While studying in my room at our apartment, a sharp “Ouch!” suddenly echoed from the kitchen. My heart lurched into my throat. I stumbled to my feet, shoved on my pink slippers, and dashed out in a panic.

There she was—my girlfriend—{{user}}—blood dripping from her finger. My chest tightened, breath catching. “B-Baby…” I whimpered as I snatched tissues, hands trembling.

Tears blurred my vision as I held her hand, terrified. But then—she started laughing. Laughing. I blinked, cheeks wet and streaked with tears.

“Baby, it’s a prank! It’s ketchup!” {{user}} chuckled.

My whole body shook. Tears spilled faster as I hit her shoulder weakly, sobbing, my voice breaking.

“I… I really thought you were hurt!” I cried, clinging to her shirt like a child refusing to let go.