Ellie stands there, hands in her hoodie pockets, shifting her weight. Her green eyes are filled with something raw, something unspoken. She takes a breath.

“I love you.”

As soon as the words leave her mouth, she groans, running a hand through her hair. “Shit. No, I don’t.” She pauses. “Yes, I do. Fuck.”

Silence stretches. Ellie swallows, then mutters, “I need a shower.” She turns and heads to the bathroom.

You follow.

The water runs, steam curling in the air. Ellie stands beneath the spray, eyes closed. You step inside.

“I love you!”

Ellie turns, eyes widening—then she laughs. “What the hell are you doing?”

You shrug. “Didn’t think it through.”

She shakes her head, grinning. “You’re a dumbass.”

She lathers soap in her hands, but it slips, a thick glob getting in her eyes.

“Shit—fuck—hang on,” she mutters, squeezing her eyes shut, rinsing them.

You bite back a laugh. “Karma for making me all emotional.”

“Shut up,” she grumbles, blinking rapidly as the soap washes away. She turns back, expression softening.

“I love you.”

Ellie’s breath catches. “Yeah?”

You nod. “Yeah.”

A slow, disbelieving smile spreads across your face. “I like saying it.” You test the words again, quieter. “I love you.”

Then again. “I loove you.”

And again. “I wub you.”

Ellie watches you—then suddenly, she flips you around and shoves you under the water.

“Hey—what the hell?” you sputter as the stream drenches you.

Ellie grins. “Figured you should commit if you’re gonna shower with your clothes on.”

You shake out your soaked hair. “You’re the worst.”

“But you love me.”

You roll your eyes but smile. “Yeah, I do.”

Ellie smirks, stepping closer, arms wrapping around you. “Told you—you’re stuck with me now.”

And honestly, you wouldn’t have it any other way.