A large horde of Titans charged toward them from ahead, along with that enormous Colossal Titan. As it planted a foot on the ground, scalding steam seethed from its body beneath the blazing sun.
Bai Yu glanced behind him. They still hadn't completely shaken off the Titans, and several Pure Titans that had finished regenerating were approaching them again, their faces twisted with eerie greed.
In an instant, Bai Yu's mind raced. What do I do? What do I do? We can break through, but...
Bai Yu gritted his teeth and finally made his decision. Just as he was about to turn toward Eren, a hand suddenly grabbed his collar and pulled his gaze back.
It was Ming.
Those wine-red eyes quietly watched Bai Yu. For the first time since they had met-through training, drinking, sleeping, eating, and all their ordinary moments together-Ming smiled. A faint smile curved his lips.
It was gentle, so gentle that Bai Yu froze for a moment.
"Um... thank you for treating me to drinks..."
Ming spoke softly. In the next instant, he pulled hard on Bai Yu's collar, drawing him close. Bai Yu's first thought was how soft it felt, but before he could come to his senses, the rich fragrance of wine filled his mouth.
His mind became exquisitely clear in that moment... and elated. That mellow fragrance seemed to strike straight into his soul, surpassing every wine Bai Yu had ever drunk with Ming. It was a wine that belonged to Ming alone.
Bai Yu had never felt anything like it. His mind seemed intoxicated, utterly submerged in the sensation. That brief instant felt like an eternity, and he didn't want to pull away.
As they parted, Ming's smile turned a little helpless.
"But you won't need to anymore..."
His quiet voice