Erwin's POV

Hanji had told me her concerns about the young man living in her house. She kept begging me if there was a way for her to stay with me just a little longer. I didn't realize how bad it was until I saw him for myself. He does stare at her for a long time. And it's just so blank. If I saw his eyes full of love, I would know that he had a crush on her. But I saw no emotions in those eyes of his.

"Why does he stay here?" I asked Hanji, holding her close and never wanting her to leave me. 

"My dad has his reasons for having him here."

"Even if he's a creep?"

"I think there's something else about him, but I can't see it yet."

I kissed her forehead, brushing her hair out of her eyes and holding her close. "Hanji, stay with me tonight. At least I know you're safe with me."

When I came to her dad, I was heavily rejected by him. "She stays here." Her dad says firmly, angry that I asked him that question. "Erwin, do you understand? She stays here. She's safer here."

Then, I lost it. Her dad and I were standing in the kitchen discussing this as Hanji watched a movie in her room. If I remember right, Hanji's room is right above the kitchen. I remember hearing things from the kitchen in Hanji's room. I didn't think about Levi overhearing this. Rage took over me.

"She's safe here?! I don't know if you're being neglectful of Hanji. She's uncomfortable with that man in her house!"

Hanji's father slammed his fist into the marble countertop, shouting as well. He was at his end, angry. He was always a calm man, and he was hardly showing his rage when he was mad. Seeing this side of him, I knew something was wrong. He would never act this way. 

"Erwin, if you take her away from here, she's unsafe!"

"Unsafe from what?!"

"That's none of your business!" I saw the fear in his eyes growing. It's much worse. He doesn't talk about his job, and I think this relates to that. "Erwin, trust me, you need to stay away from this. If anything, stay away from Hanji. You're not safe here."

"This relates to Levi? Is he some sort of protection?" Henry fell silent as I brought it up. "It is, isn't it?"

"Erwin, listen to me-."

"What did I wander into?"

"Do me a favor and stay away from Hanji. When you leave this house tonight, don't come back. You can't be protected by Levi. You can protect her by staying away from her. Until this clears up, stay away from this place. Understand?"

"Henry, what kind of rabbit hole is this? How deep does this go?"

"Erwin, this is not your place."

"Hanji's my girlfriend. I think it's my place to be concerned for her. Especially since I love her with all my heart. I will do anything and everything in my power to protect her."

"Then do this: stay away from her. What you'll be doing is digging yourself into this grave. If you truly love her, stay away. I need someone to protect her if I'm not there. This is not your place. I never approved of you dating my daughter. But I beg you to stay away for the time being. I'll let you know when it's safe to resume dating Hanji. And then, I'll approve anything you and Hanji does. Just do me this favor just this once."

I nod my head, feeling my heart shattering from what he said. I love Hanji with all my heart. And tonight, I can't see her. When we're at school, I want to show my affection for her. I still want to kiss and hold her. I hope that it doesn't put Hanji in any more danger than she's already in. I want her to know that I will always be by her side.

"Erwin, it'll be over soon."

"How soon is soon?"

"I don't know yet."

"Can I stay the night?"

"Absolutely not. I don't want any funny business between you and her. You have 2 more hours until you need to leave. I'm sorry to tell you to stop your relationship with her, but this is to protect both of you. I know she loves you with all her heart, but if you want to live, you need to stay away for now."

I take my leave, walking back to Hanji's room when I caught a glimpse of silver eyes. I stared right at them, seeing Levi staring at me. I expected them to be emotionless, but he was filled with... hatred? Anger? It's very intense... like he would kill me at any point. 

"What do you want?" I asked him.

"Nothing." He looks away, wandering into a room, I assume that's his room.

I quickly ran to Hanji's room, knocking on her door before entering. She was laying on her bed, trying to hold her tears from falling. I knew it: she heard everything. Hanji looks up, trying to smile, but she quickly sobs, wiping her tears.

"Hanji..."

"This goodbye then...?"

"For now."

"I don't want this night to end."

"Hanji, we can still be affectionate at school. Hide in closets and make out." I smiled, sitting next to her on the bed. I hold her tightly, kissing her cheek. My hand caressed her cheek, as I lowered my voice to comfort my love. "Don't worry, Hanji... I'm never abandoning you."

"Dad just said for you to stay away from me. For my safety. For yours as well. What the hell is going on?"

"I don't know... but I can promise you, I'll protect you at school. You may be safe at home, but at school, you're safe with me."

"Promise?"

"I promise." I cradled her as we finished the movie together. The entire time, I couldn't focus on the movie. I begged and pleaded time to slow to spend more time with her. But when the knock at the door came, I knew that time was up. Hanji begged and begged for more time. But our words did not affect his authority.

Before I left the house, I gave one last hug and kiss to Hanji. "I love you..." I whispered into her ears. "I love you with all my heart."

"I love you too..." Hanji manages to squeak from her tears.

We didn't break up... we're still a couple... why do I feel like this is the end of our relationship?