When I awoke the sky was still pitch black. I checked my phone. It was four in the morning. There was no sound coming from downstairs. My guess was that everyone had fallen asleep. When I pushed myself up from the bed, I felt something in my hand. It was the folded piece of paper Eren had handed to me earlier. It had my name written in sloppy letters. I threw the paper across the room angrily.

    "STUPID!" I yelled, not caring if anyone heard me. I decided to text Jean. I asked if we could talk sometime soon and resolve this, hoping to be given the opportunity to explain myself. He didn't reply, and I pinned that under the excuse that he was probably asleep. I wasn't sure what to do if he never answered. The longer we waited to talk about it, the more stories Jean could generate inside his head until there was no convincing him. I sighed deeply. Please respond.

    I didn't feel guilty about kicking Eren out. I had no reason to be nice to him. It was his choice to walk all the way over here— not mine. He should've known better. I replayed his expression in my head when I had spoken so coldly to him. Eren's face had gone blank and he pretended it hadn't affected him, but I saw it in his eyes that he was hurt. Like I said though, he should've known better. You can only apologize for so many things.

    I unlocked my phone again to call Jean. Am I being too clingy? I thought better of it. If I kept bothering him, he'd assume I had something to hide. Which I didn't. Right?

    I tried to close my eyes and fall asleep, but my vision was stuck on a loop of what had happened earlier. I didn't expect Jean to be so upset— and to be so unreasonable, too. Normally, I feel like he would have given me the chance to explain. I assumed that his abrasive reaction had something to do with his and Eren's stupid rivalry.

    The weekend passed by in a blur. I spent most of my time thinking of Jean, wondering if we were ever going to talk again. I sent him a text every morning, begging for him to come talk to me. I told him to meet me at the park whenever. He never replied, but I stayed at the park all day anyway, watching the sunset. January was getting quite cold and my jackets never seemed to be warm enough, but I never went back home to grab more. I didn't want to miss Jean if he ever came by. Out of boredom, I carved the letter 'J' into a tree. Maybe if Jean came by, he'd see it and know who it was from. Probably not. It was too obscure.

    It was Sunday night. The sun had long set, but this was my last chance to talk to Jean before school, so I stayed late. My phone buzzed. I scrambled to find it, my heart hopeful. My face fell. The text was from an unknown number— but it wasn't Eren's.

    —————————————————

    Xxx-Xxx-xxxX

    I'm sorry.

    —————————————————

    "Eh?" I said aloud. I typed back, asking who it was.

    —————————————————

    Xxx-Xxx-xxxX

    It's Mikasa.

    —————————————————

    I waited a few moments before answering. Why was Mikasa texting me? How did she get my number? My phone notified me that she was still typing.

    —————————————————

    Xxx-Xxx-xxxX

    I talked to Eren.

    He'll leave you alone now.

    —————————————————

    I replied: "Thanks Mikasa... You didn't have to bother with this you know."

    —————————————————

    Xxx-Xxx-xxxX

    I know. But Eren's bothering everyone. So I had to fix it.

    —————————————————

    I nodded to myself. I shouldn't be surprised that Mikasa was getting involved. She always finds her way into Eren's business and pulls him out of tight situations. I texted her back with a quick 'Thank you', expecting the conversation to be over. My phone beeped again.

    —————————————————

    Xxx-Xxx-xxxX

    I will also talk to Jean.

    —————————————————

    I asked her why. She started typing, then deleted everything, then started typing again.

    —————————————————

    Xxx-Xxx-xxxX

    Keeping the both of you together is another way to keep Eren out of things.

    I'm doing this for him.

    —————————————————

    I decided to trust Mikasa. At this point, I'd take anything that would get Jean to talk to me. Hopefully, this will remain a weekend problem.

    I walked into school the next day, worried about confronting my friends. I was greeted by everyone happily and they continued their conversation like usual. I guess Jean hadn't told anyone. I was grateful for that. He wasn't at school yet. I saw Mikasa walking through the halls. I nodded a quick and subtle hello to her, but she just looked away, pretending like she didn't know me. Yeesh.

    Connie and Sasha were talking excitedly about something— probably food— but I interrupted their conversation to ask where Jean was.

    "I'm not sure, actually," Sasha looked up at the clock. "The bells about to ring though, so we should head to class."

    I looked at the floor sadly.

    "What's up, (Y/N)? Miss him that bad already?" Connie teased, slapping me on the shoulder playfully.

    "Oh, please," I scoffed with a smile, walking along with them to room 104A. Yes, I answered in my head.

    When I entered the room, Eren's teal-green eyes met mine, looking excited. It seemed that, despite whatever Mikasa had said to him, Eren didn't plan on leaving me alone anytime soon. I gave him the coldest stare I could possibly conjure up. He averted his gaze and left me alone for the rest of class.

    I thought about Jean for the entire period before nutrition, not able to focus on schoolwork in the slightest. I need to talk to someone about this. I looked around the room and immediately ruled out all of the boys. Annie? No, she was too apathetic. Sasha? No, she had a hard time taking things seriously. Historia? No, she'd work too hard to fix it... Right now, I just needed someone to listen. Mikasa? Obviously not, she wouldn't even acknowledge me in the halls. Which left me with... Ymir? I thought for a minute. She'd be good. She wouldn't spread rumors or overthink anything. I texted her and asked if she'd meet me in the girls' bathroom when class ended. She agreed.

    I walked into the plain, somewhat dirty bathroom to meet with Ymir. She entered shortly after with a skeptical expression plastered over her freckled face.

    "Are you trying to ask me out?" She questioned seriously. "Because the answer is 'No'— I'm already taken."

    "What? No," I paused. "Wait, you're not dating anyone."

    "Maybe in your eyes." She put her hands on her hips. "What do you want, then?"

    "To talk," I hesitated, wondering if this was a good idea. The words spilled out before I could plan anything: "Something happened at the party with Jean and now he won't answer my texts and I'm pretty sure he hates me and I don't know what to do and I didn't think it was that big a deal at first but now Mikasa's gotten involved too and I'm freaking out because it really wasn't anything and it was all bad timing but since Jean hates Eren it's so much worse and he wouldn't even let me defend myself and now I—"

    "Woah, slow down, (L/N)," she waved her arms down. "This is about Eren? Since when have you been talking?"

    "Not long. It's so stupid really." I explained to Ymir how Eren had stopped by my house a couple times and that we went through a time where he texted me often. I also added that I hadn't encouraged this at all— that in fact, it made me more angry, because Eren had been such an asshole lately, and I couldn't understand why he was doing this. When she asked, I told her that I wasn't really that involved with Jean at the time, so it wasn't like I was cheating or anything. I also threw in that my last few conversations with Eren were all fights— in fact, the last time we talked before he visited was after he punched me in the face, and I had made it quite clear that, after that, we were not friends. After providing context, I explained what had happened at the party. Ymir was a good listener.

    "So basically, Eren stopped by my house the night of the party and climbed up the window like that one time— Jean was still asleep by the tub— to... apologize? I guess?"

    Ymir shook her head and face-palmed herself. "Why can't this kid do things the normal way? Clearly, he knows that texting is a thing. I mean, I knew Eren was a confusing asshole, but this is unheard of. So extra."

    I nodded in agreement. "Right? So, I opened the window because he wouldn't leave, but I blocked him from coming inside because I was still angry with him. The entire conversation was me criticizing him for everything that he'd done. I told him about a billion times that we weren't friends and that I didn't want to be," I took a quick breath before continuing. "Then, Eren took a piece of paper out of his pocket and tried handing it to me— of course, I didn't take it because, like— duh." Ymir nodded in agreement, biting her lip. She seemed to be pretty invested in my story. I continued, "And so, Eren grabbed my hand to forcefully give me the note, and that's right when Jean walked in."

    "Mmm. I see. So, I'm assuming what happened next was Jean saw you two holding hands, and immediately got jealous," Ymir looked at me to confirm.

    "Yes, I suppose you could call it that," I shrugged. "And then, all of a sudden, Jean got super angry and, like, I mean super, and he threatened to punch Eren out the window, which would probably injure him greatly, if not potentially kill him—"

    "Mmhmm," Ymir crossed her arms.

    "— So, I told Jean that that was a terrible idea and I'd just kick Eren out myself instead. Well, Jean—"

    Ymir finished my sentence, "— took it as you defending Eren, so, he got even more angry and then he left— I saw him walk out the front door looking upset. I had assumed it was because he'd embarrassed himself or something." She paused before giving her two-cents. "Well, I don't blame him for being hurt. After all, it's not like you and Eren hadn't done anything before. He was by far Jean's greatest threat. Not to mention his mortal enemy... Of course, regardless, he should've let you explain first." She stared at the ceiling and scratched her cheek, "But, I suppose his reaction wasn't totally uncalled for. I mean, if I saw Historia and Reiner like—" she opened her eyes widely and corrected herself, "Sorry, if I saw the person I liked having a suspicious conversation like that, I would've reacted the same way."

    "I've been texting him all weekend and he hasn't replied. What am I supposed to do?"

    "Wait, before I answer that," she said, "How exactly does Mikasa fit into all of this?"

    "Oh, right. Basically, she texted me and said Eren will leave me alone from now on, and she also said she'd text Jean, too. Not sure how she'd fix anything by doing that, but I didn't stop her. I figured I'd take any chance I get."

    Ymir frowned, "Interesting. She always butts in when Eren's having a problem... I wouldn't worry too much though, (Y/N). Jean's a pretty reasonable person. He'll come back to you. He probably just needed the weekend to process everything." She considered things for a moment. "Y'all may not be super buddy-buddy once you see him again— don't look at me like that, I know what y'all were doing in the closet at the party— 'getting cups' my ass— but just give him time. I have no idea how things will play out with Mikasa's involvement, but, friend-wise, this shouldn't interfere with anything. Besides his massive fights with Eren, Jean's pretty anti-drama, so he'll probably act like everything's fine in front of the rest of us— which it will be, soon enough." Ymir turned to leave, her work done.

    "Ymir?" I stopped her. "Can you... not tell anyone about this please?"

    "Sure. I don't care enough to spread shit like this. It's a waste of time."

    "Ok, cool. Also," I added before she walked through the door, "could you keep it from Historia too? I worry she'll get too invested."

    Ymir flushed, "Eh? Wh—why would I tell Historia over anyone else?"

    "Because you're good friends."

    Her face relaxed, "Oh, yeah, of course... My lips are sealed." She walked out.

    Although Ymir and I weren't exceptionally close, I trusted her. She seemed like a loyal and genuine friend. Her advice definitely relaxed me some, so when nutrition ended and I walked back to class, I sat calmly in my seat and focused on Shadis' lecture. Jean walked into the room, looking a bit disheveled, and dragged himself to his seat. He looked extremely tired. His two-toned hair was sticking out in all directions and he had bags under his eyes. He yawned, stretching his long arms high into the air. He was only two seats away from me. I stared hopefully. Maybe I can talk to him...?

    The second bell rang for lunch and Shadis called Jean up to the front. Everyone streamed out of the class. I followed them, but waited for Jean behind the door. I couldn't hear much of their conversation, but I understood bits and pieces.

    "What makes you think you have the right to be late to my class, Kirschtein?" Shadis accused.

    "I'm sorry, sir. This morning, I just had—"

    "I don't care for it. Look at you! You look like (Y/N) on the first day of school! I'd think, Jean, that after four years of being here, you'd know better."

    I heard Jean sigh. "How many days?"

    "Two. Starting tomorrow, both during lunch. I'd say today, but someone's waiting for you at the door." I froze, but didn't peek out. Shadis continued, "Funny. I vaguely remember you doing the same thing with (Y/N) on her first day of class. In fact... she looked almost as horrible then as you do now. You're free to go, Jean. And, (Y/N)," Shadis called out to me. I had no choice but to step into the room. "Keep your nose out of other people's business. Dismissed."

    Jean walked past me, avoiding my gaze. I called out to him, chasing him down the hall.

    "Jean! Please talk to me!" He kept walking at a brisk pace. "Jean, please! Come on!" I attempted to bargain with him, still a few steps behind, "Look, you don't have to like me, or talk to me ever again, but please just give me this one time!"

    He stopped abruptly and I crashed into him.

    "Sorry," I said. "Just a few minutes, okay? That's all I ask."

    He looked at me tiredly, his eyes barely open. "Fine," he agreed as he leaned himself against the lockers. "What?"

    "Do you really hate me that much already?"

    He drew his eyes up towards the ceiling so I couldn't look at him. "No," he sighed. "Mikasa explained. I knew she wasn't lying because she'd never waste her time with something she'd find to be so trivial. It's not closely related enough to Eren to be her problem. That's why I liked her so much. Of course, she's too in love with Eren to even think about me—" Jean noticed my glare and stopped himself. "Anyway, it's fine. I forgive you. It's my own fault for being so insecure."

    "No, Jean, please don't flip this on yourself. You had every right to—"

    "Yeah, whatever." He looked down at me with the faintest hint of a smile. "By the way, I, uh— I saw you at the park this weekend." He looked at the floor, slightly embarrassed. "That was pretty nice of you to do that."

    My cheeks flushed and I stared down the hall, looking away from him. I coughed, "Of course. It's, uh, no problem." I decided to change the subject. "I guess it's none of my business, but why are you such a disaster today?"

    Jean flicked my forehead. "Gee, thanks for putting it nicely. I had a rough night finishing up my part of the project with Eren. Since he forced us to change the whole topic and all."

    I didn't hide my surprise: "You listened to him? After all that?"

    "Eh," Jean shrugged. "It wasn't worth the potential bruises. I have to keep up my good looks after all."

    "For who?" I teased, "The other horses in the stable?"

    Jean ran his fingers through his hair and smirked, "I mean, yea— hey! That was uncalled for."

    I snickered. "Whatever you say, Horse-Face."

    In that moment, Eren walked by. My eyes turned to slits and I stared daggers at him.

    "(Y/N), cool it," Jean whispered. "We're over it."

    "I'm not going to forgive him. He's screwed up more times than he can count. Although, I bet he can't even remember enough to make a list."

    Jean saw the look in my eyes and changed the subject: "By the way, did you ever open what Eren gave you? Mikasa said it was a note."

    "Nope. And I don't ever plan to. I believe I was advised multiple times to stay away from him. This is me following through."

    "You're cold today," Jean pointed out.

    "Hm, I wonder why that is..." I asked Jean seriously: "What did Mikasa tell you to make you let this blow over so easily? I mean, you haven't even bothered to confront me about anything. You just said we're cool and that was it."

    "She told me the truth. That's all I needed to hear. If I know everything already, there's no reason to put you on the spot."

    "I guess so." I looked Jean up and down, "Tuck in your shirt and flatten your hair. It's time to go to lunch."

    Sure, let's pretend that nothing's wrong for awhile.