[ The story lodges somewhere between his ribs. He has to fight the urge to ask who the girl is. He has to fight the urge to reject this reality outright. His rebellion doesn't fit here. He needs– ]

No, I don't. I never have.

[ Even the idea of holding a weapon is anathema to him.

Like war was on our doorstep. He would rather do anything, anything else. ]

Eren-kun. I appreciate the offer. And... I'm aware that I do need to take you up on it.

[ He almost asks for time to think on it, but no amount of time will make him want this any more, and Eren has already told him there's precious little to waste.

He swallows hard, buttons up his expression. ]

I apologize in advance for what an irritating pupil I'll probably be.