Hanji's POV

I felt their voices slowly drown out as I began sifting through my memories. Levi's family business... how could I be so blind to it all? The Fallen Corporation had its roots in this city. How often Levi would have to escape onto his family business trips and the school didn't bother to punish him. 

I couldn't... I couldn't believe it...

"Now, that is entirely up to her." Levi's uncle continued, smiling at me.

"H-Huh?"

"Hanji, my dear, do you agree to take Penny Fraiten's place as Levi's wife? Of course, you'll be wedded after you graduate from high school, Hanji. Though you'll be wedded in name after your birthday, Hanji, an official wedding will be held after you graduate. Unless you don't want to. If you deny it, then Levi will continue to be in that arranged marriage with Penny Fraiten."

"At least let her think about it, Uncle!" Levi hissed at him. He then turns to my parents, almost pleading with them. "I'm sorry this had to happen-."

"I would say you have to answer it now. But to appeal to Levi to allow you some time to think, you will have until midnight. Any longer, and I will believe you do not want to marry him."

"O-Okay..." I whispered, wanting to fall over with exhaustion. So many things hitting me at once. "I... I need to breathe..." I quickly escaped from them, hoping the upstairs would be a bit quieter.

Levi calls my name from behind me, and I didn't let him catch up to me until I collapsed on the top of the stairs. "Hanji! Hanji, are you okay?" He asks, pushing me into a room. "Listen, I'm sorry-."

"Sorry?! You better be sorry, Levi! I thought your family business was something small! And the second I was told about it, I'm supposed to marry you?! I... I know that we joked around with that idea since you were having an arranged marriage. But... I have until midnight?! Midnight, Levi! My entire life depends on this choice!"

"I... I'm sorry... I'm a coward for not telling you sooner..."

"Why did you wait? Everyone knew that when the CEO's successor comes of age, they'll be announced. Today was your birthday... you should've known..."

Levi nods his head, "I'm sorry... really, I am sorry. If I'm honest, I got scared. Not because of being afraid to tell you the truth... but I got scared if you loved me for a different reason. I got scared about people marrying into families because they want money. I want to love you for just being you. I want you to do the same with me..."

I get that... but at least tell me the truth... 

"But marrying... the day of my birthday... we marry..."

"I rather marry you than marry someone else..." Levi smiles softly, reaching for me. His hand caressed my cheek, pulling me down for a kiss. "I know it's a lot, but just marrying shouldn't be a problem. Even after we marry, we can continue taking it slow. Just as a boyfriend and girlfriend."

"That sounds a bit better... otherwise we'll be like our parents."

Levi chuckles, "Just yours, Hanji. What do you say? Will you marry me?"