Chapter 6: Bond

After finishing his work in the village and meeting Christa, Adam returned to the Shiganshina District. The sun was already setting when he arrived.

As he approached their residence, Adam saw Mikasa sitting in front of the small house they were temporarily staying in.

Upon seeing her, Mikasa immediately stood up and ran over to him.

"You took so long," she said in a flat tone, but her eyes showed a hint of concern.

Adam chuckled and raised both hands. "Relax, I wasn't kidnapped."

Mikasa remained silent, then looked at Adam's hands. "Your hands are dirty. Did you work too hard?"

Adam glanced at his hands full of dirt and dust. "Well, you could say that. But I also met someone interesting."

Mikasa frowned. "Who?"

Adam smiled. "Her name is Christa. I rescued her from a bunch of brats who were trying to bully her."

Mikasa stared at him for a moment, then sighed. "So you even save people now?"

Adam shrugged. "Well, I can't just let someone get bullied."

Mikasa paused before saying, "You're too kind."

Adam chuckled. "Hey, don't get me wrong. I'm not a hero. I just don't like seeing things that aren't fair."

Mikasa looked down for a moment, then tugged gently on Adam's hand.

"Let's go inside. I've prepared the food."

Adam raised an eyebrow. "You cook?"

Mikasa gave a small nod. "I learned a little... because you always come home late."

Adam smiled. "I don't know whether to feel proud or guilty."

Mikasa looked at him for a while before pulling him into the house.

Inside their small house, Mikasa brought out two bowls of simple soup.

Adam sat down and started spooning the soup. It tasted... rather bland, but still edible.

He glanced at Mikasa, who was waiting for his reaction with a flat but thoughtful expression.

Adam smiled and said, "Not bad. I'm sure in a few more weeks, you'll be a good cook."

Mikasa frowned. "So not good?"

Adam laughed. "I didn't say that! But maybe tomorrow we can buy some salt and spices?"

Mikasa just nodded slowly and started eating.

They ate in comfortable silence.

However, Mikasa suddenly spoke in a low voice.

"Adam..."

"Hm?"

"You're not going to leave me, are you?"

Adam paused for a moment, staring at the little girl in front of him.

Her dark gray eyes looked even deeper in the light of the oil lamp.

Adam put down his spoon and smiled.

"Of course not. I promised, didn't I?"

Mikasa stared at him for a while before giving a small nod.

Adam ruffled her hair lightly. "Already, let's finish your food. Tomorrow we have to start training again."

Mikasa smiled slightly and went back to eating.