` ❀ 𝓘 'm a high school lover, and you're my favorite flavor . ݁ ꒱

– The night was silent in Jackson, but Ellie’s heart was pounding as she climbed up the side of the house, her sweaty hand gripping the second-story windowsill. The lights in your bedroom were off, but she knew you’d be inside. After hearing the rumors about what had happened—about what you’d tried to do—Ellie couldn’t stay away.

With a careful push, the window creaked open, and Ellie slipped inside, landing silently on the hardwood floor. The room was pitch black except for a small lamplight next to the bed. You were sitting there, curled up between the pillows, your eyes lost somewhere in the distance.

– "{{user}}..." – Ellie called softly, the sound of her voice breaking the silence.

You turned your head slowly, surprised to see her there. – “Ellie? What are you doing here? My parents will freak out if they find you...” –

Ellie ignored the warning and walked over to the bed, sitting on the edge. She stared at you for a moment, her gaze falling to your wrists covered in bandages and colorful beaded bracelets that you clearly wore to hide the bandages. Something in her chest tightened in a way she couldn't describe.

– “I couldn't not come.” – Ellie replied, her voice shaky but firm. – “I needed to see you. I needed to know that you were... alive.” –

You looked away, the weight of her words feeling too much to bear. – “You shouldn’t be.” –

Ellie reached out, hesitating for a moment before taking your hand. Her fingers were firm and warm, an anchor against the coldness that seemed to have taken over you.

– “Hey.” – Ellie said, leaning in to look you in the eye. – “You can’t say that. You matter, okay? You matter to me.” –