01 | Fortuitous Encounter

The weight of the sky hung low above Petra Ral as she trudged up the winding mountain trail. The wind howled around her, prompting her to tug at her vest, but it wasn't the wind that made her shiver. It was the emptiness — the hollow ache in her chest that no amount of distraction seemed to fill.

She paused, hands on her knees, her breath ragged and uneven. The mountain wasn't supposed to be this hard. After everything she'd been through, everything that had broken her and left her feeling lost, she had thought pushing her body to its limits would help clear the fog in her mind. But here she was, surrounded by towering trees and the relentless thrum of her heartbeat, still feeling as trapped as she had in her own thoughts.

For the longest time, she had buried everything that weighed on her, believing she had to carry it alone. But that didn't work anymore. After a series of unfortunate events — the loss of loved ones, a career slipping through her fingers, a never-ending spiral of loss and regret — she had finally reached out to a therapist. Her guidance had led her to explore new experiences she had never considered before. And now, here she was, miles from the city, miles from everything familiar, determined to break free from herself.

"Hey, you good?"

The voice startled her. She looked up, surprised to see a man standing a few feet away. He was about her height, well-built, with an undercut hairstyle. His expression was stern, but there was a soft edge to it—as if he understood the depths of exhaustion she had been carrying and wasn't about to let it slide.

"Yeah, just... a little winded," Petra muttered, straightening herself.

He nodded slightly, his gaze steady and without mockery. "You're still a long way from the summit," he said matter-of-factly, his tone warm yet cautionary. "You don't want to push yourself too hard this early."

Petra chuckled dryly, shaking her head. "I'm fine. I've been through worse."

The man raised an eyebrow, intrigue glinting in his eyes, but he said nothing. Instead, he extended his hand, noticing the steepness of the trail and the discomfort flickering across her face.

"You're with the group, right?" she asked, grasping his hand, her grateful gaze conveying a silent thank you.

"Yeah. You'll find them at the camp. We're not too far off, but it's a steep climb from here. Just take care of yourself."

She met his gaze, really looked at him, and felt an unspoken understanding lingering in the air between them. For some reason, she trusted him. Perhaps it was the tenderness in his voice, or the way he had reached out without judgment. Maybe it was that raw honesty that came from someone who had already faced the depths of struggle.

"Yeah, I'll be careful," she assured him. "And I'll try my best to keep up."

"You have to," he said with a confident nod, before turning to the path ahead.

By the time they reached the camp, the sun was dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows over the surrounding peaks. The hike had been tougher than she had expected, her legs aching with every step. As she approached the campsite, she was greeted by the group — a diverse bunch of hikers, all laughing and chatting around the fire.

At first glance, they seemed like a typical group of mountaineers: rugged, tough, and carefree. But there was something else, something different about them. They didn't just survive the climb; they lived it.

Petra observed quietly, feeling like an outsider among them. She felt her shoulders tense, suddenly acutely aware of how out of place she seemed.

"Ah, you must be the new recruit!" A woman with black-framed glasses and brown hair tied up in a ponytail approached her, flashing a wide grin. "I'm Hanji. Welcome to the group! We've been waiting for you!"

Petra blinked, taken aback by Hanji's exuberance. "Waiting for me?"

"Of course!" Hanji chuckled, pulling Petra into an almost too enthusiastic hug. "Every hike's different. And this one's going to be special; I can feel it. You'll see."

Petra hesitated, then smiled awkwardly, her unease slowly fading under Hanji's infectious energy.

"We'll take good care of you here," Hanji promised, pulling back and placing a hand on Petra's shoulder. "You're in good company."

As Hanji spoke, the man from earlier emerged from the shadows, his sharp eyes scanning Petra with a cool, analytical gaze.

"We'll start prepping dinner soon," he informed. "If you're hungry, grab a seat. You'll need your energy for tomorrow's climb."

Petra nodded, thankful for the lack of pressure. She sat down near the fire, quietly observing the group as they moved about, setting up their gear and preparing food. At first, she felt unsure of how to fit into this dynamic of strangers.

But as the evening wore on, something shifted. It wasn't magic or an instant transformation — it was the small moments. Shared smiles, simple conversations, the way the group moved in sync, like a team that had known each other for years. Petra found herself slowly drawn into their warmth, like the first stirrings of something that could be new if she let it.

She learned that Hanji was a researcher who loved adventure, while the man she had met earlier, who had helped her up the mountain, was a doctor taking some leisure time to hike. Hanji mentioned that his name was Levi and that he specialized in pediatrics, which seemed at odds with his stoic demeanor. The group was further enlivened by a bunch of college students—four boys and two girls. Their names were Eren, Jean, Armin, and Connie, with the girls being Mikasa and Sasha. The young people were lively, filled with chatter, and often engaged in playful squabbles that amused the older adults. Despite their diverse personalities and backgrounds, everyone in the group shared a common bond: a profound love for the mountains and the tranquility they offered.

Later that evening, as they sat around the fire, Petra found her voice rising above the quiet. "I never thought I'd be here," she admitted, staring into the flames. "I thought... maybe hiking would help clear my head. But honestly, I didn't think I was capable of doing something like this. Of being around so many people."

Levi, who had been silent for most of the night, glanced at her. "It's not about clearing your head. It's about taking the time to feel every step, even the painful ones. And if you can do that, then you've already won."

Petra looked up, surprised by the quiet wisdom in his words. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she might have a chance at feeling something again.

"I think I understand," she said softly, a spark of hope kindling inside her.

Levi nodded. "Tomorrow's going to be tougher, so you'd better be ready."

As the fire danced at the center of the circle, its warm glow flickering against the night, Eld began to play the guitar. The gentle strumming of his strings wove a melody that hung in the air—a tender love song that wrapped around them like a soft blanket. The group fell silent, captivated by the enchanting tune, their eyes fixated on the flames that flickered and swayed, casting playful shadows on their faces.

Petra smiled to herself, the music resonating deep within her. She couldn't help but glance across the fire at Levi, who sat there with a cup of coffee cradled in his hands, his expression thoughtful. Unbeknownst to her, he was already watching her, his gaze steady and warm, causing her heart to flutter. When she caught his eye, surprise washed over her, and she quickly averted her gaze back to the fire, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

In that moment, she was struck by how undeniably cute he looked, especially with that earnest expression he wore while sipping his coffee. A light laugh bubbled up inside her as she remembered how he had helped her earlier, his gentle insistence making her feel secure as he guided her up the steep path. The memory filled her with warmth, and for the first time, she began to wonder if she had a crush on him. Nevertheless, she felt the weight on her shoulders lighten just a bit. For once, she didn't feel so alone.

The mountain had become more than just a challenge — it was a doorway. And she wasn't going to let this chance slip away.

On the second day of their hike, the mountain loomed larger, its peaks shrouded in delicate mist. Petra felt a sense of anticipation building in her chest as she laced her boots, the climb ahead both daunting and exhilarating. The group was ready, their energy palpable.

As they set off together, she found herself not at the back of the pack but beside the others — no longer trying to outrun her past but moving forward with them, one step at a time. With every step, she felt a little more alive.

But when she stared at the mountaintop ahead, the gray sky reminded her of sadness, and her boots suddenly felt heavy on the uneven terrain which slowed her down. Her breathing came in short bursts, sharp against the thin mountain air.

"Hey, Petra, you still okay?"

It was Hanji's voice, cutting through the quiet of the towering trees. Petra turned to see Hanji jogging toward her, her pack bouncing with each step. Despite the exertion, her hair was messy and a grin was plastered across her face, her energy jarring yet somehow welcome.

"I'm fine," Petra replied, forcing a determined smile.

Hanji nodded, satisfied, but before she could comment, a raindrop landed on her cheek. "Oh, looks like the weather's not on our side today."

As Hanji and Petra headed where most of the group had settled to shelter themselves for the incoming rain, an accident struck in a blur. One second, Petra's foot stepped on an awkward angle on the slippery terrain; the next, she was sprawling on the dirt, her leg screaming in pain. She gasped, instinctively clutching her leg and feeling the sharp sting of a cut from a rock. Her leggings ripped, exposing her skin.

"Petra!" Hanji quickly went to check in on her, kneeling beside her. "Are you okay?"

Before Petra could answer, a quiet voice interrupted.

"Is she hurt?"

Petra didn't even have to look to know it was Levi. His voice was low and calm, and his presence was quietly overwhelming. Even now, as he approached without any fanfare, his eyes narrowed in assessment as he crouched next to her.

"You're bleeding," concern creeping into his tone as his gaze flicked to the cut on her leg. "Let me see."

Petra swallowed hard, resisting the instinct to pull away from his touch.

"I'm fine," she replied, though her voice trembled slightly. "It's just a scratch."

She attempted to stand, but her injured leg betrayed her, causing her to lose her balance and tumble toward the ground. Fortunately, Levi was quick to catch her before her head could collide with a nearby rock. Hanji's hand steadily clutching her backpack, providing extra support.

Levi sighed in resignation, his hands steadying her shoulders. "Don't move hastily. This isn't just a scratch." His voice, though low, pierced through the chaos of the impending heavy rain.

Their faces were inches away from each other. She quickly averted her gaze from his, trying to hide the blush that crept onto her cheeks.

"Sorry," she said sheepishly and crouched down slowly.

Hanji chuckled behind her, still gripping her pack. "Looks like I'm going to have to carry your pack. Hand it over."

"No, I can manage—"

But Petra was cut off when Levi's tone turned curt. "Just hand it to her. We should move before the forest leeches decide to feed on us. It's going to rain."

"Come on, Petra. We'll get you through this," Hanji encouraged.

The rain started to pour, and they all started to get soaked to the skin as it deluged the mountains.

Petra managed a faint smile, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Hanji, Levi."

Hanji smiled back and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I told you we would take care of you. You're one of us now."

Levi added, "You can't walk properly with that wounded leg for now. Tch, it's bleeding. But at least it's not broken," but it felt as though he was reassuring himself more than her as he offered her his hand.

She glanced at the rocky path that lay ahead. Seeing the determination in her companions' faces, she nodded and took his hand. He helped her to her feet, guiding her to lean against the rock formation for support.

"Hanji, carry her pack," Levi said, issuing the order like a command.

Petra blinked in surprise. "You—"

He didn't wait for her to finish her sentence, simply unbuckling her heavy pack and tossing it to Hanji, who caught it and slung it over her shoulder with ease.

"Now give me yours, too, Levi."

And he did without hesitation.

Petra stared at them, feeling both confused and embarrassed, but amused at their shared understanding.

"I'm sorry for causing trouble," she muttered, carefully testing her injured leg.

Levi shot her a glance, his expression unreadable. "If you want to keep up with the group, you'll need the help. As if this was how you wanted things to play out, anyway."

"Thanks," she said quietly, feeling the weight on her chest lift just a bit.

Without a word, he knelt on one knee in front of her, his back facing her. "Hop on."

She moved closer, carefully bending her knees, wincing due to her injured leg. His shoulders were broad, and she felt a heat of embarrassment as she wrapped her arms around his neck. When she pressed against his back, she could feel him grip her legs firmly as he lifted her onto a piggyback.

"You ready?"

"Yeah. Let's go. It's pouring out here," she replied, tightening her grip around his neck, but not too tight to make him still feel comfortable. The scent of rubbing alcohol wafted up as she leaned over his shoulder.

His pace was steady as he started walking, as if he was used to carrying heavy packs.

"We'll take it slow," Hanji said, leading the way ahead. "Eld and Gunther left some clues to help us find the cave for shelter."

"It's nearby." Levi assured Petra as they slowly made their way through the towering trees.

Meanwhile, their attention was caught by the youngsters when Eren hit his head after slipping on a rock, and he was bleeding. Jean was loudly complaining and chastising the latter for his recklessness. Armin and Mikasa helped Eren back on his feet as they all struggled to reach the cave due to the heavy rain and strong wind now blowing between the trees. Connie and Sasha lugged behind, their faces were obviously distressed as the wind and rain swept on their faces.

"Hey, young people! You alright?" Hanji inquired, her voice a little too loud for them to hear.

"We're fine." Armin replied with assurance.

By the time they reached the cave, Petra felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. While Levi carried her effortlessly, she knew her situation had slowed him down. He hadn't said much during the hike; instead, he focused on keeping her safe. Hanji, on the other hand, was a bright light, always eager to keep things manageable.

Inside the cave, they settled around a campfire, the dancing flames illuminating their faces. Eren and Jean were bickering as Mikasa administered first aid to Eren. Their voices faded in and out as Petra sat a little apart, a towel draped over her shoulders, nursing her sore leg. Levi, however, hadn't joined the others by the fire. Instead, he sat across from her, urgency etched on his face as he prepared a medical kit.

For a moment, her heart raced as their gazes locked. Some of his fringe covered his eye, but she could still see his gray irises locking with hers. The warmth of the fire surrounded them while he quietly assembled the medical tools.

When he touched her injured leg, she felt the stinging soreness. A barely audible 'tch' escaped his lips as he noticed something. He didn't look up as she threw him a questioning glance, but he took something from his pocket and sprinkled it on her leg, careful to avoid the open wound.

"What is that, exactly?" Petra couldn't help but ask, her eyes narrowing on the object he was using.

"Salt," he replied matter-of-factly. "There's a forest leech sucking your blood. It will detach soon enough, don't worry."

"What? But I don't feel anything—"

"It's normal not to feel it. That's just how those little pests do their thing." His tone held a layer of annoyance as he continued to sprinkle salt on the leech.

When it finally fell off, he started cleaning her wounds and treating it. Curious as she watched his precise movements, Petra initiated a conversation.

"I heard you're a pediatrician. Do you have your own clinic?"

"I was planning to open one after this hike."

"I see. I recently volunteered at an orphanage in the city. We need a doctor to check on some of the sick kids…"

Levi met her gaze, his eyes lighting up. "Count me in, then," he said without hesitation. "I'll do it for free." His eyes flicked back to her wounds as he applied gauze.

Petra's eyes widened in surprise, a smile breaking across her face. "Really?"

"You heard me." For a brief moment, his gaze softened, revealing a hint of understanding. "Let's discuss it more after this hike."

"I never expected to meet a doctor out here," she said quietly, feeling an unexpected weight lift from her shoulders. "Thank you."

He didn't respond verbally, but a slight nod from him conveyed everything she needed to know. After treating her wound, they joined the others.

The rain continued to fall, but the warmth of the group enveloped her. As they huddled under the cave, sharing stories and laughter, she realized she was no longer the person she had been. She had begun to shed her old skin, layer by layer, and it felt good. Her therapist was right when she made her list the things she had never experienced, but was willing to explore. Joining a group of mountaineers for a couple days of adventure was something she considered, and it didn't disappoint her despite an unexpected situation.

The rain and wind raged outside, but inside the cave, they were safe. And Petra could see a glimmer of hope on the horizon of her mind.

Several hours later, the rain finally stopped and the hike continued, the terrain became more challenging. The rain had made the paths treacherous, and she found herself struggling to keep her footing. Her leg throbbed with each step, but she pushed through, determined to prove herself.

Levi walked beside her, his hand gently grasped her arm to steady her. "How's the leg holding up?" he asked, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

"Better than earlier," she replied, gritting her teeth as she navigated a rocky ledge. "Just... don't let me fall." She wasn't even sure if she was referring to her balance or something else.

The corner of his mouth quirked up ever so slightly. "I don't mind catching you. Just don't be an idiot."

She smiled back, feeling a sense of camaraderie blooming between them. It felt good to have someone looking out for her.

As they reached a clearing, Petra paused to catch her breath, taking in the breathtaking view of the valley below. The clouds began to break, allowing sunlight to filter through, illuminating the vibrant greens and browns of the landscape.

"This is beautiful," she breathed, her heart swelling with awe.

"It's one of the best views on the trail," Levi agreed, standing beside her, his hand instinctively draped on her shoulder as if a silent claim, "But the climb isn't over yet. Just wait until you see the summit."

Petra nodded, feeling a surge of excitement. This was what she had been searching for — a connection to the world and to herself. She was ready to push through the pain and embrace whatever lay ahead.

As they continued their ascent, the climb became more steep, each step requiring focus and determination. Levi would occasionally offer his hand for her to take, especially when the path was more than she could handle, and he would pull her close to him every time. His grip on her was firm to ensure that she wouldn't fall. The world around them fell away, leaving only the sound of their breathing and the crunch of gravel beneath their feet.

When they finally reached the summit, Petra stood at the edge, her heart racing. The view was breathtaking, the valley stretching out below them like a patchwork quilt. She felt a wave of triumph wash over her, a sense of accomplishment that she hadn't felt in years.

"Congratulations, Petra!" Hanji cheered, throwing her arms around her in a joyous hug.

Petra laughed, overwhelmed with emotion. "I can't believe I made it."

"You did it." Levi's voice cut through the moment, and she turned to see him standing nearby, a proud smile lighting up his face.

"Thank you for helping me get here," she said, feeling the weight of gratitude in her words.

"Just doing my part," he replied, his tone casual, but there was a depth in his eyes that made her heart flutter.

They stood together, the wind whipping around them as they soaked in the glory of the moment. It wasn't just about the summit; it was about the journey, the connections forged, and the strength she had discovered within herself.

They heard the triumphant shouts of the youngsters nearby, their laughter echoing through the trees. It was a joyful sound, a testament to the sense of accomplishment that came from their challenging adventure.

The sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink as they settled in for the night, setting up camp in this perfect spot.

As evening fell and everyone had dinner, Eld picked up his guitar once more, strumming a new love song that filled the air with its sweet melody. The notes floated softly around them, creating an intimate atmosphere that enveloped the group like a warm embrace.

This time, Levi chose to sit beside Petra, sliding down onto the ground with an easy comfort that surprised her. He handed her a steaming cup of coffee, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment that sent a flutter through her heart. On her other side, Hanji was busily tearing open a bag of chips, the rustling sound adding to the cozy ambiance.

"Are you enjoying?" Hanji asked, her voice bright as she opened the bag with a flourish, the smell of salty snacks wafting into the air.

"I am," Petra replied, a soft smile blossoming on her lips. "You were right; this hike is a special one."

Hanji giggled, her enthusiasm infectious. "I told you!" She then turned her attention to Levi, who was quietly sipping from his cup, seemingly lost in thought. "Hey, Levi, say something."

Levi's gaze shifted to Petra, his expression earnest. "It's special because you pushed through until we reached the summit."

Petra felt her heart swell at his words. She wanted to say more, to tell him that it was special not just because of the mountain's summit or her hardwork, but because she had met him here, and that he was sitting beside her in this moment. Instead, she offered him a grateful smile, her cheeks warming under his gaze.

As dawn broke the next morning, the group packed up their camp, the air crisp and fresh. Petra felt a lightness in her chest that she hadn't experienced in ages. The burdens of her past seemed to lift with each step she took down the mountain. No longer defined by her pain or haunted by depression, she was simply Petra Ral—a woman who had climbed a mountain and discovered her place among friends. In the gentle rustle of leaves and the sound of chatter echoing behind her, she felt free, and for the first time in a long while, she looked forward to what lay ahead.

And as they descended, laughter and stories filling the air, she realized that she had not only conquered the mountain but had also begun to conquer her own heart.