted to admit.

“yeah, well, my mates think you’re made up,” levi said, the playful grin still on his lips. “they can’t believe someone as... amazing as you exists and i’ve never mentioned you before.”

her eyes widened just a fraction, and a laugh escaped her lips. “what? really?”

he nodded, leaning back slightly, trying to stifle a chuckle. “yeah, they think i’m making you up. i mean, who else would i be spending hours with every week just for coffee?”

“it’s the coffee, huh?” she said with a mischievous glint in her eyes, clearly teasing him. “i’m starting to think i’m just the excuse for you to get out of the house.”

levi laughed, enjoying the way her energy seemed to shift as the conversation lightened. “maybe,” he said, leaning in closer with a grin. “but i’m starting to think it’s not just the coffee anymore.”

y/n gave him a skeptical look, but the corners of her mouth curled up as she set her book aside. “and what’s that supposed to mean?”

“it means that you’re the best part of my day, y/n,” he said, his voice quieter now, the playful tone still there but with a hint of something deeper. “and i don’t want to mess that up.”

her expression softened, and levi could see her fighting the urge to smile. she didn’t say anything at first, her eyes meeting his with a curiosity that made him feel like he was being pulled in all over again.

“i’m just glad you showed up today,” she said after a moment, her voice soft and genuine. “i really needed someone to talk to.”

levi’s heart softened at the sincerity in her tone. he had always been good at reading people, but something about y/n made him feel like he could never really get ahead of her. every time he thought he understood her, she surprised him in the best way possible.

“i’ll always show up,” he said without thinking, the words slipping out before he could stop them. “i’ll be here whenever you need me.”

y/n looked at him for a long moment, as if trying to read something deeper in his words, but then she nodded slowly, her gaze softening.

“that means a lot to me,” she said, her voice quiet but sincere. “thank you.”

he felt a warmth spread through him, a feeling that had nothing to do with the coffee and everything to do with her. for the first time, he felt like he wasn’t just there because it was easy, because it felt good. he was there because he wanted to be.

they sat in silence for a moment, the air between them comfortable, but levi couldn’t shake the feeling that they were slowly moving toward something more. maybe it was just the way she looked at him, or maybe it was the way his heart raced every time she laughed, but he knew one thing for certain: he was falling for her, and it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

“so,” he said after a beat, trying to break the quiet without losing the intimacy of the moment, “how about we get another coffee before you go back to that book?”

y/n smiled softly, nodding. “that sounds perfect.”

levi stood, his hand brushing hers once more as he made his way to the counter to get them another round. as he walked away, his chest felt lighter, as if the simple act of being with her, of knowing her name, had somehow set something in motion. he didn’t know where this would go, didn’t know what the future held, but for once, he didn’t need to. he was happy just to be here, with her, in this moment.

and maybe that was enough.

she blushed slightly, and levi couldn’t help but reach out, his fingers lightly brushing against hers again. he wasn’t sure why he felt so drawn to her, why he couldn’t seem to stop wanting to be close to her. but as she turned her hand to hold his, just for a second, everything felt right.

he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. “you know, i’ve been thinking about you a lot lately,” he murmured, his voice low and steady.

y/n looked up at him, her eyes flickering with something he couldn’t quite place. “yeah?” she asked, her voice soft, but there was an edge of curiosity in it.

“yeah,” levi said, the words coming more easily now, his hand gently brushing her hair back from her face. “and i don’t think it’s just the coffee.”

her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, levi thought she might say something, but instead, she closed the distance between them, her lips meeting his in a slow, soft kiss that made everything inside him warm. he could feel the gentle tremble in her hands, the way her body seemed to melt into his, and he knew then—he wanted this.

he wanted her.

and as they pulled away, he couldn’t help but smile, his thumb grazing the side of her cheek as their foreheads touched gently.

“you’re perfect, you know that?” he whispered, his voice thick with affection.

and for the first time in a long while, levi felt like everything was falling into place.

levi walked into the training ground the next day with a smile plastered on his face, a little lighter than usual. the guys noticed immediately, their eyes narrowing with the kind of suspicion that only teammates could muster when one of them seemed unusually cheerful.

noni raised an eyebrow. “what’s got you so happy today, levi?” he asked, his voice teasing but with a hint of curiosity.

levi grinned, not able to hide the satisfaction that buzzed in his chest. “i’ve got news,” he said, his tone smug in the way only a guy who’d just learned a girl’s name could be. he paused for dramatic effect, enjoying the way his teammates leaned in, eager to hear what he was about to drop on them.

“my girl’s name is y/n,” levi said, the words flowing out of him easily, his smile never fading.

the table of guys went silent for a second, before all of them burst into laughter. wes slapped him on the back, his grin wide. “wait, hold up,” he said, shaking his head, “you’ve been talking about some girl, and now we finally get a name, and it’s just y/n? you couldn’t have picked a more generic name?”

levi rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but laugh along. “hey, don’t make fun of her,” he said, defending the name, “it suits her. it’s simple, but it fits.”

cole leaned back in his chair, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “oh, we’ve finally got a name,” he said dramatically. “now we just need the story. come on, levi, give us the details. tell us what makes this y/n so special.”

levi felt a warmth spread through his chest at the mention of her, but he quickly shifted the topic. “nothing too crazy. we’ve been meeting for a while now, just coffee and talking.”

“i swear, levi,” jadon said, his tone light, “you’ve been going on about this y/n for weeks, and now we know her name, and that’s it? no juicy gossip? no exciting stories? you're killing us here, man.”

“look,” levi said, leaning forward with a smirk, “not everything’s got to be dramatic. sometimes it’s just about… being with someone, y’know?”

the guys gave him a knowing look, none of them buying into his easygoing response. “oh, we know,” wes said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “this whole ‘no drama’ thing is the biggest giveaway that levi’s gone soft. wait till y/n hears about this.”

levi shook his head, a smile still on his lips. he’d never been one to show much of his personal life to the guys, but there was something about y/n that made him want to share. he liked the way she made him feel calm, how her presence was enough to keep him centered, and he didn’t mind that they were poking fun at him.

but then, as he sat back, the reality of the situation hit him. he’d been so focused on her, so happy to finally know her name, that he’d completely overlooked something crucial. something that made his stomach twist a little with embarrassment.

his face fell as the thought hit him. “wait…” he muttered under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck. “i never actually told her my name.”

the table went quiet for a second before they erupted into laughter, none of them able to contain themselves. noni let out a loud laugh, holding his stomach. “wait, you’ve been seeing this girl for weeks, talking about her like she’s the best thing since sliced bread, and you’ve never introduced yourself properly?”

levi groaned, slumping into his seat. “i can’t believe this,” he muttered. “how did i not think of that?”

jadon laughed, shaking his head. “man, that’s got to be the most levi thing ever,” he said, still chuckling. “going on about a girl for weeks, and you forget to tell her your name.”

cole, ever the one to find humor in any situation, leaned over with a teasing grin. “what are you gonna do now? show up tomorrow and say ‘hey, i’m levi, nice to finally meet you’? that’s smooth.”

levi buried his face in his hands, cringing. “don’t make me think about it. it’s embarrassing.”

wes, his grin wide, threw his arm around levi’s shoulders in a playful show of support. “honestly, man, you’re lucky she even likes you without knowing your name. but hey, at least you’ve got that one step down, right? maybe next time, just mention it.”

levi shook his head in defeat. “i don’t know how i forgot,” he said, still feeling the sting of it. “i’ve been so caught up in everything else, i guess it just slipped my mind.”

noni patted him on the back. “well, it’s good to know you’re actually interested in her, levi. just don’t screw it up with the whole ‘i’m levi’ bit when you finally tell her, yeah?”

levi looked up at his teammates, finally cracking a grin. “i swear to god, i’m never living this down.”

the guys continued to laugh, and levi couldn't help but join in. even though he felt like a fool, he also knew that this was just another part of the journey with y/n, one that had somehow become more important to him than he ever expected.

he’d fix this. he’d go see her again, tell her his name, and maybe—just maybe—he’d stop embarrassing himself in front of his mates. but for now, he couldn't help but laugh along with them, knowing that the next time he saw y/n, he’d be properly introducing himself.

and that, in the end, was the only thing that mattered.

levi rushed through the streets of london, his breath ragged as his sneakers hit the pavement with each hurried step. he barely noticed the cold night air nipping at his skin, or the buzz of the city around him. all he could think about was getting to the café. getting to her.

it had been on his mind all day, the fact that he hadn’t told her his name. how could he have spent so much time with her, gotten so comfortable, without sharing something so basic? it had gnawed at him, a constant reminder of the one thing he’d missed, the one thing that seemed so simple but so important.

his heart raced as he reached the café, breathless from the sprint. he saw her sitting at her usual spot, her back to him as she focused on her book, the soft glow of the lamp above casting a warm light on her face. she looked so serene, so calm, so entirely her.

levi stepped forward, still catching his breath as he approached her table, trying to steady himself. when she turned to look at him, her expression soft and curious, he felt his heart jump.

“hey,” he panted, stopping just in front of her. he stood tall, his chest heaving from the run. “my name is levi,” he said, the words feeling heavier than he expected. “i realized i never told you.”

y/n blinked at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. “levi?” she repeated, her voice soft but surprised. “what?”

“yeah,” he said, still out of breath. “levi colwill. that’s my name.”

she didn’t seem phased, which only made levi feel more self-conscious. she tilted her head, considering him for a moment, before motioning to the chair across from her. “sit down. you look like you’re going to pass out.”

levi chuckled and collapsed into the chair, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to catch his breath. she slid a water bottle across the table toward him, and he grabbed it gratefully, taking a long drink.

without a second thought, he eased into the seat beside her, close enough that their shoulders brushed. it had become second nature to sit next to her since that day he’d held her hand while she worked through her group project. now, the proximity felt natural, like it was exactly where he belonged.

as his hand wavered slightly from exertion, she reached out instinctively, her fingers steadying his arm. the warmth of her touch lingered, and levi glanced down, the corner of his mouth twitching up into a grin.

he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he looked at her. “if you wanted to kiss me, you could’ve just asked,” he teased, his voice still a little breathless.

y/n rolled her eyes, but the faint smile tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. “yeah, sure,” she said, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm. “maybe next time.”

her hand lingered on his arm longer than she meant to, her touch grounding him in a way he couldn’t explain. levi glanced back up, his grin softening into something more earnest. “i’ll hold you to that,” he murmured, his voice quiet but steady, his gaze unwavering as it locked on hers.

he leaned back in his chair, finally feeling his heart slow down to a more reasonable pace. the air between them felt different now, more relaxed somehow, now that he’d finally said it. “you know,” he said, his voice soft but serious, “i’ve been thinking about this. i’ve been talking to you for weeks, and i never once told you my name.”

“i know,” she said casually, her eyes meeting his with an intensity he hadn’t expected.

he froze. “wait, what?”

“i know who you are, levi,” she said, her gaze steady as she watched him. “levi colwill. you play for chelsea.”

levi blinked, confusion creeping into his expression. “back up. you’ve known who i was this whole time?” he asked, his voice a mix of surprise and disbelief. “since when?”

she shrugged, her lips curving into a small smile. “levi, you play for chelsea. i’m from west london. you don’t think i knew who you were?” her smile turned a little softer as she added, “your face is plastered around stanford bridge. my family are huge chelsea fans.”

levi stared at her, his mind spinning as the realization set in. all this time, she had known exactly who he was—and had never said a word. he couldn’t help but laugh, a small, incredulous sound. “seriously? you knew, and you didn’t say anything?”

“no,” she replied, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks as she looked down at her hands. “i didn’t want to make it awkward. especially because... well, you never told me your name or mentioned anything about work. i just assumed... i didn’t want to make it weird.”

levi’s chest tightened with something unspoken, something deeper. he moved closer to her, the space between them growing smaller. his hand reached for her chin, lifting her face gently to meet his gaze. she blinked up at him, her eyes wide but softened by the trust they had slowly built.

“you make me forget my own name, y/n,” levi whispered, his voice low and sincere. “you’re so beautiful, and every time i’m around you, time just... blinks by. i can’t stop thinking about you. i don’t know what it is about you, but there’s something about the way you make me feel like everything else fades. i like you. more than i expected.”

he paused, his thumb gently brushing against her skin as he continued to hold her chin, keeping her gaze steady. “i don’t even know when it happened, but i can’t stop thinking about you. every moment i’m not with you feels like too long.”

her breath hitched slightly, and she didn’t look away, holding his gaze with a vulnerability he hadn’t expected to see. “i like you, too,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “i didn’t want to admit it, but i’ve been waiting for you to say it first. i didn’t want to feel stupid.”

levi’s heart surged in his chest, a sense of relief washing over him. he had been nervous, unsure, thinking about all the ways he might mess it up. but here, in this moment, it felt right. it felt real.

he let go of her chin and placed his hand on the table between them, leaning back in his seat just slightly, though the tension between them still buzzed in the air. “you have no idea how happy i am to hear you say that,” he said quietly, his smile softening. “it’s like i’ve been trying to figure this all out, and now, it just feels... easy.”

y/n smiled at him, a gentle, knowing smile, and for the first time, levi felt like he wasn’t trying so hard. like all the pieces were finally falling into place.

“i’m glad,” she said, her voice a little lighter now. “but we should definitely talk more about this. i mean, we’ve been doing the whole ‘secretly liking each other’ thing for a while now.”

levi laughed, the sound easy and full of warmth. “yeah, definitely. no more secrets.”

and with that, the world seemed to settle around them. everything felt a little clearer, a little simpler. and for the first time in a while, levi didn’t feel like he was chasing time—he was simply living it.

levi’s heart was still racing, but this time, it wasn’t from running or nerves—it was from being so close to her, from the way her soft gaze met his, from the way everything in the room seemed to fade except for the two of them. the air between them felt electric, charged with something that had been building up for weeks, and now it was almost unbearable. he could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on them, drawing them closer, and there was no escaping it anymore.

he pauses, his fingers gently brushing her cheek as he looks into her eyes, the air between them thick with anticipation. "can i kiss you?" he asks softly, his voice low, as if the question itself could break the moment.

she breathes in, caught off guard by his words but not by the warmth that rises in her chest. she nods, a quiet smile tugging at her lips, the answer unspoken but clear.

and then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he closes the distance, capturing her lips with his in a kiss that feels like everything he’s been holding back.

he leaned in just a little, his hand still resting lightly on the table. y/n didn’t pull back, didn’t shy away. her eyes flickered to his lips, and for a second, the world outside of them didn’t exist. it was just them, in this small café, the quiet hum of the city fading as their breathing slowed. levi’s heart pounded in his chest, his mind fighting against the impulse, but he couldn’t stop himself.

with a slow, deliberate motion, he closed the distance between them, his hand gently cupping her face as his lips brushed against hers. it was soft at first, tentative, like they were both testing the waters, unsure but so sure at the same time. he could feel her breath against him, warm and steady, and it only made him want to deepen the kiss.

y/n responded in kind, her fingers brushing lightly against his arm before she let them settle on his chest, pulling him closer. the kiss grew bolder, more urgent, as if they were both afraid if they didn’t give in completely, it would slip away. levi’s hand moved to the back of her neck, pulling her into him as their lips met again with more force, more passion. everything about the kiss felt real—raw, honest, full of longing.

when they finally pulled back, their foreheads resting together, levi’s breath was shallow, his lips still tingling from the contact. he looked at her, his eyes soft but filled with an intensity that made her heart skip. her hands were still on his chest, her fingers tracing small circles against his shirt, as if grounding herself in the moment.

"you... you really know how to make a guy forget his name," levi murmured, his voice husky from the kiss.

y/n laughed softly, the sound full of warmth and affection. “i guess i’ve had practice,” she teased, her fingers gently pressing against his chest. "i mean, it’s not every day you get kissed by someone who makes you forget your own name."

levi chuckled, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. “you know, i’ve never felt this much for anyone.”

she smiled back, her eyes sparkling with something new. “i know exactly what you mean.”

they sat there for a moment, just breathing in the quiet, content in the realization that the tension that had been building between them had finally, beautifully, exploded into something they both wanted. everything else seemed to fade as they just sat there together, wrapped in the stillness, knowing they had just crossed a line they wouldn’t be able to uncross, but one they were both happy to have crossed.

EPILOGUE

it's been over a month now since that night at the café, and levi can't believe how easily it feels like time is slipping by when he's with her. he can’t remember the last time he was this happy, this comfortable, this himself.

they've had their fair share of quiet nights in, curled up together on his couch or in his bed, the soft hum of music in the background as they talk or simply exist in each other's space. on days when she’s overwhelmed with university work, he holds her hand while she studies, a small touch that seems to anchor her. he watches her, marveling at how focused she is, the way her brows furrow slightly when she’s deep in thought.

and when the weight of everything gets too much, he’s there to pull her into his arms, wrapping her up in his embrace like he can shield her from everything else. it’s as if being in his arms is her safe place, the one place she can let everything go.

she’s made him a few things to wear—sweaters, scarves, even a beanie—and he proudly wears them in his pre-game fits. he tells anyone who asks about them, a grin on his face, “my girlfriend made it,” and when his teammates tease him about it, he doesn’t care. he’s proud of her, proud of what she’s created with her hands, proud of the girl who’s somehow managed to worm her way into his life, his heart.

today, they’re at a chelsea holiday dinner, the kind of gathering that brings together teammates, coaches, friends, and family. levi’s arm is wrapped around her waist, and she's walking beside him like she belongs there, her presence a comfort to him.

as they make their way to their seats, the guys from the team spot them, and their eyes widen in disbelief when they see who levi’s brought with him.

"wait," noni says, squinting like he's trying to make sure he's not imagining things. "this is her?"

"yeah," levi replies, trying to keep his cool but failing. "my girl, y/n."

cole bursts out laughing, shaking his head. "no way, man. this is the girl you’ve been talking about?"

"yeah, man," levi says, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "what’s the problem? she’s real, isn’t she?"

"i can't believe it," jadon says, eyes wide in mock horror. "we honestly thought you made her up to make us jealous."

"yeah, bro," wes chimes in, grinning. "we thought you were just describing some perfect girl you were dreaming about. never thought you'd actually bring her here."

levi rolls his eyes, shaking his head. "seriously? she's real, alright? and she's with me, so you better get used to it."

y/n just laughs, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she glances at levi, her hand slipping into his. "i think they’re just shocked you finally found someone who’s actually real," she teases him, a playful glint in her eyes.

"well, i’m shocked too," levi says, pulling her close for a moment before turning back to his teammates. "but she’s mine now, and i couldn’t be more grateful."

the dinner is full of laughter, food, and good company, and as the night winds down, the music plays softly in the background. levi pulls her onto the dance floor, holding her close as they sway to the rhythm of the song.

"you’re really here," he murmurs in her ear, his voice soft and low, as though he can’t quite believe it.

"you’re lucky," she whispers back, her smile lighting up her face, "i could’ve been somewhere else tonight."

"yeah, i’m really lucky," he says, pulling her a little closer, their bodies fitting together perfectly. "i’m the luckiest guy here."

and as the song plays on, the world around them fades. it's just them, in their own little bubble, wrapped up in each other’s arms, dancing the night away.

“you’re really here,” he murmurs in her ear, his voice soft and low, as though he can’t quite believe it. there’s a wonder in his tone, a quiet disbelief at the simple joy of having her here with him.

she glances up at him, her smile warm, the corners of her lips turning up in a teasing way as she steps a little closer. “you’re lucky,” she whispers back, her voice playful yet affectionate. “i could’ve been somewhere else tonight.”

levi chuckles softly, the sound rich and genuine, and for a moment, the world seems to slow. the laughter from the dinner table, the chatter, the clinking of glasses, it all becomes distant as he pulls her a little tighter, their bodies now almost perfectly in sync. “yeah, i’m really lucky,” he says, his words serious now, as if he’s speaking the truth he’s known deep down for a while but only just realized how much it means. "i’m the luckiest guy here."

she lets out a breathless laugh, her hand resting against his chest, fingers tracing the subtle beat of his heart. “how did i get so lucky?” she asks, the hint of vulnerability in her voice betraying just how much she’s been feeling in this moment, in his arms.

he doesn’t answer with words at first, instead tightening his grip on her slightly, as if he’s afraid to let go, afraid that saying something might shatter the spell they’re both caught under. so he just sways with her, his chest rising and falling steadily, their feet moving together in a slow, effortless rhythm, as though they’ve been doing this for years.

the music swells softly in the background, the warm tones wrapping them both up like a familiar blanket. it’s as if nothing else in the world matters, as if the only thing that exists is this—her in his arms, him holding her, and the soft, steady beat of the music guiding them through the night.

her fingers curl around his, and she lifts her head to meet his gaze. their eyes lock, and for a heartbeat, time seems to freeze. it’s as if everything they’ve been through, everything that’s brought them to this moment, is reflected in the quiet depth of his look.

“i think,” levi starts, his voice thick with emotion, “i think you make everything feel… effortless. like this.” his thumb brushes across the back of her hand as he speaks, his eyes never leaving hers. “i’ve never been someone who believed in fate or anything like that, but when i’m with you, it’s like everything just falls into place. i don’t have to try. i don’t have to fight it.”

she blinks, caught off guard by the raw sincerity in his words. it feels like they’re no longer in a crowded room filled with people, no longer at a dinner with friends. it’s just the two of them, alone in this moment, standing in the space between words and feelings, surrounded by nothing but the truth of what’s been building between them.

“levi…” she starts, her voice soft, almost shy, but he cuts her off gently, pressing a finger to her lips.

“let me finish,” he says, a soft smile tugging at his lips. he brushes her hair from her face, the touch so tender, so reverent, like she’s something too precious to take for granted. “i don’t know what it is about you, but when i’m with you, it’s like the rest of the world disappears. and i don’t even need to know the answer, because it doesn’t matter. all that matters is that you’re here with me. just like this.”

her heart skips a beat, overwhelmed by the depth of his words, by the feeling of finally being seen for exactly who she is. all the things she’s kept hidden, the parts of her she thought no one would ever truly understand—he sees them. and he chooses them.

“you don’t need to say anything else,” she whispers, her voice barely above a breath. “i already know.”

levi smiles then, his heart swelling in his chest. the weight of everything between them—the moments of quiet understanding, the shared laughter, the long talks, the feeling of finally finding someone who makes everything feel right—comes crashing over him in a single wave of emotion. he leans down, his lips brushing against her forehead softly, lingering there, not wanting to break the magic.

and as the song continues to play in the background, it’s as though everything else fades into nothingness. the chatter from the dinner, the clinking of glasses, the bustling around them, it all disappears. there is only levi, and there is only her, and in this moment, that is all they need.

they sway for what feels like hours, their movements slow, their steps in perfect sync. every now and then, levi looks down at her, catching the way her eyes flutter closed when he brushes his lips against her temple, the way her breath catches when he pulls her a little closer, a little tighter. it’s perfect. more perfect than he could have ever imagined.

“hey,” she whispers suddenly, her voice playful again, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she tilts her head back to look at him. “i think i’m the lucky one, levi.”

he raises an eyebrow at her, his grin returning. “oh, yeah?” he says, his voice teasing, but there’s still a layer of softness in it. “and why’s that?”

“because,” she says, leaning in close enough to whisper directly into his ear, “i got you.”

his heart skips another beat, and he pulls back slightly to look at her, his smile wide, his eyes bright with affection. he doesn’t have to say anything, because the way he looks at her says it all. in this moment, with everything they’ve shared, everything they’ve built, they both know the truth: this is just the beginning.

and as the music plays on, levi holds her close, and she holds him back, their hearts beating together in perfect harmony as they dance the night away, knowing that no matter what comes next, they’ve already found something worth fighting for.

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