Meanwhile, on the Terrace...
"Sun is bigger than the moon. Are you an idiot?" Levi's voice echoed from the terrace door.
"No, they look the same size," Farlan replied with conviction.
"What's going on? Why are you two arguing?" Sana asked, stepping closer to them.
She moved to sit next to Farlan, but he stopped her.
"Sana, sit here between me and Levi and tell this idiot that the size of the sun and the moon is almost the same," Farlan insisted, shifting a bit to make space.
They were perched on the boundary of the terrace.
Sana sat between them, adjusting her dress as she replied, "Farlan, you're wrong. The sun is far, far bigger than the moon. It only looks similar in size because the sun is much farther from the Earth than the moon is."
Farlan scratched his head and stood up abruptly. "I think I'll bring something to drink. Be right back," he said, running off towards the door.
"Now that you've been proven wrong, you're running away," Levi teased, smirking. Sana giggled softly.
The two sat silently as the wind swept through the starry night sky, the soft hum of the breeze forming a melody. Minutes passed, and Farlan had yet to return.
"He's really taking his time," Levi muttered, breaking the silence. Sana turned to look at him, her eyes meeting his. His steady gaze made her cheeks flush, and she suddenly felt nervous. She shifted slightly, losing her balance.
Levi grabbed her arm swiftly, pulling her towards him. "Are you trying to get yourself killed? Don't sit here if you can't balance yourself! No one can beat you in being this clumsy." His voice, though laced with worry, came out harsher than intended.
Hurt by his words, Sana shook off his hand and stood up, tears brimming in her eyes.
"Oye, wait. I didn't mean it that way. I was just w—" Levi began, but she was already walking towards the door, crying.
He muttered under his breath, "I really need to watch my tongue... Tch. I've made things worse. I knew she was going through so much already, and then I had to go and say that."
"Oye, Sana, wait," Levi called out, his voice louder now.
She fumbled with the door, but it wouldn't budge.
Levi stepped closer. "Sana, I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I swear I didn't mean those words. I'd never intentionally hurt you."
Sana turned her teary gaze towards him. "No, Levi. You just showed me the truth. I should've known how useless I am. I can't do anything right. Why did I even think I could handle such a big project? They don't need me. They need you. I... I should probably stop existing—"
A sudden kiss silenced her.
Thunder cracked in the sky as Levi pulled away, his face flushed. The rain began to drizzle, soft drops falling and soaking them. Levi's hair clung to his forehead, and Sana stood frozen, her cheeks burning.
"Don't ever say no one needs you. I need you," Levi said firmly. "I need you to keep living. I know I'm terrible. I know I don't deserve you. But your existence is the best thing that's ever happened to me."
His hands gripped her arms tightly as he poured his feelings out. Sana's wide eyes brimmed with tears. She couldn't find the words to respond, her heart racing wildly.
Levi gently touched her chin, tilting her face. "Don't you feel the same?" he asked softly.
"I..." she stammered, her voice caught in her throat.
He leaned closer, running his fingers along her jawline. She turned her face away, flustered, but he gently guided her back. His lips brushed against her ear, then trailed down her neck, leaving her trembling. She clung to his shirt, tears streaming down her face. These were tears of love, not despair.
They embraced tightly, hearts pounding in sync. He looked her in the eyes and gently placed his right hand on the back of her craniovertebral Junction and bend her head a little down and kissed her forehead. Levi was leaning in for another kiss, but the door burst open.
"A—sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt!" Farlan stammered, quickly retreating down the stairs.
Levi froze, his cheeks burning red. "Tch, what an idiot," he muttered, stepping back.
Sana giggled despite herself. "So, Mr. Levi Heichou, all talk, huh? Can't admit it in front of Farlan?"
"Don't push your luck," Levi shot back, smirking.
He lifted her effortlessly by the waist. "Fine, let's see how brave you are now," he teased as he carried her downstairs.
The guards stared in disbelief. Levi's piercing glare sent them scrambling away. Sana squirmed in his grip, her face buried in her hands.
In his room, Levi gently set her down on the bed. He fetched a towel and dried her hair before handing her dry clothes.
"Change, or you'll catch a cold," he said, his voice softer now.
Sana nodded, changing quickly. When she returned, Levi was outside on the veranda with two steaming cups of tea.
They drank in silence, warmth spreading through their hands.
"Now, go to bed. You have court in the morning," Levi instructed, clearing their cups.
Sana went and laid down in the bed she was very nervous. She couldn't believe that this was happening to her in reality.
He came back and closed the door. He came close to her and bent down. She closed her eyes tightly. He could see how nervous it made her." you actually are an idiot," he whispered in her ear.
He picked her up and took her to the other side of the bed.
" that side was a bit wet, how will you sleep on that side then there would be no point in changing into dry clothes," he said while putting her down on the other side.
" Now sleep, you have to attend court in the morning as well" he added after a pause. He covered her with the blanket and turned to leave.
She caught his hand. "Aren't you going to sleep?"
"I've got some work. I'll join later. Don't worry. Sleep," he reassured her, gently prying her hand away.
He stepped outside into the cool night air, letting the breeze carry his thoughts away.