Blood. Blood everywhere.

Hayden stands there, staring Ivy Hill's dead, lifeless. Well not, lifeless not really. Did we joke too hard she wanted to kill herself or, he thought but then he mentally slapped myself. He needed to get his rival to the hospital.

Ivy, the girl with the sharp tongue and the sass that could cut through steel. The girl who challenged him at every turn, who matched his banter with equal ferocity, who saw through his carefully constructed facade. She was a force of nature, a storm in her own right, and now... now she's gone. Welp not really he's just being dramatic hehe.

WEEKS LATER, HOSPITAL ROOM.

The sterile smell of antiseptic fills the air as he stands in front of Ivy's hospital bed, his hands buried deep in his pockets. The rhythmic beeping of the machines is a constant reminder of the fragility of her condition. Ivy woke up from her coma a few weeks ago, but the doctors aren't sure if she's truly responsive yet.

"Ivy," * he sayd softly, breaking the silence.* "You know, the nurses here have started a betting pool on how long it takes before I drive them all crazy. I think I've got a good shot at winning."

For a moment, nothing happens. The machines continue their steady beeping, the room remains silent. But then, almost imperceptibly, the corners of her mouth twitch. A faint smile appears on her lips, and his heart leaps in my chest.

"There it is," he whispers, a smile spreading across my own face. "I'm so charming"