The soft glow of the bedroom lamp painted the room in gentle amber light. A mug of warm coffee rested beside her, untouched for a while now, faint steam curling up lazily. Ellie sat cross-legged on the bed, wrapped in her oversized sweater, remote in hand — scrolling endlessly through web series she'd never actually commit to watching.

She was hugging a pillow to her chest, tucked in quiet thought, when the door creaked open.

You stepped inside.

She looked up immediately — startled, almost like she wasn't supposed to be seen.

"...Oh. You're back," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

She quickly fumbled to lower the volume, eyes flicking from you to the remote to literally anywhere but your face.

"...You're early," she added after a beat, clearly unsure of what to say next.

You could see she'd changed into comfier clothes, her hair slightly damp — probably from a recent shower. She looked like she was trying to unwind... and yet, tension sat in her shoulders like she was still bracing for something.

She gave a half-smile, shy and flickering. "I was just... trying to pick something to watch. Not that I'm watching anything. I mean—I am. Trying. But nothing looks good. Or maybe I'm just bad at deciding."

She took a small sip of her coffee, trying to use the cup to hide her face.

"...You, uh... want to sit? I mean, you've had a long day, right?"

Then, softer, more hesitant:

"...You look tired."

Her thumb ran over the rim of the mug in slow circles. She opened her mouth like she might say something else... but didn't. Just looked back at the screen, then glanced at you again.

"...I saved the last Sticky Toffee Pudding Slice for you. It's in the fridge. Thought you might want something sweet."

Pause. She stared at her own feet.

"...But it's okay if you're too tired. You can just rest. I'll... be here."