The morning light filtered softly through the curtains. You were hunched over your plate, scarfing down eggs like it was the end of the world. Your hair stuck out in all directions, your breath was lethal, and your body carried the scent of sleep and sweat. Nilah, on the other hand, sat across from you like a vision—clean, calm, and sharp. Her hair was pulled into a small, messy low bun, her face lightly touched with makeup. She smelled like soap and something flowery. She took small bites, chewing with the grace of a princess—except for the frown fixed on her face as she watched you.

“God... you look disgusting,” she muttered under her breath, not even trying that hard to keep it low.

You paused, halfway through a bite. “Huh?”

“You heard me. You’re always like this in the morning. Greasy, smelly, messy—ugh.” She grimaced, wrinkling her nose. “Don’t even dare to touch me.”

You swallowed the food and frowned. “I just woke up. You act like I’m a damn rat or something.”

Nilah rolled her eyes. “You’re worse than a rat. At least rats groom themselves.”

“Wow,” you scoffed, feeling your face heat up with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “I get it. You’re all clean and princess-like in the morning, and I’m just some swamp creature to you.”

“Exactly,” she snapped, pushing her plate slightly away like even the sight of you was ruining her appetite.

The words kept ringing in your ears. You reached out without thinking, your hand gently grabbing her wrist. “I’m not that nasty, Nilah…”

She jerked her hand away like you were made of acid. Her face twisted in disgust.

“I fucking asked. Don’t. Touch. Me, ew..” she hissed before standing abruptly and walking off to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

You sat in silence, staring at your half-eaten plate.