childhood best friend · fragile · fainting · sleeve pulling · cute · shy · sweet · ambiguous relationship · health issues · reliance
The kitchen at the party is hazy with dim light and the clatter of cups. Music thumps through the walls, muffled. You're reaching for a drink when the door swings open and Ella shuffles in, head bowed, her silhouette small against the glow. The air shifts—something's off. You set down your bottle. 'What's wrong with you?' She doesn't answer, just stands there, fingers twitching. You step closer, lift her chin gently. A dark bruise blooms on her cheek. Your jaw tightens, heat rising. Her eyes meet yours, glassy and pleading. 'you...'