𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃

i'll wait for you

dina's pov:

trigger warning.

i watched eagerly as ellie opened the card, bringing my hands to my mouth to cover my smile.

i knew exactly what i had wrote, i don't know why i'm acting like it's my first time ever hearing this.

"read it out loud," i say, opening the card for her.

"so stupid," she whispered under her breath.

she starts with the first sentence, her smile fading.

december 24, 2033
to: ellie

merry christmas, my love! i hope your day is filled with love and joy, and your happiness only grows from here on out.

anyway, let me get straight to the point. ellie, words cannot explain how much i love you.

from the way you laugh at my stupid jokes to your bright and toothy smile, i don't think you can possibly get any more perfect.

these past few months of us knowing each other have been the best few months of my life, as you can tell.

you're all that's on my mind, all day and every day. not a second goes by that i don't think of you.

she paused for a moment, shutting the card. "what? keep reading," i say, opening it.

she shook her head no, almost like she was scared. "come on, don't stop now."

without word she sighed, opening it again.

everything you do is done with such grace, elegance and adroitness, even if you don't see it.

no matter how many times i need you remind you you're genuinely one of the most beautiful people i've ever laid my eyes on, it's such an honor to have you in my life. with that being said.

ellie, will you be my girlfriend?

— dina

she shut the card, a blank expression on her face. "so?" i drag out, smiling ear to ear.

"i- dina, why?" was all she was able to get out.

i prepared myself for the rejection, but it was worth a try anyway.

"i love you, ellie. i don't think i can get more specific than that." "you can't love me, i'm gonna hurt you."

my smile faded into a more concerned look, watching as she threw the card off the bed. "but-"

"i'm not ready, dina. you don't understand."

we made eye contact for a moment, sitting in silence as tears filled her eyes. "what do you mean not ready?"

"i'm just not."

i let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "i'll wait for you then, deal?" i eventually ask.

she shook her head no, this time more aggressively. "you're setting yourself up."

"setting myself up?" i repeated what she said, raising a brow.

"i don't sleep, i don't eat i-i'm not like you, dina." her voice became raspier every time she opened her mouth. "what?"