Armin watched Annie quietly reading in front of him. In the end, he said nothing more and turned to leave. Bai Yu, up in the tree, seemed to have fallen asleep again. He showed no reaction to Armin's departure, as though he had not noticed it at all.
Armin had only just turned around when he saw Ming sitting nearby, drinking. His wine-red eyes gazed up at the sky, and it was easy to see what was in his heart through that clear gaze.
Armin liked him a great deal. Or rather, almost everyone in the Survey Corps liked Ming a great deal.
"Ming!"
Armin waved to Ming, who was sitting at the edge of the steps.
Ming turned his head as well, looking over at the blond boy before him.
"Armin?"
With just one glance, Ming could tell that something was weighing on his mind. Ming was incredibly sensitive to emotions, even the slightest trace of them.
"Do you have anything urgent to do?"
Armin froze for a moment, then shook his head. He had finished his training for the day and had some free time.
Ming glanced this way and that, as though looking for someone. After looking around, he drew his gaze back, picked up a bottle from the ground, and gave it a gentle shake toward Armin.
His eyes rested quietly on Armin as he spoke in a calm, ethereal voice.
"Want a drink?"
Armin hurriedly waved his hands, looking a little embarrassed.
"N-no, thanks. I don't drink..."
Ming's hand paused. He brought the bottle closer to his face and took a look, then held it out to Armin again.
"Mm, it's like fruit juice. Give it a try."
Only after hearing that did Armin hesitantly accept the bottle from him. He looked at the writing