One month passed in a blur of preparations. Sana and Levi were busy with last-minute details for the wedding, making sure everything was perfect. Levi insisted on buying a house for them, wanting to provide a stable foundation for their growing family. It had been years since they left the underground, and this moment felt like the culmination of a long journey. He found a small, cozy house for them, just a stone's throw away from both of their barracks.
Isabel, true to her word, took charge of decorating the place, turning it into a warm, inviting space filled with the soft glow of night lamps and flowers. Of course, they ensured the house was connected to electricity and included simple appliances Sana had helped design. Finally, everything was coming together, the family they had all dreamed of. It felt as if, after a few more years, their world might finally find peace.
On the morning of their wedding day, the weather was perfect. The sun broke through the clouds, casting a gentle light over the fields. Soft leaves danced in the breeze, sunlight streaming through them in golden shafts. The ceremony was held at a quaint, open-air chapel by the edge of a small, babbling brook. The wooden pews were adorned with white roses and ivy, creating a simple yet elegant atmosphere.
Sana stood at the edge of the aisle, her heart a quiet storm, the weight of a thousand untold stories pressing against her chest. In the delicate folds of her gown, she felt every chapter of her life—every battle fought, every tear shed, every quiet victory. The fabric of her dress shimmered, soft as a whisper, flowing like the years that had passed since she first dreamed of escaping her fractured home and being loved. The silk clung to her, delicate yet resilient, just like the woman she had become—fragile in some ways but utterly unbreakable.
She glanced down at her hands, where a tiny heart was embroidered inside the hem—a secret just for her and Levi. It was a symbol of the love they had built, brick by brick, through moments both quiet and profound. How had she come so far? From the girl lost in the shadows of an abusive home to this moment, walking toward the man who had loved her in ways she never knew she needed.
The veil trailed behind her, light as a memory, catching the light just like her past—dark, but transformed. The lace on her sleeves and the delicate flowers on her bodice told her story. Each stitch was a battle won, each thread a lesson learned.
And then, there he was. Levi. Waiting at the altar. His crisp white shirt was simple but perfectly tailored, hugging his broad shoulders and tapering at the waist. It accentuated his lean frame and quiet strength, while his disheveled hair and sharp, icy eyes softened under the weight of the moment. The way he stood, calm and composed, radiated a quiet intensity that drew her in.
His gaze softened as she approached, and in that instant, Sana felt everything. Every hardship, every tear, every quiet triumph converged into this moment. She wasn't broken. She was whole.
The guests were a small gathering—Farlan, Layina, Isabel, Erwin, Hange, and Mike—all seated in the first two rows. Isabel was teary-eyed, Hange beaming with excitement, and even Erwin cracked a rare smile as he looked on. Mike gave Erwin a knowing side-eye, a quiet exchange between old friends. And Layina almost confused playing with flowers.
As the officiant began, Sana and Levi exchanged nervous smiles, their hands clasped tightly. The vows were simple, heartfelt, and unembellished. Levi's voice wavered slightly as he spoke, but his eyes never left Sana's.
"I never thought I'd be standing here," Levi said, his voice thick with emotion. "But I'm glad I am. With you, I have everything I need."
Sana's voice cracked as she spoke her vows. "You're everything I never knew I wanted, Levi. I promise to stand by your side, to face the world with you, and to build a life together that's filled with love and laughter."
The ceremony ended with a simple "I do," and they kissed softly under the arch of flowers. Farlan captured the moment with the camera. The guests clapped and cheered as they walked back down the aisle hand-in-hand, the sound of joy echoing in the warm afternoon air.
After the wedding, they drove to their new home, the one Isabel had lovingly decorated. It was small but full of warmth, with a simple dining area, a cozy living room, a small kitchen, and a modest garden. Night lamps and candles cast a soft glow throughout the house. Flowers adorned every corner, and a bouquet of roses rested on the kitchen table—a quiet reminder of the day they had promised forever to each other.
Levi stepped forward, wrapping his arms around Sana's waist. "This is ours now," he said softly, his voice hoarse with emotion.
Sana looked up at him, her eyes shining with tears. "Ours," she repeated, a smile breaking across her face.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, they sat together on the porch, looking out at the world they would now share.
Later that evening, after a simple meal and a few heartfelt toasts, they made their way to the bedroom. The bed was adorned with soft, white sheets, and the room was dimly lit with candles. Levi, more at ease than usual, gently pulled Sana close, his hands tender on her waist.
"Sana," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "I… I never thought I'd be here. But now that I am, I can't imagine being anywhere else."
Sana's eyes misted over as she pressed her forehead against his. "Me neither, Levi. This is exactly where I want to be."
He cupped her face in his hands, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "You're beautiful," he murmured, his voice a mix of reverence and awe. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a soft, lingering kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of everything they had overcome, every promise they had made, and the future they would share.
Their movements were slow, deliberate, as if savoring each second. Levi's hands traced the curve of her back, pulling her closer. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down her spine, and she leaned into him, her fingers tangling in his hair. Their breaths mingled, their hearts beating in sync as they lost themselves in the moment.
The room was quiet, save for the soft rustle of fabric and the gentle hum of their shared whispers. Levi's hands moved with a tenderness that belied his rough exterior, his touch reverent as if memorizing every inch of her.
Sana's hands explored his back, her fingertips brushing over the scars he bore. Each one told a story, and she felt a surge of love for the man who had endured so much yet stood before her, vulnerable and strong.
As the night deepened, they let go of the world outside, finding solace in each other. Their love was a quiet symphony, each note played with care and intention. When dawn finally broke, its light spilling into the room, they lay tangled together, their bodies entwined and their hearts full.
Levi's hand stroked gently across Sana's back, his lips brushing against her temple. "I love you," he whispered, his voice soft and steady.
Sana looked up at him, her smile radiant despite the tears glistening in her eyes. "I love you too," she replied, her voice a tender promise.
As they lay there, bathed in the golden light of a new day, they knew this was only the beginning of their story—one built on love, resilience, and hope for the future.