Notes:
Hello! I'm back again with a new chapter!
Thank you so much for all of your endless support for this fanfiction! I really appreciate all of you people for reading, for leaving review, and for following this story!
A big thank you for my lovely proofreader LunaAzul788 who transformed my draft into such an amazing chapter!
ANYWAY, ENJOY!
DISCLAIMER:
Shingeki no Kyojin / Attack on Titan belongs to Hajime Isayama
CHAPTER 11: GARDEN PARTY
Mikasa placed her fingers on the white piano keys, stealing a glance at the brunette lady who stood beside the sleek black grand piano. She sent her a smile but the lady remained unfazed, it was as if she was staring at the wall.
"Miss Hange..." Mikasa softly called.
. . .
No response.
. . .
"Miss Hange!" she raised her voice.
The woman jolted as if she was awakened from a dream. She turned her attention to the young girl, eyes wide open. "I'm sorry, what?"
"I'm done."
"Done...?" Hange dragged her words slowly, her eyes narrowing to the side.
"I'm done with the piece," she clarified, pointing at the sheets that were placed on the music rack.
It took a few seconds before Hange could register what Mikasa just said "Ah, yes! Right… right. Uhm, alright. I—" The bespectabled lady fumbled on her words and her hands frantically rubbed against each other.
Mikasa furrowed her thin brows. "Are you alright, Miss Hange? Do you want to talk about it?" she gently pressed on.
Hange stared at Mikasa—as if the girl had grown a second head—before erupting into a laugh. "What? Me? Of cou—of course I'm fine! I'm fine!"
She's definitely not.
In fact, Miss Hange has been acting strange lately— at least, that's what Mikasa caught ever since she came back from Nedlay.
In which, it's been almost a week since then.
Hange quickly took a seat next to Mikasa and said. "How about a duet? Yes, let's do a duet!"
As Mikasa turned to her governess who already began flipping through the music book vigorously, she frowned. "You know, you can always talk to me, Miss Hange. I may not be as wise as you, but I consider myself a very good listeners," she half-whispered.
Mikasa's concern made Hange pause in the middle of her frenzy, and she glanced at the little girl's dark gray eyes. She placed the music book down and lightly patted Mikasa on the head. "I know. Thank you for your concern, Mikasa. But believe me, I'm okay."
Mikasa raised her eyebrows. "Really?" she asked.
"Really!" Hange nodded. "It's probably because I don't get enough sleep these past few days. I mean, you know how poorly I manage my time when I get engrossed with my work, right?"
""Yes, I know." Mikasa gave Hange an understanding smile. "But still, you should find more time for sleep, Miss."
"You're not the first person to tell me that, but I will try. Thank you, Mika." Hange said blissfully
"You have to, Miss Hange. Trust me, you don't want to have a pair of dead, black, and baggy eyes like Levi."
"Noted!" Hange laughed a few before pausing. "Ah, that made me wonder: he never does sleep in his room, does he?"
"No, he simply uses his bedroom for baths and change of clothes. He sleeps in his office—that is, if you count napping on a chair with your day clothes on as sleep."
"Why?"
Mikasa shrugged. "I don't know. I never asked."
Hange could only nod at the remark as she returned her attention to the music book. Amidst the silence, Mikasa threw her a quick glance before speaking again.
"Miss Hange, did you go to school?"
"School?" She replied. "But of course! If I didn't go to school, then how would I be qualified to be your governess?"
"Yeah, that's true," Mikasa giggled. "How was it?"
"Hmm… well, back in my time, school was not mandatory. A privilege—if I may say so. The only people who could attend are those from the upper to middle class households, so it was quite a small classroom. Not to mention that the girls and the boys were separated because we were taught very different things."
"Different things?"
Hange nodded. "Yes. Girls were not allowed to learn much—other than sewing, embroidery, French, and three R's." She paused, letting out a chuckle. "When I found out about that, I was angry. I mean, I had already learned all of that from my governesses and my mom. So, I told my dad that I wanted to move to the boys' classroom. At first, he thought I was jesting but when he knew that I was serious, he took me to meet the principal."
"That's sounds very much like you, Miss Hange."
"I know. Then it turns out that I wasn't the only one who had complained. There was this girl from my class who had asked the same thing. In the end, both of our parents were able to persuade the principal to make a special adjustment for us. Therefore, in the next five years, we'd attended both the girls' and the boys' classes. We didn't really mind, I remembered that we really like to do some embroidery while learning Latin and Greek."
"Latin and Greek?"
"Ah! You might've not known about this, but fluency in Latin, and sometimes Greek, are requirements for applying in universities and, because of that, only boys are accommodated to learn those languages."
"Oh!" Mikasa exclaimed. "So that's why Levi was so impressed when I told him that you taught me Latin and Greek."
"Yes, although some universities allow women to earn a degree, you'd rarely come across a woman with a university degree. But luckily, the girl who had taken the classes with me was accepted into medicine. I bet she's a doctor in training right now."
Just then, the brief yet heavy silence permeated the space between them, and Mikasa felt an abrupt sense of despondency coming from her governess.
"Why do you ask, Mikasa?" Hange asked. Almost instantly, she was back to her usual wide and bright demeanor.
"Nothing, it's just… I will be twelve next year, and I just thought that maybe I should go to school." She tilted her head to look at Hange, finding a slight of comfort in the subtle shift of emotion on her countenance.
"Really? Have you thought about where to?"
"Armin told me that there's a good female-only boarding school near the national border of Shiganshina and Marley..."
"...but?" Hange interjected.
"I don't know, maybe I'm scared. I keep asking myself, can I do it on my own? Will I be alright without you, without Nifa, without Mr. Moblit, or even without Levi?" She took a moment to release a heavy sigh. "I'm not certain if there's anything that I want to particularly achieve… yet, but I do want to finally do something on my own."
"Mikasa," Hange began, her voice as soft as her eyes when she gently squeezed her hands. "I believe that you can do it."
"Thank you, Miss Hange." Mikasa smiled but it quickly went away as she returned the comforting gesture. "I just wish we didn't have to part."
"Me too! But, that's just part of growing up. People come into and out of your life. They may stay very long and some very short, they may leave without saying goodbye or they may leave with a gift." She gave Mikasa a tender smile. "Either way, just be grateful for what happens and move forward."
Mikasa pulled Hange closer and enveloped her into a tight, affectionate hug.
"Just wish my next pupil will be as lovely as you." Hange slowly let go and pinched Mikasa's nose, earning a grunt from her young friend. She chortled before continuing. "Or maybe I should just look around for a rich man at tomorrow's party."
"You will be disappointed, Miss Hange," Mikasa said, rubbing her nose. "Levi's acquaintances mostly comprise of boring old men, and I don't think he invited many bachelors to his party."
"Okay, well, at least it's still a party."
'Twas a party indeed.
Every first Saturday of August, the Ackerman family would host their annual garden party that has been a practiced tradition since the current head of the household had risen into the position.
Although the Ackerman were known for many a pleasantry, hosting a lavish party was not one of them. It wasn't that they were incompetent at hosting, rather it was a mere preference that they don't hold social gatherings as often as the quintessential socialite of the 19th century. In fact, they only host one party every year and one wouldn't expect a grandiose ball or dinner. Instead, it was an intimate garden party.
At least that's what Moblit told Hange.
"There you go, Miss Hange!"
Hange brushed her fingers against her hair as she turned about to look at the petite young woman standing behind her. "Wow this feels really intricate, you are amazing, Nifa."
"You should save the compliments until you've seen it for yourself, Miss," Nifa replied with a chuckle.
"What do you think, Mikasa?" Hange asked, turning in the direction of the girl who was seated on her bed, donning a light blue dress and a wide brim straw hat.
"I think you look wonderful," she praised with a big smile. "You should see it for yourself."
"Yeah, I guess so." She stood from the chair and walked toward a standing mirror. As soon as she caught her reflection, Hange couldn't stop herself from smiling and laughing. "Oh my God! Is that me?!" She hardly recognized the woman in her reflection. In place of the plain governess in the mauve dress was a lady in a gold and light purple dress, her brunette locks piled into a half updo while the rest were let loose in ringlets curls. Complementing her coiffure was a matching hat that was adorned with flowers, ribbons, and a white tulle that hung on the back of the hat that almost touched her nape. As she stood there studying herself, she was astonished by how Nifa could magically transform her into a radiant and stunning lady.
"Nifa! You are an absolute God's gift!" She glanced at Nifa with joy. "Thank you! It's been so long since I did something to my hair. I don't think I'd ever look this presentable without your help."
Nifa nodded. "You're welcome, Miss Hange. But that's not true, you've looked amazing with your hair as is. This time, you just needed… a little bit of extra love."
"It's not your fault, Miss Hange," Mikasa interrupted, walking towards her. "It's Levi for not giving you a dressing table."
Hange snickered at this. "Or maybe I'm just that bad with keeping my appearance intact— anyway, enough about all of that, we should go, Mikasa." Hange turned to Nifa. "How about you, Nifa?"
"I need to help around the kitchen—I mean, with a party this big, the kitchen staff would need a lot more hands than usual."
"But you should join us when you're done, Nifa," Mikasa said.
"Of course, Miss."
After some final touches and adjustments with the outfits, the three girls left Hange's room and descended the stairs. Nifa excused herself before heading in the direction of the kitchen as Hange and Mikasa walked toward the back garden.
Just then, before they could take another step, a chorus of cheerful voices was heard.
"MIKASA!"
Hange and Mikasa halted in their steps and turned around. From the direction of the foyer, they saw two children running toward them. Hange tilted her head and parted her lips to say something until she heard Mikasa yell.
"Eren?! Armin?!"
Hange peeked at the mention of the names and she could only smile as the two boys lunge themselves at Mikasa, enveloping her into a huge hug. Amazingly, Mikasa was able to catch them without falling to the back.
"How—?"
"Apparently, your cousin invited us through Zeke! We didn't even know about this party until a few days after you left Shiganshina, Mikasa!" The brown-haired boy explained, saving Mikasa her question.
Hange caught a small smile on Mikasa's face before she returned to her usual expression, "I see! I'm glad you two are here. Oh! Please, you have to meet Miss Hange."
Hange didn't have to wait for Mikasa to initiate the introductions, looking at the two young boys. She knew Eren was the feisty one with short and unkempt brown hair with piercing jade eyes, and Armin was the timid one with the bowl-cut blonde hair whom she thought had the biggest pair of blue eyes she had ever seen.
Eren, who seemed like the more energetic one, was actually smiling sheepishly at her and instead, it was Armin who greeted first. "We are so happy to finally be able to meet you, Miss Hange!" he beamed.
"Likewise!" Hange looked around the room, "Are you two alo—?"
"EREN! ARMIN!" Another voice was heard from inside the great hall, although this time, the voice seemed deeper, belonging to someone much more grown-up. Everyone craned their necks to the foyer and saw a tall young man in a beige suit, blue tie, boat hat, and a pair of silver-rimmed spectacles approaching them. His wavy, platinum blond hair was parted slightly in the middle.
"Don't start running around, Eren! Mom would kill me if something happens to you," he scolded as he approached Eren and Armin. "You too, Armin! Your mom would've hit me with her rolling pin if I don't bring you back in one piece."
Eren pouted and hung his head while Armin muttered an apology. Mikasa and Hange could only attempt to stifle their laughter at their antics. As the figure joined their little circle, he instantly noticed the two women.
"Mikasa! Nice to see you again," he greeted with a bright smile before glancing at Hange with a tilted head, "—and it's nice to meet you too, Miss…?"
"Zoë…" Hange answered as she offered her hand to him, which Zeke graciously took with a bow. She silently noticed the blond stubble that he has.
"Ah! My name is Zeke Jaeger, lovely to meet you Miss Zoë." He honoured the introduction with a light kiss on the back of her hand. "You must be the governess that Mikasa has been talking about."
"Wow Mikasa, that's embarrassing," Hange jokingly complained to Mikasa before returning her gaze to the blond man. "I do hope you are hearing good things about me."
"Oh, but I do! She often tells me of your intellectual interests, though It seems she must have missed to divulge how gorgeous you are."
Eren groaned while Hange snorted at his remark.
"You're boring Zeke," Eren scoffed before dragging his two friends away from them. "Come on, Mikasa, Armin! I wanna see the fishes in the lake. Later, Miss Hange!"
In a blink of an eye, the three little kids were gone. Zeke and Hange exchanged glances before letting out sighs.
"Well, I guess we're alone," Zeke remarked as he offered his elbow to her. "Would you mind showing me the way?"
Hange smiled. "Not at all!" she said, linking her arm to his his elbow as they began to pace in the direction of the garden together.
Hange had to muster every fibre of self-restraint she had to contain the shriek of excitement that threatened to detonate when she arrived at the garden.
Hange found herself surrounded by the lush open fields of bluegrass where several round dining tables were strategically and yet artistically placed. Colourful triangular flags adorned the trees like Christmas banners, and tall tents sheltered the long tables where an abundancy of delectable cuisine could be selected.
As she and Zeke walked along the pavement, she could see more unfamiliar guests standing by the massive fresh water pond was an almost blinding shade of cerulean under the late afternoon sun, interrupted by smooth stone pebbles and colorful fishes that the children adored so much. Others preferred to position their conversations next to the thousands of blooming tulips, cosmos, and roses. In the background, a live quartet comprising of a flutist, violinist, cellist, and pianist serenaded the guests with a lively number.
This was the celebration dreamed up by their party planner, Moblit Berner, who spared no expense nor time in creating the ultimate garden party according to Levi's exacting unique vision of sophistication and simplicity.
Hange made a mental note to appreciate Moblit. He's really good at organizing things.
Zeke lead Hange to a round table that faced the lake, going through the effort of moving the chair that Hange will be sitting on. He briefly excused himself to get two glasses of cocktail for them. In the minutes of their little exchange, Hange learned that Zeke Jaeger was two years younger than her and was currently studying civil engineering in Liberio.
"Speaking of university," he began, sipping lightly on his dry martini."Are you interested?"
Hange stared at Zeke with crooked eyebrows. "Huh?"
"From the way Mikasa spoke about you and from this conversation thus far, you strike me as someone who's born with a brilliant mind," he declared as he put the glass away and hunched over the table, closing the gap between them. "So tell me, Miss Zoë: how did someone as intellectually gifted as you end up here as a lowly governess?"
The moment those words left Zeke's mouth, Hange felt her temples begin to heat up. She clenched her jaw and narrowed her eyes at him. "Alright, Mr. Jaeger. First of all, how are you so sure about the level of my intelligence just based on our five minutes conversation? Second, there's nothing wrong or lowly about being a governess. Third, if you expect a woe story from me, you aren't getting any."
Truthfully, she was just starting to enjoy his company. He seemed like a nice and fun person to be around with, but he just had to ruin it with such comments.
That's too bad.
Immediately, Zeke leaned back and widened his eyes. He opened his mouth in a hurry, hoping to save the conversation. "Ah! That's not what I meant, Miss Zoë! Forgive me for offending you, Miss!"
Hange didn't reply, staring the man down with a grimace.
"Uhm, this is awkward…" He scratched his chin and hair before grabbing something from his pocket and placing it on top of their table. "Here!"
It was a business card.
"Listen, Miss Zoe. I don't have any intention to insult you. It's just, from the moment I heard about you from Mikasa, you sounded so brilliant. Then, as I've finally been given the opportunity to meet you here, my gut tells me that you are indeed extraordinary." He paused to fix his glasses before clearing his throat. "Long story short, I think you have potential for something grand."
Hange felt her shoulders relax, relieved of the tension, as she waited for Zeke to finish.
"I know very well that this island, despite its majestic nature, is not yet quite amicable for women such as yourself. It's nothing like that in the progressive continent of Marley, especially in Liberio." He slid the card to her. "You might be interested in this."
She looked at the card for a minute before taking it and giving it a closer look.
University of Marley
Theo Magath
Chancellor
91st King's Road, Liberio
Great Marley Continent
Hange raised her eyebrows and returned her gaze at the man in front of her. "What is this?"
"An opportunity. The individual on the card is my university chancellor, and I know him personally," he disclosed, emboldened enough to crack a smile. "Here's the thing: my university often offers full scholarships to potential students and I think you are most suited for it! I'd like to encourage you to try. If you are interested, all you have to do is send Professor Magath a telegram."
Hange scrunched her nose as she gazed at him in her disbelief. She glimpsed at the card, then back at his face that sported a huge grin. She couldn't even move her mouth.
"Doesn't hurt to try, does it?" Zeke remarked as he munched on a madeleine that he got from a passing server.
"Why are you telling me this?" Hange asked.
"I want nothing from you in particular. I just so happened to hear about you and we just so happened to meet here. Frankly, I would declare, fate is on your favour, Miss Zoë."
"I… I suppose so…" Hange stuttered before a small smile finally appeared on her face. "Wow, I just—I can't believe this."
"Well, you better believe it," Zeke chortled. "So, are you in?"
Suddenly, her jovial expression somehow changed into a solemn one. "This is very promising. Thank you, Mr. Jaeger—but, I'm not sure I can…"
"Huh, why not?"
Hange sighed. "There are… circumstances."
"I see." Zeke smiled in his understanding. "Just know that you don't have to rush it. Give yourself time to think about this. I believe you still have until the spring of next year, Miss Zoë."
She beamed at him and nodded. "Yeah, thank you."
"So, does this mean I'm forgiven now?"
Hange giggled. "It depends."
Zeke was about to reply when a deep voice intervened.
"Miss Zoë, here you are."
They glanced to where they heard the voice and saw a tall man with slicked blond hair garbed in a light brown suit approach them.
"Erw—Mr. Smith!" Immediately, Hange's face brightened up. "How are you? Did you just arrive?"
"I'm fine, thank you. I just arrived a while ago, actually." He took her hand and gently kissed it before looking at the other man. "Mr. Jaeger," he acknowledged.
The younger man nodded, standing to offer a handshake. "Mr. Smith, it's been so long."
Erwin returned the gesture. "Yes, it's been quite a while. I hope your parents are in good health."
"They are. Thank you for asking."
"I'm glad," Erwin replied before averting his courtesy to Hange "Well, Miss Zoë, are you free? There are people I want you to meet—of course, you too are invited to join us, Mr. Jaeger."
"Ah, no thank you, Mr. Smith. I need to check on my brother. You know him, I have to make sure that he doesn't do anything reckless."
"Alright, send my regards to him."
"Will do."
"See you later, Mr. Jaeger. Thank you!" Hange said, waving her hand.
Zeke bid his goodbye to them before disappearing into the crowd. Meanwhile, Erwin led Hange to a small group assembled not far from their pevious table. Hange noticed three people in the circle: a giant man with a moustache in a pale-yellow suit, a lady wearing a tan dress and tilted hat, and the familiar Mr. Ackerman who had chosen to don his grey suit.
"Mike, Nanaba, let me introduce you to Miss Hange Zoë," Erwin introduced her to the pair. The man sniffed in air before smirking. "Oh, it's the famous governess who makes Levi's life miserable," he proclaimed, earning him a grunt from the mentioned man.
Hange let out a delighted cackle. "I see that my popularity precedes me."
The man's smirk grew. "Pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Mike Zacharias."
There was something familiar about his name, though Hange couldn't quite put a finger on it. Sp, she simply declared what was on her mind. "This might sound weird—but you look like a friendly polar bear!"
Before anyone could process what Hange said, Mike's eyes widened before erupting into a fit of laughter. Even Erwin and the lady in the tan dress joined in the merriment.
Finally, the lady next to Mike greeted Hange. "Hi, and my name is Nanaba Linton. And this giant bear right here is my fiancé."
Hange smiled warmly at her. "Nice to meet you, Miss Linton."
"Nanaba is fine. Hey, are you hungry, Miss Hange? Would you care to join me on a hunt for some sweets?"
"Oh, sure!"
"Hold on, Nanaba. We—!" Before Mike could finish, Hange was already dragged away by Nanaba.
. . .
"And off they go," Erwin remarked. "I shouldn't be surprise. They seem to make a good team."
"I can see that," Mike replied with a grin. He then glanced at the man half his size standing next to him. "And you've been awfully quiet since she came."
Levi rolled his eyes and opted to drink his tea rather than give him an answer.
"What do you think about her, Mike?" Erwin asked.
"She called me a friendly polar bear. What's more to say Erwin?"
Erwin nodded. "Yeah. She's fun and kind—as long as you stay on her good side."
Levi glanced at Erwin. "What does that supposed to mean?"
"Though I've known her for quite some time, I still find her unpredictable. She's more than what she presents herself to be. My only advice around Hange: don't ever make her angry."
"Well, I like her already," Mike commented. "Besides, anyone who's able to annoy Levi is okay in my book."
"Don't test me, Mike," Levi muttered dangerously, throwing a piercing glare at Mike.
"So, when will you do it?"
Levi raised one of his eyebrows. "What the fuck do you mean?"
"When'll you propose to her?"
Levi almost spat out his tea the moment Mike said those words. He sent the massive man the most intense stare his eyes could muster. "Mike, I swear to God—you listen to me, no one in this house is fucking marrying anybody, and if you don't shut your big ass mouth, you can kiss your fiancée goodbye."
"Huh, that's weird," Mike said mockingly, a devilish grin pronouncing his smug face. "You kept ogling over their table when she was talking with Zeke Jaeger."
"I was not."
"Hey, you do know what you are doing to her, right?"
"Yeah. I'm her employer, paying her to babysit my cousin."
"NOPE!" Mike exclaimed exaggeratedly. "I know you're not that dumb, Levi."
Levi hissed at him as he turned away from them, preparing his exit.
"Levi," Erwin suddenly called him. Levi paused, familiar with his tone. He knew that Erwin wasn't in the teasing mood. "You do understand what you are doing to her, right?"
Levi felt a shiver down his spine but he kept a stern facade. "What if I do?"
"Then we're good. It means that Mike and I don't have to slam your head against the door."
Levi's eyes glanced back and forth between Mike and Erwin, both of whom had already lost their smiles a few moments ago. Erwin's eyebrows were furrowed, and Mike folded his hands. The air between them grew still.
Mike was the first one to break the silence, whispering, "Remember Levi, she's young, unmarried, and comes from a respectable family. So, if something happens between you two relative to an engagement or a wedding, it could mean the end for her. You know what will happen to her, right?"
Levi pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "...I know."
Mike smirked and elbowed him, lightening the mood albeit slightly. "You haven't addressed the elephant in the room."
"Fuck off. What elephant?"
Then, Erwin popped the question that was on everyone's minds. "Well, do you like her?"
Levi sent them a nasty look, averting his gaze. But that could've been a mistake—as his head turned, his eyes caught her. as he glanced away from the two men, and right at that time, he caught her. There she was, sitting on the bluegrass, playing with Nanaba and the children. Under the afternoon haze, Levi thought she had never looked more radiant. Her hair caught fragments of light and cast them off like a halo. He suddenly felt a warmness build inside of him.
"Do I like her?"
Hours passed. It was already four in the afternoon, and the musicians decided to tune things up with some dancing music. The cluster of guests who still got the energy and those who fuelled by the alcohol assembled over to the centre and began waltzing with their selected partners. Even Mike asked Nanaba for a dance.
Levi wasn't too keen on waltzing away and getting his polished leather shoes muddied on the grass, but when he saw them—that blond cheeky Jaeger bastard holding out a suave hand to her and asking for a dance which she had instantly accepted—his hold on the teacup hardened.
There wasn't anything he could do other than torment himself as he watched them twirl around one another with huge smiles on their faces and cheeks rosy under the summer warmth. He merely stood there, under the tent, away from the crowds. He tried to distract himself—talking to his staff about the dirty dishes and the foods—albeit as much as he tried, he could help himself from stealing a few glances.
So, he did what he should've done in the first place.
The moment the music faded, he finally made his move and approached her. Hange still had on that glistening smile she wore when she started dancing.
"Do you dance?"
Hange, taking a few seconds to take in what he just said, looked at him with surprised. Then, a small smile blossomed on her face. "I dance," she answered.
When the musicians began their next enchanting score, he took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
"I'm not a really good dancer," she whispered.
"Too late. We'll just have to deal with it." He placed one hand on her waist as the other enclosed her palm, his touch gentle yet firm.
Hange gasped lightly, putting her free hand on his shoulder. "Don't blame me if I stepped onto your shoes, sir."
He didn't dignify that with an answer. Instead, he started with a step before he swung their bodies around to the rhythm of the music. She gasped, feeling her body leaning closer to his. From his right ear he heard giggles of mirth coming from her. He took it up a notch, taking steady yet upbeat steps as he led her in between other dancers.
Then, he twirled her a few more times before pulling her back into his arms, and they locked eyes. Bright sparkling brown eyes gazed directly into his, and right at that moment, the music started to fade away. This close, he could only focus on her eyes and on the subtle freckles that speckled around her shapely nose. Then, came again the gleaming smile she had on during their dance—that captivating smile that made him almost lose his grip.
Nevertheless, he continued their little dance, although this time, it felt as if they were in perfect sync with one another. The music may have fallen deaf to him, but he had mastered the way she moved with him, as if he had committed it to memory. Whether they were dancing to the music of her laughter or the sound of his beating heart, no one, not even Levi, knew.
But he was certain of one thing. He was certain that every moment he was with her, everything around him becomes brighter, clearer. It felt as if everything was simply where it belonged.
Do I like her?
Do I?
For the first time that day, he smiled.
-Chapter 11 End-
Replies:
Guest (Deadkoala?): Count me in! I'm also a sucker for Victorian Era Romance (or any period)! No worries, I don't think it's weird to like British romance and anime/manga, because I also LOVE those two! Thank you for your lovely comment and thank you for enjoying this story!
LunaAzul788: Thank you for being here since the D-1 and I'm so elated to know that you enjoy this fanfic! NOT TO MENTION, I thank thee for thy help in reading my manuscript!
Notes:
If there's one thing that I learned from watching a bunch of period dramas, it would be about the magical romance of DANCING!
Thank you once again LunaAzul788 for helping me with this chapter!
NGL, this chapter took so long because I struggled to keep a neutral face when I wrote it. LIKE, I had to walk away from my laptop just to scream. The second hand embarrassement that I got from all of the fluff is so strong with this chapter. Unsurprisingly, I ended up liking this chapter so much!
Btw, just like I said on the last chapter, this mark the end of the first act. Buckle up folks, the second act will be. . .
Fun Fact: I wrote cue to Titanic dancing scene in the outline for this chapter because that's the energy I wanted to channel into Levihan's dance HAHA
P.S
This is unimportant, but here's a short list of period drama dancing scene that live rent-free in my heart that you can check out: Emma (2020), PnP (2005), Titanic (1997), Anne with an E (3x05), The Crown (4x06) and maybe some more that I couldn't remember HAHA
psh, I'm open for more period drama recommendation! Share me your favorite!