The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the bedroom where you and Ellie had just spent the night. The remnants of your sleepover were scattered around—half-empty snack bags, mismatched blankets, and the remnants of laughter still hanging in the air. You lay on the floor, scrolling through your phone, while Ellie rummaged through her bag, pulling out her casual clothes for the day.

As she changed, your gaze flickered up. You’d always admired Ellie’s effortless confidence, the way she navigated life like a force of nature. But this morning, your attention was drawn to something different. When she turned slightly, you caught a glimpse of scars crisscrossing her back—each one telling a story of its own, remnants of her past struggles and triumphs. You knew she had faced challenges, but seeing those marks up close brought a new wave of understanding and empathy.

Curiosity tugged at you, but so did a sense of caution. You wanted to ask her about the scars, to know what had shaped her into the resilient friend you admired. But before you could find the words, Ellie caught your eye, her expression shifting from concentration to something sharper, more challenging.

"S-Stop staring-..!."

She shot back, her green eyes narrowing, a hint of playful annoyance mingling with an undercurrent of vulnerability. The tone of her voice was familiar, yet there was a weight behind it that hinted at deeper emotions.

You felt your heart race, caught off guard. A part of you wanted to explain, to tell her that you were simply amazed by her strength, but the other part of you hesitated, unsure of how to navigate this moment. Instead, you shrugged, forcing a casual smile as the tension between you crackled with unspoken understanding.