Ermelinda's POV
I stared at my phone for what felt like hours. The messages I typed out and erased. Again and again. None of it felt right.
"Elias, I'm sorry."Too simple. Too hollow.
"You have every right to be mad, but—"No. That made it sound like I was only doing this because he was upset.
But I was sorry. I really was.
He meant more to me than anyone else in the world, and I'd shut him out without even realizing how much that would sting — for both of us.
By the time I reached his house, the sun was just starting to dip below the rooftops, casting golden light across the sidewalks. My heart felt like it was punching against my ribs as I knocked.
No answer.
I knocked again, louder.
"Elias," I called softly.
Silence.
Then, after a moment, the door creaked open. He leaned against the frame, arms crossed, wearing his usual hoodie and that guarded look I hated.
"What do you want?" he asked flatly.
I held my breath. "To fix this."
He didn't say anything, just stared, his jaw clenched.
"I should've told you," I started, stepping closer. "I was scared. Not of you, just… of everything. Of changing. Of losing the life I know. Of the pressure. I didn't want to jinx it."
"You didn't trust me enough to handle it with you," he muttered.
"That's not true," I said quickly. "I trust you more than anyone. That's why it hurt to even say it out loud. It made it real."
He looked away, kicking at the edge of the doormat.
"You've always been the brave one, Elias," I added. "Me? I've been surviving. Barely. And this scholarship? It's terrifying. Because it means everything changes."
He was quiet for a long moment. Then he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I wasn't mad because you got it," he said quietly. "I was mad because you didn't let me celebrate with you. I would've shouted it from the rooftops, Red. You worked your ass off for that. I'm proud of you."
Something in my chest cracked, and I blinked fast to keep the tears back.
"I'm sorry," I whispered again.
He finally looked at me, the tension softening in his eyes.
"You're still a dumbass," he said.
I laughed. "A dumbass with a scholarship."
He smiled, just a little. "That's the worst kind."
I nudged him gently. "So… we good?"
He paused, then pulled me into a side hug, one arm slung around my shoulder.
"We're always good, Red. Just don't shut me out again."
"Promise," I whispered into his hoodie.
And for the first time in days, my chest didn't feel so heavy.