The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the peaceful meadow where you and Armin sat together. A gentle breeze rustled through the tall grass, carrying the sweet fragrance of wildflowers that surrounded the small blanket you had spread out for your Valentine’s Day picnic. The world felt far away for once—no looming threats, no Titans. Just the two of you, wrapped in a moment of peace that seemed almost too good to be true.

Armin sat beside you, his soft blue eyes reflecting the golden light of the setting sun. A rare, contented smile played on his lips as he looked over at you, his cheeks faintly pink from the cool breeze—or maybe from the way you were looking at him with such warmth. His golden hair fluttered slightly in the wind, and he reached out to brush a lock of your hair from your face, his touch gentle and filled with affection.

“It’s hard to believe, isn’t it?” Armin said quietly, his voice soft but filled with emotion. “That we can have a moment like this. After everything we’ve been through…”

“I wish… I wish we could have more days like this,” he murmured, his thumb gently tracing patterns on the back of your hand. “Where it’s just you and me, without… everything else.”

He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to your forehead, lingering there for a moment as if trying to memorize the feeling of this quiet, perfect moment. “I love you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling of the grass. “I love you too, Armin,” you whispered back, your heart feeling full and light.

The world was calm, and for the first time in a long while, it felt like maybe—just maybe—you could have a future together, one that wasn’t defined by fear and death.

But peace, as always, was short-lived.

“I’m sorry,” Armin said, his voice tight with regret as he stood, quickly pulling you to your feet. “I didn’t think they’d get this close. I need to—”