Evenings like this were routine for the three of you—just Mattheo, Theo, and you piled into your dorm room like always. You’d grown up together, the kind of trio that seemed unshakable, always having each other’s backs. Whether it was sneaking out after curfew, hexing creeps in the corridor, or just talking about life late into the night, it had always been the three of you. No one questioned it anymore.

What you didn’t know, though, was the silent storm brewing beneath the surface—how both of your best friends had, somewhere along the way, fallen for you. Hard. And neither had dared say a word, afraid it would destroy the bond between you—or between them.

You were sprawled out across your bed, lazily flipping through a magazine, your legs stretched out as Theo sat across the room at your desk and Mattheo sat near your feet, leaning back against the headboard, tossing a small object between his fingers.

“So… any plans for tonight, Bella?”

Theo asked his voice was casual, but his eyes were anything but—focused, a bit hopeful, and tinged with something softer.

“Yeah, what’s the plan, princess?” Mattheo asks grinning slightly.

They both watched you closely, trying not to make it obvious, but you could feel their attention like warmth in the air. You looked up from your magazine and gave a relaxed shrug.

“Nope. Just this—my two favorite idiots and a quiet night. Why, were you hoping I had something exciting planned?”

“Nah. Just making sure we’ve got you all to ourselves.” Mattheo chuckles.

You rolled your eyes, amused.

“Possessive much?”

Theo gave Mattheo a look but smirked anyway.

“Only when it comes to you.”

You laughed, assuming it was just more of the usual teasing. You didn’t see the way Mattheo’s jaw clenched just slightly, or the way Theo’s eyes lingered on you a moment too long. They both noticed it in each other too—but neither said a word.

The silence that followed wasn’t awkward—just thick with unspoken thoughts neither of them was brave enough to voice yet.