a/n: inspired by Taylor Swift's song Enchanted, this is in honor of her new album Speak Now (Taylor's Version)
The blue walls of the Survey Corps headquarters offered little solace as you quietly navigated the corridors, your heart heavy with unspoken longing. For years, you had harbored a deep affection for Eren Jaeger, a love that burned quietly within your soul. But recent events have shattered your confidence, casting doubt upon your hopes and dreams.
The image of Eren and Mikasa, their camaraderie and closeness, played on a loop in your mind, fueling the ache of insecurity within your heart. The weight of unspoken words hung between you, the fear of unrequited love gripping your every thought.
One day, as fate would have it, you found yourself face to face with Eren, his striking gaze meeting yours. A whirlwind of emotions surged within you, but you mustered the strength to speak, your voice laced with vulnerability.
"Eren," you said softly, your voice trembling ever so slightly. "Please don't be in love with someone else."
His brows furrowed, confusion etching lines on his face as he searched your eyes for understanding. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity.
The weight of your words hung heavy in the air as you mustered the courage to continue. "Please don't have somebody waiting on you. Somebody who has claimed your heart."
Eren's expression softened for a fleeting moment, a flicker of realization crossing his features. "I... I don't understand," he replied, his voice tinged with surprise and concern. "Why would you think that?"
The words caught in your throat, but you couldn't hold them back any longer. "Because I've seen the way you look at Mikasa, the way you two are always together. It makes me question where I stand, if there's even a place for me in your heart."
Eren's eyes widened, a mix of sadness and urgency flickering. "I'm sorry, (Y/N). I never meant to make you feel that way," he murmured, his voice filled with regret. "Mikasa and I have a long history, but it doesn't mean I don't care about you. I've always cared about you."
The vulnerability in his words struck a chord within your heart, washing away a fraction of your doubts. But the fear of being second best lingered, and you couldn't help but voice your deepest fear.
"What if... what if I'm just a substitute for Mikasa? A mere shadow in your heart?" you whispered, your voice barely audible.
Eren's gaze softened, his hand reaching to gently cup your cheek. "You're not a substitute, (Y/N). You are unique, irreplaceable. My feelings for you are genuine and separate from anything else. Please believe me."
Your heart wavered, caught between the fear of heartbreak and the possibility of love. His touch was warm and comforting against your skin, inviting you to trust in his words. With a tremulous sigh, you nodded, allowing a glimmer of hope to flicker within your heart.
"I... I want to believe you, Eren," you admitted, your voice filled with trepidation and longing. "But I need time to sort through my feelings, to find the courage to trust again."
Eren's eyes softened, his thumb brushing gently against your cheek. "Take all the time you need, (Y/N). I'll be here, patiently waiting for you. I don't want to rush anything. Your heart is precious, and I want to earn your love."
After that day, your interactions with Eren were tinged with a bittersweet undertone. The once effortless banter and shared laughter were overshadowed by the echoes of your unspoken feelings and the haunting image of Eren and Mikasa's bond.
You tried to hide your crumbling confidence, burying your feelings deep within your heart. But with each passing day, the pain of unrequited love grew heavier, threatening to consume you entirely.
