Strings Attached / J. Kirstein

21

The music was blasting through the house, bass vibrating under your feet as you and Jean stepped back into the main room. The party was in full swing, drinks in hand, laughter bouncing off the walls, and people dancing or crowding around small groups to talk. Your cheeks were still warm from the closet, and Jean's hand brushed yours lightly as you weaved through the crowd.

Sasha and Connie were at the drinks table, smirking when they saw you. "Ohhh, someone had fun in there," Sasha whispered, nudging Connie.

Connie laughed quietly, raising his cup. "Yeah, I think everyone noticed," he said.

You groaned, feeling your face heat, but Jean just smirked, leaning close. "Relax," he murmured in your ear. "We're fine."

Armin came over, grinning. "So... seven minutes in heaven, huh? How'd it go?"

Jean chuckled, shrugging. "It went... well." His eyes flicked to you, a teasing glint there. "Better than expected."

Mikasa raised an eyebrow, smirking. "I think the whole room noticed," she said lightly, earning a soft laugh from Reiner across the room.

You flushed, laughing softly. "Yeah... it was fun," you admitted, brushing your fingers against Jean's arm.

Throughout the night, friends came by to talk, laugh, and tease casually. Sasha poured you both a drink. "Careful now," she said with a grin. "Everyone's watching."

Jean just smirked and tilted his head toward you. "Let them watch," he murmured. "I like having you by my side."

You leaned slightly into him, heart racing as he casually draped an arm over your shoulders. The teasing from your friends continued naturally—questions about the game, jokes about who spun the bottle next—but it was all playful, not overbearing.

Reiner raised his cup again, laughing. "Alright, next round. Who's brave enough to go?"

You and Jean exchanged a glance, subtle smiles on both your faces, and you realized how comfortable it felt to be with him. Even with everyone around, laughing, drinking, and cheering, it was just the two of you in your little bubble of warmth and connection.

As the night wore on, music pounding, friends laughing and drinking, and the party spilling into every corner of the house, you couldn't help but steal little moments with him—brushing past, sharing quiet laughs, and leaning closer whenever the crowd thinned.

And despite the chaos, the teasing, and the endless noise, being here with Jean made it all feel effortless.