This Side of Levi

Portia's P.O.V

After eating, we showered and headed to the downtown area to buy some groceries. This town is small, and it feels like everybody knows each other. We stopped at a little bakeshop.

"Hey! Levi, how are you, my kid?" an old man called out as soon as we stepped out of the car.

Levi looked up and smiled, walking toward him. I followed.

"I'm doing good. How about you?" Levi asked, his tone calm, but with a quiet concern only I could notice.

"Oh, don't mind this old man. I'm kicking as well as ever!" the old man laughed and ruffled Levi's hair.

Then he looked at me with a grin. "You brought a little lady with you. Is she finally your wife?"

Levi glanced at me. His smile shifted into a smirk as his eyes searched for mine.

"You think she'll fit, Grandpa?" he asked.

The old man chuckled. "The lady is pretty, my kid. I can sense her heart too. Don't mess with her."

"Well then," Levi replied, "she'll be meeting the altar—if she wins."

My heart skipped a beat. Blood rushed to my cheeks. Did he mean that... or was he just teasing me?

"No matter what game you two are playing," Grandpa said wisely, "don't lose your heart in the end, my kid."

Levi nodded solemnly.

The old man prepared some fresh bread for us—huge, golden loaves that smelled heavenly.

"Here, take this with you," he said, handing over a paper bag full of bread.

"I told you, you don't have to give me so much every time," Levi said.

"It's alright, my kid. I want you to eat a lot and stay healthy. Come on, take it."

I stepped forward and took the bag. "Thank you so much, sir."

He smiled at me warmly. "What's your name, young lady?"

"Portia. Thank you so much for the bread, Grandpa," I replied, bowing slightly.

"Such a beautiful name. Take care of this young man beside me. He's getting old," he said with a teasing grin.

"You can count on me, Grandpa," I giggled.

"Call me Grandpa Andy, Portia," he said kindly. Levi looked at us with mock confusion.

"What are you looking at, my kid?" Grandpa asked him.

"Nothing. You just told her I'm getting old," Levi muttered, clearly pretending to be annoyed.

Grandpa Andy laughed. "You never change, my kid."

"Anyway, you two go now. You probably have a lot to do. Come back again sometime—customers will be coming in soon and your grandpa will be busy."

Levi nodded. "Okay, Grandpa. But don't overwork yourself."

"I won't, dear," Grandpa said, waving us off.

As we reached the car, Levi opened a large thermal bag. "Put the bread here. Let's go and get some groceries."

After closing the car, we walked around the area before heading into the store. These short walks—just chatting and being near him—felt so simple yet so exciting.

"Why'd you go quiet all of a sudden?" Levi asked.

"I just realized… I love these simple walks with you," I said softly.

He stopped, turned me around to face him, and gave me a quick peck on the lips.

"There. Love it more," he said before looking away, flustered.

I blushed hard, smiling to myself. We entered the grocery store, a bit shy but still talking and joking around. I loved this playful side of Levi—he didn't smile often, but when he did, it made my heart flutter.

"I grew up here with my two best friends," Levi said suddenly.

"Where are they now?" I asked.

His expression dimmed. "They left me. Like Mom. They died in an accident… I was helpless again."

His words hit me like a wave. How many times had life tried to break this man?

I gently smiled, trying to ease the ache I felt for him. "Hey, Levi… it's alright."

He looked at me, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Thank you. You're the first person who ever told me it's okay."

I reached up and turned his face to mine. "I'll always make you feel that everything will be fine, Levi. I'll keep your heart safe and sound until the day I die. So worry no more."

He opened his mouth to say something, but paused, looking at the people nearby. "Ehh, they're watching," he muttered, slipping my hand into his cardigan pocket with his own. "Let's finish the groceries, little lady."

I laughed. "Stop being cute."

"Stop laughing," he said, trying—and failing—to hide a grin.

This was the first time I saw him smile like this. I wanted to see more.

"Can you add some tea to our cart? I've got a phone call," he said, walking off.

I nodded and went to the tea aisle. I spotted my favorite brand—of course, on the top shelf. As I struggled to reach it, someone grabbed the box for me.

"Here, miss," a familiar voice said.

I turned quickly. "Jacen?"

"Wait… Portia? From the party?" he asked.

"Yes!" I laughed.

"It's been a while! How are you?"

"I'm doing good. You?"

"Same as always. What brings you here?"

"I have a… special friend living here," I said, referring to Levi. "You?"

"Visiting my hometown nearby. Just strolling around with friends."

"I see—" I began, but a woman's voice called out to him.

"That's my friend. See you next time, Portia. Message me, okay?" he said as he walked off.

I turned back to the cart just in time to see Levi approaching.

"Who's the guy?" he asked.

"A friend. They're vacationing here."

He nodded, but his tone shifted. "Are you done?"

"Hmm? Are you jealous?" I teased.

"Of what, lady?" he asked, trying to sound indifferent.

"About my friend," I said, leaning in.

"No. What would I be jealous of… besides you two being all skin-to-skin close?"

I laughed. "You saw us talking? You should've joined us. He's a nice guy."

Levi sighed and gently pinched the top of my nose. "So cute. Let's go pay."

God, he's so cute when he's trying not to be.