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Levi had always noticed the blonde in the crowd, his hair glistening under the harsh stage light like a halo. He was always at the front, waving a flag that bore Levi’s initials. His cheers and claps cut through the sea of screaming fans, clear and relentless, ringing in Levi’s ears long after the music ended.
As he stood on the street of Fifth Avenue, Levi almost didn’t recognise him. The man was dressed in a fine suit, tailored perfectly to his tall frame and broad shoulders, a stark contrast to the T-shirt that he wore to the shows, Levi’s face stretched across the fabric like a badge of devotion. Levi had told his manager, Hange, that it was a shit idea, but they had gone through with it anyway.
“The fans will love it!” Hange had said, beaming as they held the shirt up and inspected the print beneath their glasses, scrutinising every crooked line.
As ugly as the shirt could be, the fans did adore it. Within five minutes, all were sold out, instantly reborn as a rare collector’s item, something to be bragged about and displayed, a medal of loyalty to their idol.
Now here he was, no halo, no badge, just a respectable looking salary man, standing far too close, real in a way Levi hadn’t prepared for.
The man's smile brightened the moment he saw Levi approaching. His gaze swept over him, taking Levi in from head to toe, lingering on the outfit Hange had specifically chosen for him.
After the winner of the lucky draw for the special Valentine’s Date was announced, Hange had to run background checks on the man due to safety protocols. Alongside them came the purchase history, every ticket, every venue, every date logged.
He had been the first. Five years ago, he was the first to buy a ticket to Levi’s very first concert.
Five years ago, he was nothing more than a rookie Underground idol, a twenty-two-year-old with a dream too large to acquire and an ambition sharp enough to burst the tiny bubble of ego he hadn’t yet learned to restrain.
Vaguely, Levi remembered a man at the entrance of the train station. His hands had turned into an angry red from the snow and raw from the cold, breath fogging in the air. He had been standing there for hours, cheeks sore from smiling at the passersby, silently hoping that someone would stop. A few spared him a glance and declined with the simple shake of the head. Some shoved past him without acknowledgment, as if he didn’t exist.
The weight of reality seemed to daunt on him, harsher than the biting cold. He would never succeed as an idol. No one knew his name. No one ever would.
“I would like ten tickets, please.” The voice pierced his spiralling thoughts. His face hidden under a wide-brimmed wool hat, his features obscured by the dark.
“Ten tickets?” Levi repeated, disbelief in his tone. His expression turned from a pleasant smile to a sour scowl, thinking that the man was toying with him.
Without hesitation, the man then placed ten bills into Levi’s hands and answered, in a calm voice, “Yes, ten please.”
The cash was still warm from his grip.
“Of…course,” he stammered, fingers clumsy as he passed over the tickets.
“For my friends,” the man said simply, already turning away as he disappeared into the station.
On the night of Levi’s first show, the audience was painfully sparse - his highschool friends Farlan, Isabel and that same mysterious man sitting quietly in the front row, among the empty seats.
“There was no way he could remember this outfit,” Levi rolled his eyes, as Hange excitedly relayed their styling decision for this
But the way the man’s mouth was gaping open and his eyes sparkled with delight proved Levi wrong.
The matt back fabric of Levi’s dress made his porcelain skin stand out starkly, the hem falling just above his knees, faintly flushed with colour. The fine and intricate lace at the collar was almost spiderweb-thin. A pair of small, symmetrical ribbons were tied loosely at the cuffs of his sleeves, the strands floating around him as he moved. Around his neck sat a lace collar adorned with a pink bow, adding a hint of softness to the darkness of the dress.
His Mary Janes added a subtle height to his frame, lifting him just enough. Yet, wrapped in lace and ribbons, all the sharpness Levi possessed morphed into something doll-like, almost fragile. Levi still looked dainty, as if that was part of Hange’s plan too.
Levi stopped a short distance in front of him.
“So,” he said flatly, eyes flickering up to meet the man’s. “You’re Erwin?”
“Yes,” Erwin straightened at once. “I didn’t expect this, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet you today.”
“Tsk,” Levi clicked his tongue. “We’ve met plenty of times before.”
“I suppose you’re right, but I’ve never met the real you,” Erwin replied, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Levi studied him for a moment. Then he looked away. “Don’t get the wrong idea. This is just part of the event my manager arranged for me. Nothing more.”
“I understand,” Erwin said immediately.
Levi gave Erwin a sideways glance. “You’re taller than I expect,” Levi muttered.
Erwin chuckled, “I heard that quite a lot.”
“Tsk.” Levi turned away. “Let’s go. First stop’s waiting.”
As they walked, silence settled between the two, not comfortable, but heavy with unspoken words.
Levi noticed it quickly. The way Erwin opened his mouth, stopped, thinking better of it. Again and again.
It grated on his nerves.
“Either you say it or don’t.” Levi scowled. “You look like you’re constipated.”
Erwin blinked, taken back by the comment. Then he giggled,“I don’t think an idol should speak that way to a fan.”
Levi shrugged, “I don’t do all the fake smile bullshit. Guess that’s why people remember me.”
Erwin’s smile softened, something thoughtful flickering behind his eyes. “I think you’re right.”
They arrived at an arcade, neon signs flashing despite the daylight. Inside, it was quieter than usual. Most children would be in school. Valentine’s Day wasn’t a good enough excuse to miss school.
“What would you like to try first?” Erwin asked, scanning the nearly empty store.
“You’re the client today,” Levi replied. “I’m the one who is entertaining you. What do you want to try?”
“I don’t mind, as long as it’s something you enjoy.”
They wandered between rows of old machines and a line of photo booths.
A claw machine stuffed with black cat plushies caught Levi’s attention, just long enough to be noticeable. He stopped for a fraction of a second before moving on.
Erwin had already slid three coins into the slot.
“I told you, I’m the one who’s entertaining you. I’m supposed to pay for all the crap,” Levi rolled his eyes, but the usual bite of his words was missing.
Erwin asked, amused, “Can’t I give my favourite idol a gift?”
Levi scoffed, “Suit yourself.”
The claw descended. Missed. It drifted to the left, picked it up, before it fell uselessly into the pile again.
Erwin frowned and inserted three more coins.
This time, instead of aiming to the left, Erwin decided to move it to the right, yet the force he held on the joystick was slightly too strong. Clank. It hit the glass. Right before he was about to pick up the plush, the timer went off and the claw moved back to the original spot.
“You’re shit at this,” Levi murmured.
“I’m aware,” Erwin replied calmly, sliding in another three coins. “But I rarely quit something halfway.”
“That thing,” Levi pointed to the claw. “Is designed to trick people like you, desperate for a prize.”
“Isn’t that just life?” Erwin answered calmly.
Another attempt. Another failure.
The machine whirred. The plush shifted closer to the chute, but not close enough. Erwin paused, studying the arrangement of toys, his eyebrows furrowed like he’s strategising for a battle.
“You’re overthinking it,” Levi said. “It’s luck.”
Three more coins went into the slot.
The claw descended, catching the cat by the neck, its grip tighter this time. Levi stiffened as it rose, the plush swaying slightly.
Just as he was about to say told you so.
It slipped. A hollow thud.
Levi froze.
Erwin blinked and he crouched to look into the hole.
There it was. A black cat plush, soft and small, staring up at him with its blue button eyes.
“I guess I got lucky,” Erwin winked at Levi.
Levi turned to look at Erwin, the scowl faltering, replaced with something gentler. “You’ve got to be shitting me.”
Erwin reached in and retrieved it, handing it to Levi without ceremony.
“...Thank you,” he said at last, his voice small and barely above a whisper.
“This reminds me of something,” Erwin suggested, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Levi froze. “What?”
“That song that you sang for that commercial back in 2021,” Erwin said, unable to hide his satisfaction. “The one promoting the shelters. You were holding a black kitten in that ad.”
Levi groaned, “You had to bring that up?
“You sang about adopting stray cats,” Erwin continued, pleased with himself. “With that choreography.” He then clumsily mimicked the signature heart gesture Levi gave his fans after every concert.
“That was contractual,” Levi snapped. “I didn’t have a choice.”
“If I remembered correctly,” Erwin said calmly. “Back then you didn’t have an agency.” He smiled softly. “So you do care about the animals.”
“Shut up,” Levi murmured. He immediately turned his face away, hiding that blush that was blooming on his cheeks.
As they exited the arcade, Erwin was humming the melody under his breath, while Levi walked on, pretending not to hear a thing.
The cafe was only a short walk away.
It was tucked between two narrow buildings, the windows fogged from the warmth inside. A small bell chimed as they stepped through the door, the scent of freshly baked pastries and coffee filled the space.
Levi exhaled, his shoulders relaxed slightly, less tense than when they first met. His hand now clutched onto the plushie, “At least this place is quiet.”
Erwin glanced around, taking in the cafe’s muted but warm lighting and the handful of occupied tables, the details seemed oddly familiar. “Is this the cafe where you filmed that transition shot? The one between the carnival scene and the beach scene in your music video?”
“...Yes,” Levi replied after a pause, surprised. He had nearly forgotten about the brief transition entirely.
Erwin gestured to a table near the window, “I’d like to sit here.”
It was the exact table used in the clip, the one where the camera captured his reflection through the glass, his face framed by the windows as the bustle of the cafe blurred behind him.
Levi stared at the table then back at Erwin before nodding, “Fine.”
As they sat down, the waitress brought over two menus.
Although he had filmed a scene at the place, he had never actually dined at the cafe. Flipping over the menu, he browsed through the various options in search of something familiar. Somehow, he still couldn’t find the one thing he was looking for.
“If you’re looking for the tea section, it’s on page nine,” Erwin said casually.
“How did you-” Levi asked before stopping himself.
“I thought it’s common knowledge that you prefer tea,” Erwin shrugged.
“Well, I’ve never publicly stated it,” Levi said, amused.
“You’ve got a mood board for tea in your old Pinterest account,” Erwin said. “It’s not difficult to figure out.”
“My old Pinterest account?” Levi echoed, staring at him.
Erwin hesitated, just a second too long.
“Well,” he began, suddenly the menu on the desk became far more interesting than Levi’s skeptical expression. “You did an interview years ago. You mentioned enjoying collecting visual inspirations, like colours, fashion and art.”
“I didn’t say anything about my Pinterest account,” Levi narrowed his eyes. “That was about music.”
“I assumed that habit must have started somewhere. Pinterest seemed like the most likely platform,” Erwin said quickly.
“You assumed.”
Erwin cleared his throat. “Pinterest was… statistically likely.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
Erwin looked up at Levi, this time his expression had turned apologetic. “I promise I didn’t follow it. I only looked like once, or twice…Okay, maybe a few more times. But after you signed with your agency, you updated it less frequently and it turned into a private account. It-It just seems more than a coincidence.”
A beat.
“Sorry, I’m rambling,” Erwin added awkwardly.
Levi scoffed, “You know that’s creepy, right?”
“Yes,” Erwin admitted quietly. “Objectively.”
“But you didn’t mean to stalk me.”
“No,” Erwin answered. “I just paid attention to details.”
“You’re weird,” Levi said, but his lips twitched despite himself. “At least you’re honest about it.”
Once they placed their order, the food arrived not long after. Erwin had chosen a plate of omelette rice with a cappuccino, while Levi had ordered a large plate of pancakes and a pot of black tea.
“I didn’t know you have a sweet tooth,” Erwin teased. “If the fan club ever found out, they’d bury you under mountains of desserts. The fans would riot, knowing that you’ve got such an adorable preference.”
Levi shot him a look, “Don’t you dare.” He had built his career on an image - icy, distant and untouchable. Letting something like this slip would shatter it entirely.
“I won’t,” Erwin laughed. “I’d prefer to keep that information to myself.” He raised his index finger to his lips in a mock gesture of secrecy.
Levi poured syrup all over his pancakes. “You’d better.” But he didn’t sound threatening at all.
“I don’t mind if you know though…” Levi said quietly. If Erwin hadn’t paid attention for a single moment, he would have missed it.
Erwin didn’t speak, unsure how to respond. So he waited.
“You were the first person to ever buy my tickets,” Levi continued, eyes fixed on his plate. “If anyone’s allowed to know that much about me, it makes sense that it’s going to be you.”
Erwin’s breath caught. “You remembered?”
Levi shook his head, “No, not exactly.” He hesitated, then added, honest as ever. “My manager figured it out. Said you were the one at the train station that day.”
“I remembered the man,” Levi went on. “But with that stupid hat pulled down so low, I never saw your face. I thought you were just a friend of his who made it to my show.” He paused. “I wasn’t sure if it was you.”
Erwin lowered his gaze, “I didn’t think you’d ever connect it back to me.”
“Yeah. Neither did I.”
But here they were, sitting in front of each other for their Valentine’s Date.
Erwin was quiet for a long moment, before he said, “I didn’t buy the tickets for my friends.”
Levi’s hand stilled around his fork, the small piece of syrup-draped pancake suspended mid-bite.
“I knew I’d be the only one there,” Erwin went on. “I’ve seen you every time I passed by the train station that week. I was afraid if I only bought one, you might think no one wanted to come.”
Erwin chose his words carefully, “I didn’t want you to think your dream was invisible.”
“Idiot,” Levi muttered, but his tone was gentle.
Erwin smiled faintly. “Probably.”
After lunch, they headed to their final stop. The observation deck was farther out this time, so they boarded the train together.
Standing amongst the crowd, Erwin noticed how small Levi truly was. He had read through Levi’s profile countless times. His short stature, paired with his bitter words, had made him a favourite among fans.
But seeing it in real life was distinctively different from the neat 5 '3 on a screen. Stripped of the unrealistic stage and pedestal that he was put on, he looked miniature, almost adorable, with his hand curled around the black cat plush.
The train lurched forward. The crowd shifted with it, shoulders bumping into each other.
Without thinking, Erwin adjusted his stance, stepping half a pace closer. He turned his shoulder just enough to block the worst of the jostling, creating a narrow bubble for Levi to stand in.
Levi noticed immediately, “I don’t need a bodyguard.”
“I know,” Erwin replied calmly. “I’n just standing.”
“You’re hovering.”
Erwin asked, “Am I bothering you?”
“No,” came Levi’s blunt response, he turned his face away.
After the major stations passed, they finally got two seats side-by-side. Five more stops remained until their final destination.
This time, it was Levi who broke the silence, “How did you manage to win the lucky draw?”
That question was gnawing on him since Levi had learned that the winner was the very man who unknowingly made his dreams come true. Thousands of people entered the lucky draw, the chance of winning was slim, bordering on impossible.
“Perhaps I was just lucky,” Erwin replied.
“Erwin,” Levi sighed sharply. “Cut that bullshit. Life doesn’t hand out that many coincidences.”
“Alright. Maybe I did pull a few strings,” Erwin admitted.
Levi frowned. “I didn’t know you had connections with my management.”
“Would you believe me if I told you I bought all the tickets for your next show?”
Levi blinked. “What?” That was the only response that he could come up with.
“Technically, not just me,” Erwin clarified, clearly enjoying the shocked expression on Levi’s usually stoic face. “I had everyone at my company log onto the website at the same time.”
“Your company?” Levi repeated.
Erwin added, as if it were common knowledge, “I am the founder of Maria Tech.”
The train rattled forward.
“You’re unbelievable,” Levi finally said.
This man who was a frequent visitor to nearly every one of his live shows, wearing that hideous T-shirt, shouting himself hoarse, was apparently a tech genius. Though Levi didn’t care much about corporate hierarchies or who ran what, even he knew his phone was registered under Maria Tech.
“I could give you a discount on your phone bill next time,” Erwin laughed.
Levi shot him a flat stare. “Try it and I’ll switch providers.”
Erwin smiled, unbothered. “Duly noted.”
When they left the train station, it was already five o’clock. The sign of the observation deck was in front of them, its arrow pointing upward.
Levi walked ahead, slipping the plush under his arm without thinking. Erwin followed, a few paces behind. He could tell something was bothering Levi from the stiffness in his posture, the way his jaws had locked. Yet, he couldn’t quite place the reason. Levi didn’t look annoyed. If anything, he looked reluctant.
In Levi’s mind, he was counting down the time. Six o’clock. A clean cutoff, written plainly. Surely, he would see Erwin again in his shows, but he would never have a chance to truly meet him after this date. He didn’t have a reason to. He was enjoying himself, that was the problem.
He clicked his tongue, walked on, refusing to slow down.
The elevator ride passed in near silence. When the doors opened, the city unfolded before them. Glass walls stretched from floor to ceiling, revealing the spectacular view of the rooftops and winding streets below. The sunset bathed everything in a golden hue, the shadows soft as the day titled towards evening.
Levi stepped close to the window, arms crossed, feigning admiration for the view, but his mind was drifting off.
Erwin lingered, a step back. “It’s beautiful. The whole city looks tiny like a playset.”
Levi hummed in response.
One hour. The number settled heavily on his chest.
“Is something bothering you?” Erwin asked, concern softening his voice.
Levi shook his head. “Nothing.”
Erwin studied him for a moment. “If you’re tired, I can call a taxi,” he offered. “You’ve already entertained me for the whole day. I’m more than grateful for the time you spent with me.”
“No.” The answer came too fast.
Levi turned his head slightly, facing Erwin. “I’m not exhausted.”
Erwin didn’t push. “Alright, then we’ll stay.” There was something understanding lingering in his tone.
Levi remained by the glass, pretending not to let the ache in his chest engulf him. The two stayed together, engaging in pointless small talk, words that spoke of nothing, words that only served the purpose of delaying the inevitable farewell.
5.48.
“It’s almost six,” Erwin said quietly, as if stating the obvious would soften it.
“Yeah, I know.”
Erwin looked at Levi and noticed there was something slightly off about his expression. “Then I suppose this is where we-”
“No.”
Erwin paused, taken back.
“I mean- I-” Levi stuttered, irritated. “It’s going to be a pain in the ass to get back home during rush hour. And I don’t like dealing with people recognizing me.”
Erwin replied calmly, “We can wait.”
“This observatory closes early today. I can-”
“If you don’t mind,” Erwin interrupted gently. “You could come to my apartment. It’s just right around the corner.”
“I don’t want to bother you,” Levi turned away. “I’ll just wait at the cafe downstairs.”
They stood there a moment longer, the evening city humming beneath their feet, as the people left their workplaces.
Erwin nodded once, accepting Levi’s answer without protest. “Alright, I’ll walk you downstairs.”
The elevator ride down was silent. Levi kept his eyes on the descending numbers, counting down the seconds when they had to part. When the doors slid apart, the light was dim. The usual low chatter in the cafe was gone, the lights dimmed.
A small sign hung on the door. “Closed early - Valentine’s Day”
“Tch,” Levi muttered under his breath. “Seems like they’ve decided for us.”
“I can call you a taxi,” Erwin said, taking out his phone.
“No,” Levi cut again. “I don’t want to stand out here.”
A beat.
“Your apartment,” Levi said at last, staring at the darkened cafe. “Just until the crowd clears.”
Erwin didn’t tease or comment. He nodded, relief flickering in his expression.
“Of course.”
“Don’t get the wrong idea,” Levi turned then started walking.
The streetlights hummed to life around them as they walked away from the station.
______________
They stopped in front of a luxurious complex. The pristine white walls of the building shone in the dim darkness.
The inside of Erwin’s apartment was tidy, faintly scented with coffee and ink. Levi stopped in first then froze mid-step.
Everywhere.
Posters lined the walls. Framed photographs hung above the TV, each one chosen, the order meticulously picked fitting the timeline. Shelves were stacked with CDs from every era, most duplicated, most triplicated. Limited edition merchandise even Levi didn’t know existed sat behind display glass. On the table rested a signed photograph of himself, placed neatly, like an offering.
It wasn’t chaotic. It was intentional, the items put together with much time, much thought and much consideration.
Behind, Erwin stood stiffly, face flushed with unmistakable embarrassment.
Levi picked up the first CD on the shelf, “Really? I didn’t think anyone would still have a copy of this.”
“You could say I was a dedicated collector.”
“Erwin,” Levi said. “That CD existed before my official debut.”
“I’m aware,” Erwin answered, unfazed.
“You’re insane,” Levi scoffed softly.
Erwin met his gaze, honest to a fault. “I know.”
They sat in silence, the city lights twinkling one by one. A warm cup of tea rested in Levi’s hands, grounding him.
His gaze drifted to the photograph on the table: an image of himself smiling in a way he had long forgotten. That version of himself felt impossibly distant, yet achingly familiar. Unpolished. Free. Human.
Levi sipped his tea, letting the warmth seep between his fingers. For the first time in forever, he was simply allowed to exist, not as the ice-cold idol on stage, not as the carefully crafted public image.
Erwin smiled, his presence steady and patient.
Their gazes met. The faintest tug of the corner of Levi’s lips appeared, almost imperceptible, but enough.
Here in the quiet apartment, Levi didn’t need to be anyone but himself. He realized, perhaps for the first time in his life, that he was more than enough, at least to the man sitting across him.