Previously :
Ellie stood up and walked to the fridge. After a moment of searching, she pulled out a couple of beers and returned to Bella, handing one to her.
"I think this might help," Ellie said with a teasing grin.
Bella looked at her, clearly unsure about the idea.
"I should know if I can't trust you," Bella said, rolling her eyes.
"Why? There's nothing wrong with this. We're adults, it's just a drink. Why are you scared?" Ellie teased.
"I'm not scared. I just don't want to get drunk when I have to go home," Bella replied, her tone a little defensive.
"Oh my God, seriously?" Ellie laughed. "I'm here. We live together, remember? If you're worried about that, you don't need to be. I'll take care of you."
"Just for today, relax a little," Ellie added with a soft smile.
"I'm still not sure this will help…" Bella muttered.
The truth was, Bella never drank alcohol. Despite how she looked, she was actually quite old-fashioned.
"You're gonna be fine. I'm not gonna push you or make you do anything you don't want to," Ellie said gently. "But at least let me open this bottle of beer. You can decide later if you want to drink it or not."
Ellie popped the cap off, poured the beer into a glass filled with ice, and handed it to Bella.
"Here. It's better cold," she said with a small grin.
Bella looked at the glass, then back at Ellie, her expression torn between doubt and amusement.
Ellie just shrugged casually.
"No pressure. Just hold it if you want."
Bella hesitated, then took the glass, feeling the cold against her palms. She wasn't sure if she'd actually drink it, but somehow… just having it there made her feel a little braver.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," Bella muttered under her breath. "Listen, I'll drink it… only because you already poured it. I don't want it to go to waste."
"Yes, yes, I know," Ellie said with a little laugh.
"It's not gonna help, though," Bella added, shooting Ellie a side glance.
"We'll see about that," Ellie teased.
Without another word, Bella raised the glass and, in one breath, finished the whole thing.
Ellie's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Hey—you drank the whole thing!" Ellie said, half laughing, half shocked.
"What? What's wrong?" Bella asked innocently, setting the glass down with a soft clink.
"I thought you were just gonna sip it, not… chug it," Ellie said, still staring at her like she couldn't believe it. "If you drink that fast, it's gonna hit you harder."
And sure enough, within moments, Bella's cheeks turned red. The alcohol was definitely kicking in—and it was making her act a little strange.
"Pour me more," Bella said, handing her glass to Ellie.
"That's enough for today. I think you're drunk," Ellie replied.
"It's just two glasses and you're already like this?" she added, sounding like she couldn't believe how easily Bella got tipsy.
"Why? You said this stuff makes people braver. I don't feel anything. Give me more," Bella insisted.
"Nope. You're done. You're drunk. We should go home soon—but let me clean up first," Ellie said as she started gathering the plates and empty bottles.
While Ellie tidied up, Bella slumped over the table, resting her head on the surface. A few minutes passed, and when Ellie turned to check on her, she found Bella fast asleep.
Ellie walked over, gently lifting Bella's head a little.
"You're totally drunk," she murmured. "Your face looks like a crab now."
"I wanna drink one more glass…" Bella mumbled, eyes still closed.
Ellie sighed and pulled a chair beside her. She sat down, leaning in so their heads rested close together. Her gaze softened as she looked at Bella's flushed face.
"I don't know… you have a cute side like this," Ellie whispered, gently brushing her fingers against Bella's cheek.
Suddenly, Bella's eyes opened. She turned slightly, their faces now just inches apart.
"I also didn't know… you have such beautiful eyes," Bella said softly.
Ellie froze. She thought Bella had already fallen asleep. For a few seconds, neither of them said a word. Their breath was the only thing filling the quiet space between them.
"I think this stuff's really working," Bella added.
"What do you mean?" Ellie asked.
"I mean the drink. It's really working… It makes it easier to say the things I'm thinking," Bella replied with a small smile.
Ellie chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I can tell. You're kinda different right now."
They kept talking quietly, heads still resting beside each other, their eyes locked.
"Ellie?" Bella called, her voice softer now.
"Yes? What's wrong, Miss Bella?" Ellie replied playfully, her voice just as gentle.
"It's nice to know you in person, and thank you" Bella said with a smile—then slowly drifted off to sleep.
Those simple words hit Ellie harder than she expected. Her heart started racing, louder t
Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
Ellie tried to laugh it off, to brush it away like she always did.
But it wouldn't leave.
Not this time.
"I think I get it now…" she whispered, almost afraid to say it out loud. Her eyes stayed fixed on Bella.
"My heart's not racing because I'm scared of you…"
She paused.
A soft, shaky breath escaped her lips.
"It's because… I've started to like you."