Chapter 52:

Can I Go Where You Go?

"How many universities did you try submitting your requirements and how many of them responded?"

Hanji, her father and Levi sat in the dining table one afternoon discussing their thoughts and plans for their college. Just as the older man has told the younger ones, time is running and they should already be planning and preparing for college. The two kids are amazing for having good grades and they both deserve to go and attend into college.

But with all the preparations, everything is still not yet fully decided.

"I applied for at least seven sir, but only have three responded positively and with scholarship in wrestling." Levi cautiously answered the older man while Hanji Zoe looked from her father back to her lover.

"The other four?"

"They were telling me to pay and no scholarship due to my conduct record. Although, the other university told me that I could get a scholarship from them if I would choose an easy course because after seeing the course I preferred, they had doubts whether to give me a scholarship or not."

"And the course you were planning to take here is?"

"I am thinking of Criminal Justice sir, or even Forensic Psychology. They told me if I would still prefer that, they could only give me a year of scholarship but if I would choose easier course to take, they told me they could consider giving me full scholarship if I would also consider taking up an easier course." Levi ended his explanation with huff of breath, remembering how he was informed.

"You can't do that" Zoe suddenly butted in, having both man look at her suddenly. "Dad, Levi is smart. He can study well and that means there is no doubt he can get a tough course for him to take."

The older man looked at his daughter and after listening to her, he then looked at the younger man in front of him.

"What do you think is your decision then, Levi?" Mr. Hanji asked as he clasp his hands and places them together under his chin.

"I will choose the university that will give me full scholarship for college." He tells him firmly, and the older man seemed satisfied with the dignity given to his answer. "No matter what my course is as long as I get to play and represent their school and have a full time scholarship in return."

Hanji's father knows that Levi is left to educate and feed himself and thus he understand if the young man is eagerly seeking for a full scholarship. He sigh, he does feel bad for him but vowed to help him in little ways. For years of independent living and survived until high school, he deserves some reward and even a break to it all.

"Alright then, choose from those three universities you prefer the most and who is willing to consider your course."

"Understood sir. I will be calling and asking them to follow up after getting to be examined and interviewed." Levi felt a growing sense of responsibility and will to achieve that goal. He never had anyone except for Mike and his grandmother, to push him and guide him in his goals and how to achieve them and the feeling was great. He does not feel alone and he feels empowered by it.

He felt that he cannot fail, and that he needed to have fruitful results. Even if Hanji's father is not entirely helping him financially, being a mentor of some sort is enough to give his morale some boost and owe him a lot for the success his is to have in his life.

Because first of all, he already owe the old man and his wife a lot for bringing in the world someone like their daughter.

"And you, young lady should also be decided what course to take and where." He reminded his daughter who only snorted at her father.

"I already did. I am fully decided on taking Biochemical Engineering dad and Sina University is more than happy to accept me." She said proudly and Levi could only smirk at her with pride and enthusiasm.

In fact, she is telling the truth. There were only four of them in their entire batch to pass the said university which is known to be meant for the 'people within the inner walls of intelligence and wealth' and she did passed without any hassle to think that she even chose a very difficult course to take.

"I am aware but I mean is, you should already be prepared mentally and physically. All you are doing is reading books that have nothing to do with college or the course you took." Hanji's parents were both aware of the fact that she had suddenly fond of reading novels of love and even magazines, which she rarely did before.

"I rarely even get to relax a bit, dad. I think there is nothing wrong with that." She explains to her father, not believing that this is happening and right in front of Levi who is not aware of that. The raven haired lad suddenly smirked at Hanji across the table and she instantly felt her cheeks turned all hot and pink.

"I hope what you're reading does help you into college." Her father still insisted to her.

Not long after, the father-daughter discussed about Hanji's future school from the tuition fee to books and other things that is seemed vital in college, Levi had a chance to excuse himself and help clean the table and wash the dishes.

In reality, as he does clean, he took it as some time for him to think things clear as he could still hear the conversation of the father-daughter that could help him clear his thoughts. He does not care whether which university ranks higher or produces better graduates since all he first should give concern is which university is willing to give him a full scholarship. He also believes that success is driven individually, not by the university they came from although they, of course, still play a vital role in one's success.

Also, he will choose the university that is at least near Hanji's.

He could worry of the other things like the dormitory and the money soon, as long as he settles himself into the best university that he could choose for him and Hanji's communication and distance. Internally, he never thought that he would worry this much not only for himself but also for Hanji. He wanted to be close enough to her and be with her as much as possible. He has no intention of cutting off their relationship most especially will not allow it just because of college.

As much as he is aware of, he is enjoying being in a relationship with Hanji. He wanted all the care and attention he could get from her. He never knew that being in a relationship with Hanji is going to be full of…. Contentment. Affection is abundant since it is the second nature of Hanji, which is no problem wrapping him with love.

He is also surprised of getting a wonderful feeling from taking care of someone who matters to him. It has also made him selfless even he cared about his own self less.

*ADD ANOTHER QUITE*

Levi suddenly heard Zoe's father sigh and he found himself stopping on what he is doing for a while.

"Looks like you would be needing to stay in a dormitory in college" Levi tuned in, suddenly finding interest into the conversation he is eavesdropping at.

"I don't think I like that."

"Sweetheart, it's too far. It will take you two to three hours to-"

"I know that dad. I mean, I don't like staying in a dormitory, sharing one room to another most especially that I don't know them personally." Hanji's father stared at her in disbelief, confusion arising in her father's thinking.

"There are two incidents this year of being killed in their room, one even barely making out alive but was heavily injured. I don't trust that easily anymore dad." Hanji's father backed away a little. This is a new side of her daughter that he is seeing. Usually, she is very eager to meet new people and experience new things but she does not sound like that at all. Whatever it is, she does have logical reasoning in the first place and does have a point.

"Okay. We're going to think about it first, Zoe" her father said and Hanji Zoe smiled.

"Thanks dad" she muttered. Her dad lightly smiled at her, thinking of whatever reason it could be that had her decided and think that way is alright, as long as it is logical and will not be of harm or would even cause her to breakdown into a despicable person.

"Or you just wanted to share a dorm with Levi?" he teased and Levi immediately focused back on what he is doing.

Hanji Zoe went upstairs, feeling furious but glory into her side. If things go into plan, she's definitely going to have a blast in college. Suddenly, Levi's attention was called by Hanji's father.

"Levi?" he called out and Levi did stopped on what he is doing, dried his hands and went to look at the older man, still holding towel he is using for drying his hand.

"Yes sir?"

Oddly, the old man just stared at him without saying any word at all. Levi suddenly felt awkward about the stare contest that they are having between them.

"Any problem sir?" Levi asked once again, yearning for the older man to answer or talk to him already.

Instead, all he got was a sigh from him, shut his eyes and bowed his head.

"Sorry for disturbing you Levi" he tells him apologetically and Levi nodded oddly at the man. He can't help but wonder what he wanted to tell him, of what is going on in his mind.

He hoped it has nothing to do about being with his daughter in college.

-x-

Preparing for college is nerve wrecking.

Hanji had always felt so agitated of the thought of college, but everything became a bit more nerve wrecking when they find out that Levi is still not yet fully being accepted by the universities he contacted with. Right after her dad talked and discussed to them, Levi immediately became busy with his requirements for college and the universities he is applying for a scholarship. Together, they both accomplished the requirements for college but compared to her, Levi has a lot more to do since he is not yet technically accepted yet unlike her.

Levi had been so busy he could only manage to greet Hanji in the morning and tell her about his day in the evening in his place. He even went to showcase his talent in wrestling and showed he has excellent grades for an athlete, got endless interviews and exams from all of those three universities because he is not sure yet which one is really willing to accept him in full scholarship.

One time, he got so tired he fell asleep on Hanji, his head on her thigh as she cradle him to sleep. She can't help but feel mesmerized on how handsome he is but her smile lowered down when she sees how tired the love of her life is.

So even through small or big things Levi would need, she would try her best to help him.

Within the month, Hanji was able to comply with all the requirements needed for her while Levi took at least two months. When Hanji was liberated from her requirements and going back and forth to Sina University, she managed to accompany Levi and stay with him despite pushing her away. She waited patiently for him, prepared him food and water and even cheered for him when asked to have sparring with the other athletes yearning for scholarship. She holds his things, wipes him clean and kisses him for good luck.

And Levi more than appreciated Hanji doing that for him. He never had anyone assist him before this much and to think that she would be wasting time for him, which he greatly worried but Hanji did not mind. He knows she brings a book to keep herself busy while waiting for him but he still find it unfair for her because he never got to help her at all.

When the final results came, Levi is accepted for all three universities although the other one prefers to give him only free tuition fee and the rest is to be paid, while the other two were both willing to give him full scholarship and is alright with the courses he wanted to take.

"So which one are you going to choose?" Hanji asked after Levi had received all of his approval letters from the universities he tried. He held then all into his hand while Hanji stared as they sat on a bench in a nearby park.

"This one is removed, so we have only two to choose."

"And which one do you think is better?" Hanji asked again. Levi could only look at her then brought the piece of paper right into her face.

"This."

"International School of Rose? But Levi, aren't the other things to be paid there are expensive? Uniform, books and all?" she asked worriedly but Levi could only smirk at her.

"Stop doing that." She playfully hits him.

"Well I still have a few money left on my account and I will still get a part time job." Levi defended. He knows that the other school is more practical since it is a State university but it is too far away.

Hanji stared at him and he knows that she is studying him, still not yet convinced of his decision he just made. Slowly, a playful smile crept into her face.

"I know why" she pronounced and Levi's brow lifted a bit. "You only wanted to be near me." She teased and she is about to lounge into him but blocked her. There is no other reason why he would choose that, knowing within that school still requires a few more payments compared to the other one.

"Why would I even do that?"

"Because you love me and can't bear to be away from me" she laughed and gave his lips a peck. He then cradle her into his arms, embracing her. There is no point of denying and he chose not to say another word since silence means yes anyway. Even if he would prefer that school, he won't mind taking a part time job just to be with her more often. He is not sure with college and the busy and pressure it might bring that might not let them see each other again.

But that word bugged him again, love.

He never tells her that he does love her but makes sure that at least he could show it thru actions. And this decision is one of them, and she knows it.

At least, Hanji Zoe knows it.

"Let's tell my parents" Hanji tells him and he couldn't agree more.

-x-

"Is that far away from Sina University?"

"Not really dad, just a thirty minute bus drive and I could already go to his school." Hanji recalled the geography of the city and yes, it is near her university at least.

"That's good then" both Levi and Hanji went to look at her father quizzically.

"I am planning to rent a bungalow house for you two" he proclaimed and Hanji's eyes grew. "That's what you wanted right?" Her father is not stupid and knows that the two is already having some real different relationship aside from friendship. He may not entirely approve of Levi yet but seeing and learning of his true attitude and behavior, he knows that the young man only needs more people of trust and care.

"You two are close to your schools and would be together. Now I know Levi can handle you more than those you are not familiar with if ever you'd be in a dormitory with some stranger right?"

Hanji embraced her father, happy with his decision and support while Levi could only smile at the old man and nod his head in acceptance. He knows that the old man is already having some clue about his relationship with his daughter and seeing him still supportive despite the tragic past he caused them, was something he would be forever grateful for.

"I promise to take care of Zoe" he said instead of his 'daughter'. He meant two things though, as a boyfriend and as the person her father entrusted to his daughter like a friend and guardian. He couldn't asked for more.

"May I ask how much should I pay for my part?" Hanji removed her arms around her father and stared from Levi to her father.

"No need for payment, son. You're still a student-"

"But-" this is not right. It is alright for him to pay and to live freely having Hanji's father to pay the place where is living does not seemed to be fitting at all.

"Zoe would live there too if you're not around, same payment and price. Having you there would make the payment even more worth it because at least, two students in need of a place would be able to be housed." He explains. He may have the logic but Levi still feels embarrassed for living there for free but at the same time, he does not want to argue with the man anymore and lead into nothing good.

"Alright then, but please do tell me if I needed to pay because I really insist that I should." Hanji's father could only smile at Levi and rub his head.

"Alright, if that is you want. I hope it is okay to you to pay for the electric and water bill?" Levi slightly smile at the older man.

"I couldn't agree more sir. That would be fine." He said, vowing that he will look for a part time job as soon as they get on the place. He needed to prove that he is a responsible man.

"Then I suggest for you two to be prepared tomorrow as we head towards the house you are to stay at." Hanji's father declared and Hanji squalled while Levi felt excitement for the first time.

Author's Notes:

Gotta be honest, I find it hard to think of the rightful course for Levi. But thinking that he is a victim of a harsh environment as he grow up, I thought maybe he might want to be someone who can do something to help bring change to the society so there won't be someone who would suffer the same thing as he is. Just like in the manga, how he supported Historia's decision and firmly fought for the orphanages of the children from the underground. This course of his would also have an effect for his future decisions as well ;) But I might still change it anytime soon but not sure yet still.

Dee: haha! After you posted your comment came my graduation day for my Master's. haha. Di ako umattend. Feel ko hndi ko deserve, I think I deserve better kc after years of pursuing it tapos virtual? -_-

Scrum: Oh hi! Nice to meet you! Gusto ko makabalik dyan sa Baguio D:

Guest: Thanks for your support :D
Maisis11: Thank you for your endless support, here's another update for you :D

rocheru: We're almost in the college arc! :D

Thanks to you all! I was quite really, really busy so D:

Hope everyone had an amazing valentine's day :D

Xoxox

ladyinblack