Hanji's POV

I might seem stalkerish, but I kept visiting that bookshop and keeping an eye on what books Levi picked to read later. He's been sticking with the romance genre, so before I came here, I bought the recent book Levi got his nose stuck in.

'Autumn's Tale,' was the new one he was reading. I read the first 2 chapters, and I was hooked. I bought it two days ago, and I'm itching for more chapters. And hopefully, to get Levi to notice the book, I've brought it everywhere I went, waiting for him to take charge and ask me about it. Though I doubt he'll do that. He's shy at heart.

Once we ate breakfast, I sat outside of the cafeteria, waiting for Levi. As  I waited, I began to read chapter 3. 

"You brought a book to camp?" Just the very sound of his voice made my heart leap for joy. My eyes trailed up to his beautiful silver eyes staring down at me. "That sounds exactly like you. What are you reading?"

I closed the book and showed him the cover, "Autumn's Tale. I think it's a lovely book."

There. I saw his eyes soften as if he was interested in the book as well. I caught him. "Is that so? Do you like romance novels?"

I shrugged my shoulders, smiling innocently at him. "Usually, I'm more of a mystery novel person, but I wanted to try something new. And... I guess that includes romance novels. What about you? What kind of books do you like?"

"You'll laugh at me."

"For anything else, I would. But this is what you like. Why would I tease you about it?"

He nudges me for the book, and I hand it to him. His hands began to caress every inch of the book. His eyes never left its sight. "I like romance novels. I don't know why, but that's the only one I like. It's interesting how love works." He pauses himself when he turned the book over. "Did you... did you buy this at Qunicy's Bookstore?"

"H-How would you know?"

Levi points to a sticker on the back of the book, staring down at me. "Because this sticker says that it's from that bookstore. And there's only one Qunicy's Bookstore in our region because the owner refuses to become a chain bookstore. And another point, I work there."

I'm caught...

I sigh, dropping my head in defeat. "What do you want me to say?"

"You knew where I worked and didn't say it to me? How long did you know?"

"I... I knew for a few months... and I didn't know how to bring it up to you. How am I supposed to walk up to you and say, 'Hey, Levi, it's me, Hanji, and it seems I caught you here working.' Something like that? And... I felt like I wasn't ready to speak to you yet. So... yes, I watched you stocking the shelves with new books. I even saw which books you kept to the side."

"And that's why you're reading romance books."

I nod my head, "But honestly... reading those books was nice. I like them."

"Next time, talk to me. Otherwise, you seem like a crazy stalker."

"It would've been shown like that in every other way, Levi!"

"What do you like about the book so far?" He asks me, changing the subject. "I think it's stupid how Ashley has a crush on Richard. Are girls like that? He almost hits her with a car, and she's in love with him?"

A chuckle slipped through my lips as I moved closer to him. "I don't think she loves him because he almost hits her with a car. From what I gathered, it seemed to be a childhood crush. It talks about how she was in love during that time, and it's safe to assume it's a crush from the past. Oh- and no spoilers. I'm only in chapter 3."

Levi chuckles, handing it back to me. "I see."

"How far did you get through the book?"

"10."

"That was fast!"

That disappointing sigh was always music to my ears. It's just... I like teasing him to that point. "I read some chapters on the way up here. Don't worry, I won't give spoilers. But back to the bookstore thing. You should've said something. I could've given you a discount."

Bastard.

"What are you planning today?" He asks me as he beckons me to walk next to him.

Gathering everything, I went to his side, "I don't know. Maybe see that view again. Do I have permission?"

"I'll ask, but wait until tomorrow, Hanji."

"What about swimming?"

"Can't swim and I don't like the water. It's dirty."

"Well, I was going to teach you how to swim... and besides, the lake should be clean."

"If it's clean, then dirt shouldn't be floating in the water."

This man... "Fine, what about... arts and crafts?"

"Kids are there, and I want to avoid them as best as I can."

"What about a hike? I heard we can take hikes up to certain places."

"You have to reserve a place the day before. Reserve a hike today, and we'll go tomorrow."

"Fine, what if we just read the books? It seems everything is for tomorrow... so just chill today." And not like you were vetoing all my ideas for today. "And... I guess we can learn some camping tricks after lunch."

For once, Levi nods his head with a smile. "That's fine."