"Alright, so we first met when I joined the Scout Regiment a few years ago— Which is true, actually. And then a year or so later we started talking, hit it off really well and now here we are." Rosa repeated the story they had come up with as she and Levi made their way towards the barracks. They had spent a long moment outside at the porch, under the starlit sky, pondering the details of their fake engagement, and now it was time to call it a night.

"That sounds believable." Levi nodded. "Except… What about your engagement with that jackass?"

"Oh. Right." Rosa sighed. She had almost already forgotten all about the very first reason why they had gotten into this mess to begin with..! "Hmm… What if we just…"

"To stick with the story we have come up with so far, how about if I proposed after your wedding was called off?" Levi suggested.

"Yes, that's so good..!" Rosa almost gasped in excitement. "Aah~! Forbidden love kept secret for years, the two of us pining after each other from afar, only to have our chance when I was finally freed from the claws of my dreary arranged marriage..! So romantic..! That would totally sell it. Good thinking, Captain..!"

Levi had to stop his eyes from rolling back— He would have never guessed that Rosa was so interested in the romance genre..! "Not exactly what I had in mind, but whatever works..." Levi muttered. "And I already told you to stop calling me Captain, remember?"

"I'm not quite used to it yet." Rosa chuckled awkwardly, scratching her cheek. "Anyway, we need to work on the whole 'being touchy-feely' thing, you know. Because right now it's a bit... well, awkward."

"Yeah." Levi agreed.

"I'm just not sure how to approach this, you know. It's a bit strange, acting like a couple. We're barely acquaintances, but now we have to act like we've been secretly dating for years..!" Rosa sighed. "Of course, it's not like we need to be over-the-top with unnecessary affectionate gestures, but there might be some moments when we need to… step up our game in front of others, so to speak. To keep it believable."

"We could just kiss, if you think that would be helpful." Levi suggested nonchalantly, his expression serious.

"K-kiss?" Rosa spluttered, her face flushing.

"That's what couples do, isn't it?"

Rosa stopped her steps and turned to face Levi, her mouth agape in surprise.

"I was just joking." Levi assured her, trying to suppress the smile that was tugging his lips. "It was a joke."

"O-oh... Yes, of course. I knew that." Rosa laughed awkwardly, her eye darting elsewhere.

As they arrived at the barracks, Levi was about to bid her a good night, but halted when he remembered something.

"If we're gonna keep up the act, I think we'll need these." He said as he reached into his pocket and took out a pair of silver rings.

"W-what?" Rosa's eye widened in surprise. This was certainly something she didn't expect!

"If we're trying to make everyone believe that we're engaged, we must look the part, don't you think?"

Rosa had to admit that he had a point— People could already be suspecting their motives, so a simple word wasn't enough. They had to prove their status. When she didn't object, Levi took Rosa's hand and carefully slipped the ring onto her finger. The touch of his fingers against her skin sent shivers down her spine, so gentle he was.

"It's beautiful..." Rosa couldn't help but marvel at the jewelry— It was simple and elegant, and it fit her perfectly. "When did you prepare these? How did you even know my size..? Nevermind, stupid question. You're Captain Levi, after all. You probably just guessed and got it right on the first try-"

"The shopkeeper knew your size."

"How- Wait." Rosa's jaw dropped. "No you didn't..! You got these from THEIR shop?!" Indeed— Levi had bought the rings when he visited Gehring's shop in Stohess district. "You went and bought the engagement rings from my ex-fiancé's shop? That is so evil— I love it..!" She gasped, still almost unable to believe what she was hearing.

"I figured he'd be pissed, and the thought made me happy." Levi smirked. When buying the rings, he had no idea they'd actually end up using them; At the time, all he had needed was Rosa's ex-fiancé to believe that would be the case. He had planned on pawning them off later on, but seeing the ring on her finger did make him feel a little… giddy. But, in a good way.

"That thought makes me happy, too." Rosa giggled, before her expression turned a bit more somber. "But, you didn't need to do that." The ring was absolutely stunning... and expensive. She was sure that he had paid a fortune for it.

"It's not such a big deal." Levi assured her, casually slipping the other ring into his finger.

"Why are you doing this for me, anyway?" Rosa had to ask— There were no benefits for him. He had nothing to gain, and everything to lose, by helping her out. "You barely know me, and it's not like you owe me anything. Why would you go through all that trouble just to help me?"

"Do I need a reason?"

"I mean, yes? There are so many other things you could do with your time and money."

Levi paused for a moment, taking in Rosa's words. "To be honest, I'm not sure." He admitted, his gaze wandering elsewhere. "I suppose it was mostly because I couldn't stand the thought of that guy getting away with what he did to you. And, besides… you're interesting." Levi shrugged. The stoic look on his face softened when his eyes met hers once more, and a small, barely noticeable smile formed onto his lips. "And… I think I've grown a little fond of your company, too."

The faint blush on Rosa's cheeks darkened, and the warmth of her heart grew into a blazing inferno. How come one look could have such an effect on her?! Quickly, she turned her gaze away, pretending she was focused on admiring the ring on her finger.

"Well, I- um- Thank you. For doing all this." Rosa muttered sheepishly, her heart still racing in her chest.

"Don't mention it. And I have the funds to spare, so don't worry about such petty things." Levi assured as he prepared to make his leave. "Well… good night, then."

"Yes, good night." Rosa replied, and the two of them went their separate ways— But not without Rosa noticing Levi giving her a mischievous glance before disappearing around the corner.

Rosa felt a shiver run down her spine. "He's so unpredictable. One minute he's all serious and composed, and the next, he's joking around." She thought to herself as she made her way to her room. The situation wasn't ideal, but Rosa couldn't deny that she was enjoying herself: Levi was a pleasant companion, and the two of them got along surprisingly well.

Once she arrived to her room, Rosa jumped straight to bed. She thought she'd fall asleep almost instantly, so tired she was… But the thumping of her heart kept her awake— No matter how much she tried, she couldn't stop thinking about him.

Flopping onto her back, she raised her hand, taking a moment to admire the ring on her finger. The silvery band was carved with the most intricate floral design, embedded with multiple tiny gemstones that almost seemed to glow in the faint moonlight. She had no way of knowing, but Levi had carefully picked this ring for her. At the moment, he was merely playing with the thought, wondering which ring she would like the best… and, expensive or not, this opal ring had been the perfect choice.

"Aah, he really has good taste." Rosa couldn't help but sigh, a dreamy smile spreading onto her lips. She couldn't quite explain it, but the thought of her and Levi being a real couple made her feel so... warm and fuzzy inside. "I'm such an idiot..." She muttered to herself, burying her face into her hands.

This was going to be a sleepless night for her.