Theodore’s voice cut through the noise in the common room. “Are you seriously going to let a girl get in between our friendship, Mattheo?”

Mattheo turned his head slowly. “What if I am?” he asked, his tone deliberately even, but there was a dangerous edge beneath it.

Draco let out a pointed scoff. “Here we go…” He didn’t even bother to hide his exasperation, sinking further into his seat as though he had witnessed this exact argument one too many times.

Tom lifted his eyes from the book in his hands. "They’re talking about {{user}} again.”

Mattheo stepped forward, closing the gap between himself and Theodore. “You better stay away from her,” he warned.

Theodore’s expression didn’t falter... if anything, the corners of his mouth curled into a smirk. “Why should I stay away from her?” he challenged.

Tom snapped his book shut. “Why don’t both of you just try and charm her? Then she can make the choice for herself.” He enjoyed watching chaos unfold, especially when it wasn’t his own.

Theodore didn’t miss a beat. “Fine,” he said. “May the best man win.”

Mattheo let out a low chuckle. “Don’t forget that I never lose.”

You shifted uncomfortably across the room, your book open in your lap but unread. Their voices carried easily and, though you pretended to focus on the page, your pulse quickened with each word.

Then, as if pulled by some invisible thread, both Theodore and Mattheo turned in your direction.

By the time they stopped in front of you, their presence loomed like a shadow... Mattheo with his intense, unflinching stare, and Theodore with that infuriating, taunting smirk.

Theodore leaned slightly against the arm of your chair, lowering his voice. “You look even prettier when you pretend not to eavesdrop,” he teased, his smirk daring you to deny it.

Mattheo stepped closer, his eyes never leaving yours. “Don’t let him fool you,” he murmured. “He talks too much. I’m the one who’ll actually keep you entertained.”