You're laughing at something Cedric just said, putting your hand on his arm.

But even as you enjoy the conversation, you feel it. The weight of a gaze that lingers too long, the kind that burns through your skin.

You glance over your shoulder and there he is—Mattheo , leaning against the wall, arms crossed, jaw tight. His eyes are locked on you. And yet, when he catches you looking, he doesn’t look away. If anything, his gaze sharpens.

You return your attention to Cedric, but the moment feels different now. It doesn’t take long before Cedric bids you farewell, leaving you alone in the courtyard.

With a smirk tugging at your lips, you turn and stride toward Mattheo.

"Are you jealous?" you ask, tilting your head.

Mattheo sneers, the sound low and dismissive, but you don't miss the way his fingers twitch at his sides. "You can marry Cedric for all I care." He pretends not to be affected.

You arch a brow. "Really? Because you were staring like you wanted to set him on fire."

He snorts, shaking his head as he pushes off the wall. "Please," he mutters, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I was just wondering how someone can be that boring and still manage to hold a conversation."

You bite back a laugh. "So you were listening?"

He raises an eyebrow. "Had no choice. You were loud."

You take a step closer, watching the way his jaw clenches. "Not jealous at all, then?"

"Not even a little."

A smile spreads across your lips. "Your fists were clenched the whole time."

He exhales sharply, looking anywhere but at you. "You’re annoying, you know that?"

You grin. "And you’re a terrible liar."

Mattheo turns away, but not before you catch the pink dusting his cheeks.

He is so jealous, and sooner or later he will admit it.