"Whispers in the Dark"

Kenzy lay on her bed, surrounded by the dimly lit walls of her quarters, her eyes engrossed in the pages of a worn-out book. The soft glow of the lantern on her nightstand cast a warm light on her face, illuminating her sharp features and striking blue eyes. Her long, curly brown hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her full lips curved into a gentle smile as she read. She was so absorbed in the story that she didn't even notice the door creak open, or the sound of footsteps approaching. It wasn't until a shadow loomed over her that she looked up, startled. Her eyes widened as she saw Levi standing in the doorway, his piercing green gaze fixed on her. "Levi," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, a hint of surprise and delight in her tone. She closed her book, marking the page with her finger, and propped herself up on her elbow. Levi's stoic expression softened ever so slightly as he took in the sight of Kenzy, looking more beautiful than ever. He cleared his throat, trying to composed himself, but his eyes lingered on her face. "I didn't mean to disturb you," he said, his deep voice low and smooth. Kenzy laughed, a melodious sound that filled the room. "You never disturb me, Levi," she replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Besides, I was just getting to the good part." Levi raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "The good part?" he repeated, taking a step closer to her bed. Kenzy nodded, patting the mattress beside her. "Come sit down, and I'll tell you all about it." Levi hesitated for a moment, his instincts warning him to maintain a safe distance. But something about Kenzy's warm smile put him at ease, and he found himself sitting down beside her, his long legs folded in a way that seemed almost... human. As they talked about the book, their conversation flowed easily, like a well-rehearsed dance. They bantered back and forth, their words laced with playful teasing and witty remarks. Kenzy giggled, her eyes shining with mirth, and Levi's stern expression cracked, revealing a hint of a smile. The air was charged with a palpable tension, a sense of unspoken awareness that hung between them like a challenge. Kenzy's heart skipped a beat as she caught Levi's gaze lingering on her face, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her skin prickle. But neither of them dared to say what was really on their minds. The fear of rejection, of ruining their friendship, kept them locked in a cycle of flirtation and denial. For now, they were content to dance around their true feelings, lost in the comfort of each other's company. As they talked, the shadows in the room seemed to grow longer, the darkness pressing in around them. But in this small, intimate space, they were safe, shielded from the dangers that lurked outside. And for a fleeting moment, they forgot about the Titans, about the war, and about everything else that threatened to tear them apart. The silence that followed was almost palpable, a living, breathing thing that pulsed with anticipation. Kenzy's eyes met Levi's, and for a heartbeat, they just stared at each other, the world around them melting away...