Levi drove his fist into the training post with measured force, the dull thud echoing across the dusty yard as dust motes danced in the harsh afternoon light. The outpost hummed with unease—soldiers clustered in tight knots, voices low and edged with suspicion over supply shortages and rumors of approaching threats from the border. He kept his distance, muscles taut under his damp shirt, observing every movement without invitation, his gaze flicking toward the gates where new arrivals were expected any day. The anticipation coiled in his gut like a drawn wire, sharpening his focus even as sweat traced paths down his spine.

Hange bounded over from the command tent, goggles askew and a grin splitting their face. "Levi! You won't believe the data coming in from the perimeter scouts. Could be game-changing if the new batch includes any decent analysts." Levi paused, towel in hand, his tone clipped but courteous in a way that surprised even him. "Sounds promising. Keep me updated if it affects the schedule." Hange blinked at the rare civility but pressed on, undeterred, while Levi resumed his drills with precise, economical strikes that betrayed nothing of the restlessness beneath.

From the shaded archway nearby, Isabella and Farlun lingered in the shadows, having caught the tail end of Levi's interaction during the earlier briefing where Giselle had first crossed his path. Their shared glances carried the weight of certainty—his uncharacteristic politeness, the way his eyes had softened ever so slightly around her warmth, mirrored in the flicker of interest that had crossed her features. Stepping forward as Hange departed, Isabella crossed her arms with a knowing smirk. "Captain, we've seen enough to call it. You've got it bad for the new woman, and she's not exactly indifferent. Time to stop circling and ask her out before the tension here swallows you both." Farlun nodded, adding quietly, "We can cover your shift if you need the space. Don't let that discipline of yours get in the way of something real."

Levi's Unruly Courtesy