Lisa sat on the hospital bed, nibbling plain porridge. Her fingers trembled a little, but not from sickness.
Because I don't like seeing other people steal your attention.
Alex's voice echoed in her mind.
He didn't say he loved her. He didn't say he missed her.
But the way he looked at her—the anger in his tone, the way he sat by her side—wasn't something a brother would do.
Or maybe... I'm just hoping again, she thought bitterly.
She looked out the window, watching clouds pass by. Every emotion she had buried was starting to surface again, messing with her heart and her peace.
⸻
Scene Break: Afternoon – Lisa's Hospital Room
The door burst open.
"LISA!"
Lisa blinked as a beautiful, bubbly girl entered with arms full of tupperware, juice bottles, and soup containers.
Zia.
Her best friend. The one who could bring sunshine into any room.
"I heard what happened from Mia! You fainted?! Why didn't you tell me you were feeling unwell?"
"I didn't want to worry you," Lisa said with a soft smile.
Zia sighed dramatically and began unpacking food on the small table beside the bed.
"Forget that bland hospital porridge. I made miso soup, steamed tofu, and your favorite seaweed salad."
Lisa laughed. "You're too good to me."
Zia pouted. "Of course. You're my best friend. Besides, your body needs healing, and you look like a deflated balloon."
Lisa giggled, truly feeling lighter for the first time since yesterday.
⸻
Scene Break: Outside Lisa's Room
Eli stood in the hallway, looking through the glass panel of the door. He had come to check on Lisa's vitals... but paused when he saw Zia.
She laughed as she tied Lisa's hair back, her energy warm and infectious. Her eyes sparkled when she smiled, and her hands moved gently when feeding Lisa small bites like a child.
Eli's heart skipped.
It wasn't just her beauty—it was the way she cared. Freely. Without pride.
"She's... different," he murmured under his breath.
He didn't even realize he was smiling.
⸻
Scene Break: That Night
Lisa stared at the ceiling.
She was recovering—but her heart was exhausted.
Alex's voice still haunted her, mixing hope with fear.
Then Zia's voice echoed back in her memory too, full of light and comfort.
"You deserve someone who chooses you clearly, Lisa. Not someone who keeps you confused."
Was Alex confusing her on purpose? Or... was he fighting something inside him too?
Lisa didn't know anymore.
But her heart—her foolish, stubborn heart—still beat loudest when she thought of him.