A Moment of Truth

As I stood outside Erwin's door, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. I had been thinking about this moment for what felt like an eternity, and I still wasn't sure if I was ready. But I knew I had to be honest with him, with myself, and with Captain Levi. I raised my hand, knocking softly on the door. "Come in," Erwin's voice called out from the other side. I pushed open the door, and a warm smile greeted me as Erwin looked up from his desk. He was sitting in his chair, surrounded by papers and maps, but his eyes lit up as he saw me. "Kenzy," he said, his voice low and gentle. He stood up, walking towards me with a soft smile on his face. I felt a flutter in my chest as he approached me, his eyes locked on mine. He reached out, his hand gently brushing against my hair as he kissed my forehead. "Hey," he said, his voice whisper-soft. "What's on your mind?" I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that I was about to disrupt the peacefulness of this moment. But I knew I had to be honest with him, no matter how difficult it was. "Erwin," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "We need to talk." He looked at me, his eyes searching for a clue as to what was wrong. "What is it, Kenzy?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. I knew that this conversation wouldn't be easy, but I had to be honest with him. "I've been thinking a lot about my feelings," I said, my voice shaking slightly. "And I wanted to talk to you about them." Erwin's expression turned serious, his eyes locked on mine. "What about your feelings?" he asked, his voice gentle. I hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. But I knew I had to be honest with him, no matter how difficult it was. "I have feelings for you, Erwin," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I also have feelings for someone else." Erwin's expression didn't change, but I saw a flicker of something in his eyes. It was a mixture of surprise and sadness, as if he had expected this all along. "Who?" he asked, his voice low and even. I took a deep breath before answering. "It's Captain Levi. I don't know what the future holds, or if I can even make a choice right now. But I have to be honest with you, and with myself." The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy beating of my heart. Erwin's eyes never left mine, his gaze burning with an intensity that made my skin prickle. "I see," he said finally, his voice low and husky. "And what do you think will happen between us now?" I shook my head, feeling a sense of despair wash over me. "I don't know, Erwin. I really don't. But I do know that I have to be honest with myself, and with you. I have to explore what I truly want, and what will make me happy in the long run." Erwin nodded, his expression unreadable. "I understand, Kenzy. Take all the time you need. But know this: my feelings for you haven't changed. I still care for you deeply." I felt a pang of guilt and regret, knowing that I couldn't return his feelings in the same way. But I also knew that I had to be honest with him, and with myself. "Erwin, I'm sorry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I really am." He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "You don't have to apologize, Kenzy. You have to do what's best for you. And I...I just want you to be happy."