Countdown (Hanji Zoe x Leavi Ackerman)

Chapter 5

Levi's Pov

I woke up the next day on the couch. I found myself covered with a blanket. I sat on the couch as I remembered what had happened last night. How I talked about my friends for the first time. I looked on the table and saw a note next to a plate with cookies and the bottle with pills. I picked it up and read it.

Dear Levi,

Good Morning! I am sorry to have left but I had to returned home. My roommate who is aware of my condition will be worried sick about me. I know it's hard to move but you cannot do it if you don't try. So please, start taking the pills. Also, I'll be in the park if you want to come. The morning sky is very beautiful and the breeze helps you relax.

See you later,

Hanji

P.S. Change the bandages before you leave.

I looked once at the note and once at the pills. I went to the kitchen a filled a glass of water. Then, I took a pill and held it in my hand. I stared at it for a few seconds before I took it. It had a weird taste. I read the note again. After changing the bandages, I went to the bedroom to get dressed. Then, I headed out. I slowly walked towards the park. When I arrived, I scanned the park for Hanji. I started walking around until I spotted the brunette sitting under a tree listening to music. She was smiling as she was facing the sky with her eyes closed. I walked and sat next to her. She realized that I arrived because she took out her earphones and smiled to me.

"Good morning." She said smiling. "How are you feeling?" She asked but I didn't answer. "I see you changed the bandages. That's good." She smiled and closed her eyes lifting her head to face the sun.

Images of Isabel flashed in my mind as I looked at her. Isabel always liked the sun. I clenched my fists and looked down. She noticed that and placed her hand on mine. I looked surprised at her face as she was smiling. The sun was making her smile even brighter.

"Close your eyes." She said and I reluctantly obey.

"Lift your head towards the sun." She said again and I opened my eyes to complained but she shushed me and told me to close my eyes. I obeyed.

"Now take a deep breath and let the breeze take care of the rest." She said and put and earphone on my ear. I relaxed as the breeze blew. I felt her taking my hand and placing it down on the grass. It was so soft. I kept facing the sun as I touched the grass. Memories of Isabel and Farlan started coming into my mind. Their smiles were bright. I wanted to look away ashamed but then felt a something soft touching my hand.

"Don't." I heard a voice saying as if they knew what I was thinking. I tensed up a bit but soon relaxed. I opened my eyes and glanced at Hanji. She was doing the same thing. I looked down and saw that she had her hand on top of mine. I leaned on the tree and looked at the sky. There were a few clouds here and there and some birds were flying as well. I took a deep breath as the breezed messed my hair up a bit. And to be honest, I enjoyed it... We both sat there for a while until Hanji suddenly got up.

"Crap! I have to go to class today! I can't miss it!" She said and packed her things frantically.

"Class?" I asked surprised.

"Yeah." She said and scratched her neck awkwardly. "I can't miss anymore of Professor Nile's classes or he won't let me pass the class." She said and frowned.

"What about your medical condition? Doesn't he know?" I asked surprised.

"All the professors know. So that they will be aware in case something happens. But he is such an ass that...ugh!" She said and grimaced. Then she checked her phone and saw that the bus wouldn't be coming for the next 30 minutes. "I'm screwed..." She said gloomily.

"I can drive you if you want." I said and offered her my hand. "As a thank you perhaps." She smiled when she saw me. Then, we both walked to my house and she stared at my motorcycle in awe. Then she told me that she had never ridden a motorcycle before. I assured her that I was a good driver and she climbed on after me. I gave her my helmet and told her to place her arms around my waist so that she won't fall off.

As I was driving, I felt Hanji's grip around my waist tighten. She was looking in awe at the buildings as we passed them by, like she had never seen them before. She suddenly removed one of her hands and raised it towards the sky.

"This feels...awesome..." She said as she placed it around my waist again. "Thank you." She added and leaned on my back. Soon enough we arrived. She slowly got off and thanked me again.

"Do you want me to pick you up? Or are you going to take the bus?" I asked as I took my helmet.

"Surprise me. Bye!" She said as she run towards a building. I stayed there for a few seconds staring at the way she left. I then wore my helmet and took off.

Hanji's Pov

Just a few more minutes until professor Nile's class was over. I've been here almost three hours and I literally want to die from boredom. I have various drawing all over my notebook. I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket. I slowly took it out and saw a text from Nanaba.

-Hanji it's an emergency. I'm having dinner tonight with Mike. Red or Black dress?

-Can it wait? I'm in class. I have a class with beard brain

-Why are you answering then? Remember the last time you got caught?

-How can I forget... Anyway, I'll talk later.

-Just say red or black. You have the phone in your hands!

­-Black, it's more formal.

I quickly put my phone away just as Professor Beard Brain asked me a question which I quickly answered. I was about to exit the class when professor called me.

"I have received the assignments from everyone in this class. The deadline was last week." He said with a serious tone. I was ready to explain but he cut me off.

"I heard about your accident last week. So, I'll give you one more week." He said as he turned to leave. I looked at him surprised. It was the first time he ever did something like that.

I walked outside and searched for Levi. As I didn't find him, I walked towards the bus station. I was about to get on when I saw a motorcycle stopping. The man took out his helmet and looked around. It was Levi. I walked to him from behind and just as I was about to scare him, he turned around, giving me a small scare instead. He then, offered me his helmet and I got on. I placed my hands around his waist and we started chatting while driving. I didn't realize how fast we arrived because the time seemed to pass so fast.

He stopped outside of my house and helped me get off. After that, I returned his helmet and just before I turned to leave, he asked my number. I smiled and gave it to him. I told him that I was not going to come over to the bar today for I had to catch up on my assignment. He nodded and left. I got inside and saw Nanaba looking at me with crossed hands and a smirk on her face.

"Start talking" She said as she looked at me. I started laughing as I tossed my bag on the couch. I went to wash my hands while she set the table. I sat down and we started chatting as we ate. The topics shifted from Levi, to dresses then to the food, to Mike and finally to that Mr. Beard Brain.

After we were done, I washed the dishes. Suddenly, a plate slipped from hand, fell to the floor and shattered. I leaned to start cleaning when my legs gave out and I fell to the ground. Nanaba quickly rushed into the room and helped me up. I tried moving my left hand but I failed. I felt the same feeling of numbness. Nanaba helped in lay down onto the couch. She asked if she should call my father but I told her no, as this was not the first time it had happened. Since I couldn't properly move, I decided to sleep.