The Potions classroom is quiet as Mattheo stares at you, his dark eyes betraying the pain he felt inside.

"My brother?" Mattheo asks. "Out of all the people you had to smell. It was my very own brother?"

You exhale, feeling your stomach twist. "I didn't smell Tom," you try to reason with him, though you know it’s no use.

Mattheo shakes his head, his jaw clenched in disbelief. "Stop lying, {{user}}," he mutters, his voice tight. "I grew up with Tom. I know his scent better than anyone."

You sigh heavily, guilt tugging at your chest. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I’ve been spending a lot of time with him lately, with him tutoring me, and… I don’t know. I guess it’s just messing with my head."

His expression shifts, the frustration fading into something more painful—disappointment. You watch as his usual mask of confidence slips, leaving behind a boy who feels betrayed.

"Once again," Mattheo whispers bitterly, "my brother gets the girl I like. History repeats itself." He gives you a sad, humorless laugh, but there’s no fight left in his voice, only resignation.

"Congratulations," he says quietly, stepping back as if to put distance between you. "He can have you. I'm not going to even try."

Before you can say anything, he turns and walks away, leaving you standing in the silence of the empty classroom, alone with your thoughts. Is it possible that you’ve developed feelings for Tom?