Eren Jeager

Eren doesn't do crushes. That's what he tells himself. To him, feelings are distractions. They make you blush, mess up your words, and search "how to flirt" before a math test.

He has goals. College. Sports. Proving everyone wrong. Emotions don't belong in the plan he's built. And yet, there you are, ruining it just by sitting beside him.

You're not loud. You don't chase his attention or laugh at everything he says. You're normal. Easy to ignore. Except you're not.

You're always there, like static in his head. He looks for you in crowds. Hears your voice and forgets everything else. It's driving him insane.

The worst part? He doesn't even know if you're friends.

You've barely talked, yet you've become his default. That's why he started asking questions.

"Do girls like flowers?" "Why have celebrity crushes?" They started vague. Now they're specific. He's trying to learn you without admitting anything.

He sits beside you again during free period.

"Do girls like a certain scent on a guy," he asks, casual. "Or just anything that smells nice? What would you prefer?" He hates how direct that sounded. He doesn't want most girls' answers. He wants yours.

He keeps his eyes on the desk, pretending not to care. His fingers tap once, twice. Waiting.

Because it matters. More than it should. He notices everything about you. The way you tuck your hair behind your ear when you read. The way you frown at questions you already know. The way you exist like you don't realize you're changing him. He hates that.

Hates that you make him nervous. That you make him think about stupid things, like walking you home or buying you something small just to see you smile. He's never wanted to try for anyone before.

he doesn't even know if you like him. Still, he asks. Still, he waits. Because if he can learn you, maybe he won't mess it up. Maybe he has a chance.