DEVILS [ ERWIN X HANGE ] Highschool AU

Broken Cage

CH. 20

Broken Cage

Trigger Warning: suicide attempts

"Your step-father?" Erwin nodded.

"Is it a family issue or some sort?" Hange asked again.

"I'm pretty terrible at consulting and all that stuff but.. Hey if you need to talk about something I'll gladly listen." She added, scratching the back of her head.

"Also I won't pry into your problems and all that.. It does sound personal.." She said,

"Thank you." Erwin replied but even though he sounded thankful, his smile still looked sad.

"Ah no worries. You did help me get through that weird dilemma last weekend..."

"My stepfather.. And I.. Are not on great terms." He said, looking away.

It's gone. The headache.. Though I mentioned him just now.. Erwin thought.

Now that he thought about it, he remembered that the picture of Edward did pass his mind a few times when he was hanging out with Hange, especially last sunday. Though he had thought about Edward, he never felt any headache the whole day with Hange. His mood was also never affected by it, instead he managed to stay happy that day.

Erwin sighed.

"My stepfather.. Well let's say we both have different values and all that, so sometimes things get heated up between us."

That was also the first time Erwin referred Edward as 'Stepfather' instead of 'father' when talking to someone else. Realizing this, he scoffed.

He must've fallen deep for her.

"It's quite complicated." He decided to stop his explanation before getting himself out of hand.

"Sounds rough.." Hange empathized.

"I'm sure you two could figure out something together!" Hange patted the blondie's left shoulder.

Hange smiled while patting Erwin's shoulder. It felt comforting and rather, the scene felt a little familiar.

Erwin suddenly remembered how it was him who was patting the brunette and comforting her after the vault incident..

Which was an incident he planned to happen..

Erwin froze.

What have I done?

A wave of regrets splashed over his figure. He tried looking away from the brunette but he was stuck in Hange's warming gaze. Erwin's smile slowly faded.

What.. Have I done?

Finally he cleared his throat, breaking the silence as he did. He looked away and he took a step back.

Surprised by the sudden gesture, Hange lifted her eyes. Her hands stopped patting the blondie's shoulder as the blondie walked back.

"What's wrong?"

It seems that Hange noticed the sudden change of mood happening to the blondie in front of her.

"It's nothing." Erwin replied, his smile had completely faded.

"Erwin?"

"Hange. Tomorrow will be the last." Erwin started, his tone was stiff as steel.

"Last? Huh? What are you talkin-"

"I promise."

Erwin looked back at the brunette's brown eyes. This time his blue orbs looked serious and intimidating.