Mattheo catches up to you, his grip gentle but firm as he takes your hand, pulling you back to face him. The look in his eyes is intense. You’ve been avoiding this moment, but now that it’s here, there’s no escape.

“Mattheo, please,” you try to sound firm, but your voice wavers as he steps closer, his eyes never leaving yours.

“Enzo seems like he's good for you,” Mattheo starts, his voice low, almost a whisper. “And Draco makes you feel like you should. And all your friends say Theo’s the one. His love for you is true.”

It’s everything everyone has been telling you, everything you’ve tried to convince yourself to believe.

“But do they know you call me when everyone’s asleep?” His voice is softer now, almost tender. “Or do they know the pictures that you keep? Or do they know the reasons that you cry?”

Your heart races as he steps even closer, his thumb brushing against your knuckles. His eyes search yours, looking for a truth you’ve been hiding for far too long.

“Tell me,” he continues, his voice almost pleading now, “do they know where your heart lies? Where it truly lies?”

You look down at the ground, trying to compose yourself, but Mattheo gently tilts your chin back up so that you meet his gaze.

“Mattheo…” you whisper, your voice trembling with the weight of everything unspoken between you two.

He doesn’t say anything, just holds your gaze, waiting—waiting for you to admit what you both already know.