the room is quiet, the air carrying the faint scent of earth and rain from the world outside. ellie’s calloused fingers ghost over your cheek, her touch gentle, almost hesitant. her brows are knit together, her green eyes tracing your face like she’s memorizing every detail, as if she’s afraid this moment might slip away too soon.

“i, uh…” she starts, her voice soft and cracking slightly under the weight of unspoken words. she tugs her bottom lip between her teeth, her thumb brushing your chin. “you’re so… frustrating, you know that?” there’s a faint chuckle, but it’s layered with something deeper—vulnerability. “you make me feel like i don’t know what i’m doing.”

her hand stills, her palm warm against your jaw, holding you there like you’re the only thing grounding her. she leans in just slightly, her gaze flicking between your eyes and your lips, her breathing shallow.

“i don’t wanna screw this up,” she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.