Armin's POV

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It all started when I was 15, and my idealistic character only drowned me into an unspoken unrequited love. I like her, but it's easier said than done. And now, we're already in college—

"Armin, your cursed note fell." Annie picked up the thing and I quickly snatched it before she can even lay her eyes on the cover page.

"No! You will be cursed." I unintentionally yelled at her when I felt my heart close to bursting.

"Do you still believe that?" I could see her raise a brow before she snatched back my notebook and run wild on the field.

Oh no.

She's obviously faster than me, she's stronger, more athletic, she's better than me in any way and she grows so fast. There's no way she'll notice me, a humdrum. The only thing that kept us close was our friendship, and I can't imagine us without it.

But, even with the tiniest chance, I still hope we could happen...

So, I chased her.

"Hey, Armin! I'm going to read it now!" Her voice echoed from the other end of the field, and here I am, panting and out of breath by running half of what she covered.

"You're a tease. Give that back, dammit!" I screamed my lungs out as I gasped for air, collapsing on my knees.

She'll going to read it now. My four-year plan will be wasted. This is it.

Getting back to all those years since I decided to confess to her, all I actually did was watch her and plan for the ultimate technique that no one will ever forget. Soon, those plans just piled up until I wrote a book out of it.

That's how coward I am.

And it's a shame that...I still haven't kissed her.

I drowned in hopelessness as I watch my sweat dropping on the grass, not until her figure shadowed me.

"I'm just kidding, alright?" She tossed the thing and I caught it as I look up to her.

That 'between life and death' situation made me realize that I don't have every time on earth to confess to her. If I love her, she should know and I'm nowhere near to falling out.

I really like my best friend.

She's always perfect in my eyes and she would never know how hard I'm resisting myself to kiss her when she's close.

Closer.

I threw my head back to gasp for air, and I love the sky today. It's like her eyes.

I inhaled before I looked back at her, and I can see the worry in her eyes. A chance. I braced myself and I faked fainting out.

I heard her call my name and it was funny that she had no idea. I waited for her to say something, maybe she'll confess to me—just maybe, in my daydream...

"Get up, dummy." She said in a rather scary voice before a powerful kick landed on my side and she's obviously not holding back.

I refrained from crouching from the pain and it made me want to groan. Even so, I still carried out my plan and pretended that I passed out for real.

"Oi. Are you seriously—?" She shook me and I could only imagine her kneeling beside.

"Hey...Armin... This isn't funny, I'm telling you!" Panic rose in her voice as she gently tapped and shook my face.

Just a little more.

"I'll call the school nurse..."

No, wait. I can't make her confess in this way, so I need to do something.

"CPR." I choked,

"I can't breathe, Annie." The next words came out in chuckles when I realized that it's becoming sillier. Moreover, she's already doubtful from the start and I should have executed this plan on the beach.

"F*ck you." She hissed as she stood up and kicked me one more time, "F*ck you, Armin!"

"Ok, ok, I'm sorry!" I curled up in case she'll punch me, and I'm correct. She jabbed at me and pulled my hair to make me stand, a scowl forming on her face. I didn't know why she's overreacting, but I like it when she's concern. Although, she's going to kill me in no time.

"What were you thinking?" She coldly stared at me without letting go of my hair despite her being smaller than me.

"Nothing. It just happened." I stuttered as my heart hammered on me chest. I can feel it's screaming and telling me to kiss her, but my mind was in panic. What if she'll hate me after this?

Either way, I need to at least search for hints that would encourage me to continue my plan. Something that won't be over suspicious.

"So, are you gonna f*ck me or not?" I blurted out and that caught her off guard, visible to her skeptical eyes.

"F*ck off and don't talk to me." She scowled again as she pushed me and walked away, leaving me at the center of the field. I watched her disappear on my sight without noticing that I'm smiling like crazy. At least I know that she cares for me, so I need to try again.

First attempt failed.

...

I submerged myself in the bathtub as I reviewed what has gone wrong with the 'CPR' plan.

No, this is perfect. My head perked when I finally connected the dots. The previous failed attempt actually led to a contingency plan.

I reached for my phone to call Annie and invite her tomorrow. And I hesitated for a moment, thinking that she doesn't want to talk to me after the annoying prank that I pulled earlier.

But I was wrong, she accepted the call and my heart just leaped in joy.

The next day came and I was sleepless and anxious and doubtful.

Can I do it now? I thought as I restlessly waited for the end of our class. The professor soon dismissed us, and I found Annie at our meeting place: the field bleachers.

She jumped on the ground when she saw me, her expression barely changing, but I like it all the same. We walked, dull and quiet, to the near ice cream shop which I already surveyed on my way to school.

"Let's try their new flavor." I suggested before she can answer my first question. I didn't get a response so it's a go, I suppose.

We sat in silence at the almost empty ice cream shop and the only thing that I could hear was the faint sound coming from her earphones. She loves listening to music, whether contemporary or classical, she likes them both.

I played with the tissue holder to ignore the silence until the large bowl of ice cream came with two teaspoons. I peeked at Annie and saw that she's equally surprised as me.

"This is too much." She muttered as her eyes opened wider.

"Knowing you, this isn't much." I teased before I scooped a teaspoon out of it, making her open her mouth so I can feed her.

She suspiciously stared at me with her piercing eyes before she took it.

Yes! I internally celebrated, decorating my face with a bright smile.

The only thing left to do was to pull the spoon out of her mouth and eat the rest of the ice cream using the same spoon.

Indirect kiss.

However, she bit the head of the teaspoon and I can feel it stuck against my grip. I tried to slowly pull it but she's not giving in.

She bit the spoon harder as she turned her head sideway, and I didn't have a choice but to let go. She then handed me her unused spoon.

I should have made her eat using her spoon first before I fed her so even if we swap, I can still make it!

Dammit! That was close! I can feel my face grew warmer, mostly due to embarrassment.

"What? Don't you like the new flavor? It's delicious!" She cheered and I was taken aback with her sudden change in mood. That makes me think, did she actually sensed that I was planning something?! If that was the case, maybe she doesn't want it.

The thought struck me hard and it makes me want to give up. But she's still here. Smiling at me.

"It's going to melt." She chuckled and I knew I was falling again.

Second attempt, failed.

When will you let me give up, huh? Annie?

If the second attempt didn't work, then I have to do the next on the same day on a public transportation, where everyone was frantic and desperate to go home to soak in warm bath after the tiring day!

It was during rush hour and the train was almost full. I squeezed my way to the middle and luckily, I spotted a narrow seat just for Annie. Eventually, I found myself standing in front of her, holding the pole as the train started to move.

"You got taller." She broke the silence and I'm happy that she noticed my growth.

"Well, yeah. I'm working out." I chuckled as I habitually scratch my head whenever she's complimenting me. I wasn't the same, and it seems like I'm becoming timid around her nowadays.

The train suddenly stopped and I almost tripped, thankfully I was quick to grab the pole. Few of the passengers went off, but the train was loaded again, and this time it was more crowded than before.

Annie watched me maneuver in the crowd and I could see her purse her lips and avert her gaze. She's probably laughing at me!

Not long enough, she stood with me. I was clueless, not until I saw an old lady making her way in the crowd. Annie let the old lady sit, and I have to say that she's really nice to the elders.

The train moved again, but I was further from the pole, so I wasn't prepared.

I felt my body pressed against Annie. "I-I'm sorry—" I faced her to check if she's alright, but the train momentarily stopped again, making our faces drew closer due to momentum. That was the time that I've been waiting for.

I just need to lean forward.

She was close enough, and again, I felt my heart pounding as if telling me to kiss her, but she's too stunning!

Dammit. I can't do it, my mind and body won't do it.

We were taken by another surprise when the guy behind her accidentally nudged her. She was close so I caught her. After that, she had to cling to me throughout the whole trip as we both clutched on the same pole to prevent us from stumbling, and I undeniably liked it.

"Remind me to take the cab during rush hours." She grabbed my hand as we once again dashed our way out of the crowded subway.

"No way." I joked as I squeezed back to her soft grip.

Third attempt, failed.

But I'm holding her hand, that's enough for now.

...

I scanned the notes that I've been writing, and I already executed three.

I still have plenty. I reminded myself as I got my phone to invite Annie to the music festival. Part of the plan was to take her somewhere she loves and confess to her. The thought itself made my face burn in excitement.

However, she immediately replied-- a 'no'.

"Whaaaa?!" I ruffled my hair before another message popped out.

"My father is sick, so I have to go home and take care of him." – Annie

Something she loves, something she's committed to. That's right, Annie is family oriented.

I had to change my plans, instead of going to the music fest, maybe I can help her tend to her father.

I quickly text back to say that I'm going with her, and fortunately, she agreed.

"Annie's dad lives in the west coast, and I love the sea! So, it was like hitting two birds in one stone." I muttered to myself as I went out to pick her up in her apartment.

"You overpacked." She remarked when she saw my luggage.

"But where going to the sea--?" I reasoned out that slowly died down into a question when I saw her cock her brows.

"Haven't I mentioned?"

"M-Mentioned what?"

"My father moved to the highland--" She said, and it felt like my plans already collapsed, "...but we only need a short trip to the coast, so we can visit the beach if you want."

She's too considerate! I suddenly felt alive and soon, the long five hours of travel seems to pass in a flash. The trekking was the only part that made things hard, considering that I'm not used to mountaineering. Annie on the other hand was energetic since we set foot on the mountain.

"You know I can't keep up with you, Annie." I gasped for air before I bent down, leaning on my knees to rest. Also, I noticed that my stomach started to hurt as we get higher in altitude.

"I'm actually surprised that you reached this far. But you still need training." She teased as she looked around at the tall trees, "I really like the forest." She hummed, and I could feel my face heat up.

"More than the sea?"

"Honestly, yes." She smiled and I felt revived.

Mr. Leonhardt welcomed us outside the fairly huge manor. Annie told me that it was their ancestral home that they only use on vacations and camping trips. Her father eventually moved in because it will only go to waste if no one will reside in the house.

"Is this the real Armin?!" Mr. Leonhardt hugged me, and it was familiar. Our family were good friends, though my father died at an early age and I lived in the city after that, so I didn't get in touch with Mr. Leonhardt for a very long time.

I guess Annie is destined to be with me—

In the middle of reminiscing the old days, my sight suddenly revolved as Mr. Leonhardt flipped me, and I think I just heard my ribs broke.

"Dad, he's--"

"Ah, you have a frail body just like your father, huh?" Mr. Leonhardt chuckled. He's a top tier combatant, I heard from Annie, and tossing people around is their definition of warm welcome! Yet, broken ribs don't matter if I get to kiss her.

However...

Mr. Leonhardt closely watches us all the time, so how can I do the trick?

I facepalmed, thinking that the plan will going to fail. Again.

"What are you doing?" Annie sat beside me on the dining table as I was mulling over the upcoming failure.

"I'm stressed." I grunted.

"Really? Why?" She asked worriedly, but for a second, I think I saw her smile. Or am I daydreaming?

"The sea?" She asked again, breaking the silence.

Ah, she really knows how to cheer me up.

...

I guess, fourth attempt failed. But I'm nowhere close to giving up. I already accepted that these plots will not going to be easy.

Besides, highly valued rewards are not easy to get. I reminded myself as I turned to Annie who's already in her swimwear, and I couldn't stop myself from being jealous every time a stranger turns his head at her.

I don't like this. I instinctively position myself beside her, somewhere that would block her image from the creeps. And I wouldn't realize it if she didn't stop me.

"It's making me dizzy."

"What?"

"You, walking around. Why are you fiddling anyway?" Her pace lowered as she kicked the sand.

I was afraid to answer it truthfully, and I think she deserves some mystery. I really like it when she's concerned, "I don't know," I bluntly answered.

Finally, we reached the port after a restless walk on the sand. We rode the speedboat with Mr. Leonhardt, but I made sure that he will not know about the next plan: to challenge Annie into a game that she's best at.

Swimming.

Also, the plan cannot be done without the dare. Then, I'll bet for a kiss. And if she wins—I don't mind the consequences. But, of course, I won't compete without something up my sleeves. She didn't know I'm also good at swimming!

When we were approximately 100 meters away from the shore, I challenged her for a swimming race, and as expected, she confidently accepted. The bets still unknown.

We positioned ourselves on the bow, a foot on top of the railings.

"...go!" Mr. Leonhardt signaled, and we promptly lift ourselves up the railings and dived into the water as I felt the motorboat sway along the waves and our weights.

I did my best and swam straight to the shore until my feet reached a solid part. And I'm confident that I was fast enough to defeat her...

"You really thought you'd win against me, Armin." Annie snickered. She's already smugly standing at the dry sand, arms crossed.

Shit. I knelt at the sand as I let myself be pushed by the waves to where she was, almost choking at the saltiness of defeat...and the seawater.

"Cheat." I matched her smugness as she giggled along my remark.

"I knew you'd say that." She laughed and she's pretty, "But a dare is a dare." It was scary but she's pretty either way.

"Name it." I answered, making myself believe that there's nothing to be anxious about. She could be cruel but she's also modest—

"Kiss me." She pulled me out of my trance only to mess up with my mind again. Did I heard it correct or it was just the sound of the waves brushing on the sand?

My heart was on outburst as I stared at her, dumbfounded. I want to say yes,

"Really?"

"I know you won't." She said, and I heard it in daze.

Not now. Dammit.

Before I even realize it, we're already back in the city, and I didn't have the chance—no, courage to do what I've been planning all this time.

It was strange and rather absurd, but I actually felt accomplished for unknown reasons, a sense of buoyancy that got me smiling at my ceiling for a whole month.

...

The social ball came, and I still don't have the balls to confess. But if that could ruin our current relationship, then I will just give up—

"Armin, do you already have a date for the ball?" Hitch asked as we rummaged inside the locker.

"Is that necessary?" I asked back, only receiving an unamused glare from her.

"Man up." She muttered with an uncomfortable taunt in her tone, "I know you like Annie."

I was about to shrug that off and walk away, but she didn't let me.

"Don't try to deny it." She stopped me with the startling slam on her locker, then the next thing surprised me,

"...I'll help you."

And with that, I let Hitch read my notes, saying that it was ridiculous. However, there were few that she found interesting and she lent her hand to give me another dying hope.

So, I attended the ball with her to make Annie jealous.

"Are you sure she'll come?" I asked as she hooked her arm on mine.

"Surely. Bertholdt Hoover of the football team insisted her. You know what that means, right?" She said without taking her eyes off on our way to the social hall.

Hearing that made my stomach churn and I could feel the anxiety eating me up. Hitch had easily spotted Annie with the tall football team Vice Captain, which made the disquieting sensation in my body worse.

Hitch seemed to feel it, so she clutched on my arm harder to remind me of the plan. The music started to amplify encouraging the students, mostly the sophomores and juniors to take their own spaces on the dance floor. Hitch pulled me as she seducingly laid her arms on my shoulders and intertwined her hands on my nape. She's doing it fine and it almost felt natural.

Not soon enough, Annie took notice of our presence and pulled Bertholdt near to where we stand to join us in dancing.

She danced elegantly in her black dress that matched her eyes, hair and skin perfectly. Being close to her only made me feel unworthy and upset.

I bit my lip as I resisted the electrifying sensation caused by our backs mildly brushing against each other. I thought it was Hitch's doing so I glared at her, but then she chortled and winked at me as if telling me that the plan is taking its effect.

No way. I looked at her in disbelief as a smile slowly curled on my lips. She smiled back on purpose when she met Annie's gaze as she pulled me closer, saying, "I didn't know you can be this dashing, Arlert."

I blushed at her remark and I only wish it was true to me.

"Geez. Stop flirting." I added to the fire.

"Well then, Arlert, I'm free until tomorrow." She smirked, and we were both aware that we're already in the provocation part when we throw adlibs to make our actions conspicuous. For a moment, I was way too focused in our shenanigans that I lost track of Annie's situation.

A hand suddenly grabbed my arm off on Hitch's waist.

"Good evening, Hitch. Time for the mixers." Annie said in a bone-chilling voice, and that only reminded me that I've been missing her voice.

Bertholdt was surprised too but agreed otherwise. We swapped partners before Annie pulled me further from the others until we reached the hallway.

"Let's go home." She said as she dragged me out of the building, only stopping at the doorway.

"Why? The ball only happens once a year—"

"Shut it."

I could feel the intensity in her tone, but she looked calm. Her face remained neutral as she stared into my eyes. I wanted to avert my gaze, but her expression says 'don't'.

"I know what you've been doing, Armin." She mumbled while the words seem to make me nervous. I know she's serious, I could see it in her eyes. And I don't understand why my heart reacts whenever she's upset with me.

"What do you know?" I clenched my fist as I felt the rising tension between us and it's making it harder to breathe.

The night was cold, but Annie's eyes were much chilling, and at the back of my mind, I asked myself if I really wanted to know the answer to my question.

"I've been reading the cursed notebook, sissy." She turned her back and hopped down the stairs, and that gave me the space to catch my breathe.

So, she knew all this time, but she never did anything. The thought hurts me differently and I'm sure that the path that I am taking will only lead to rejection. The pain almost made me tear up.

Sixth attempt failed.

Even so, I instinctively followed her in silence as she wandered around to the open field.

I've always been chasing her. And I already memorized what her back looks like. She has a slightly crooked back, and her skin is pale, nevertheless, everything that she has perfectly suits her.

"Say something. You used to be very talkative." She broke the ice as I started to warm up.

"Everything that you know, you can still ignore them, right?" I bit my lip as I swallowed the building cramp in my throat that was hindering me from thinking and speaking properly.

"I can, but I don't." She stopped from walking, then slumped at the empty bleachers.

I joined her as we both gazed at the dark sky, "I don't want to ruin anything. But if you want me to stay away—"

"What makes you think about that?" She cut me off, and I turned to look at her face and she was smiling. The curves of her face, her cheeks, nose and eyes were lit up by the moon and the stars.

She's beautiful.

"You know what?" I stared back at the dark sky decorated by the stars as I pondered with the idea that the sky is the only thing that connects us.

"You're beautiful. And if I only knew that we would end up like this, I wish I should have told you from the start."

"That's nonsense." It was her time to look at me.

"I know."

"No." She chuckled, and I really thought she was playing with me, but I was wrong, "I waited for you to pull the ultimate plan, but I'm an impatient person and you're too coward and gentle to kiss me." A suppressed laugh escaped her lips.

What?

"You're waiting?"

"Of course, dork. But I know you wouldn't do it unless I make a move."

Does this mean—

Then the seventh way is to wait for your best friend to show her motive...

"So, why don't you ask me now?" She smiled reassuringly, and I could feel my body lighten up.

...and ask her straight.

"Can I kiss you?" I gulped as she scooted closer, pulling my collar and took my remaining time to process everything with a sloppy kiss.

"Try not to be gentle." She whispered before she caught my lower lip and bit it.

I felt my heart throb uncontrollably as the tingling sensation in my stomach intensifies. Her hand trailed up to my face, closing her eyes as she persuasively moved her soft lips against mine. And she effectively captivated me.

There was the doubt at the back of my mind telling me that it was all a dream, but her touch was forcing me to believe that everything was real, that I'm already kissing her, and that our feelings are mutual.

This is what I've been waiting for.

I subconsciously squeezed her shoulders before we parted to catch our breaths.

"What?" She momentarily stopped to look at me whose mind was still dazing off to somewhere else. Her cheeks were flushed red and her dress was partly ruffled. She run her fingers through my hair, and I could feel the excitement all over my body. She smiled at every spasm I make from her touch. It was embarrassing but she's attractive.

"Since when?"

"You'll never know."

I could feel her nose against my locks as I worked on my buttons to take off my suit. She straddled after she removed her sandals as I wrapped the suit on her sleeveless shivering shoulders.

"I love you, Armin." She whispered before leaning in for another kiss as we hide under the piece of cloth that covers us from the night fog. All I could see was the light in her eyes as we were engulfed by her sweet perfume.

"You have no idea, Annie." I smiled as she traced my face with her searching thumbs.

"I'm so going to kill Hitch later. I just hoped she didn't touch you, or else you'll be caught up in my wrath—"

I caught her lips with mine, and she made me feel that she's enjoying my gentle touches. Regardless, it surprised me that she talks too much tonight, but I won't deny that I'm happy to witness her obsessed side, particularly for me.

"I could say the same to Hoover—"

"So, don't make me jealous again." She warned but it wasn't as scary as before.

"That's cute."

"Shut up, Armin."

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End Note:

Annie can be too teasing sometimes, but she did, indirectly, hinted that she likes Armin. (Edited)