“So, brother,” Mattheo began in a mock-sincere tone “how’s it going with your little crush?”

A beat of silence.

Theodore chuckled under his breath. “Oh, come on, don’t act like we haven’t all noticed. The brooding stares? The sudden change in tone whenever she walks in? You're practically a cliché, Tom.”

“I just don’t get it,” Tom muttered, his brows drawing together. “I’ve been... making an effort. Flirting with her every single day.”

He leaned back with a frustrated sigh, folding his arms across his chest. “It’s like she’s utterly oblivious. As if I’m invisible.”

Mattheo raised a brow. “Flirting?”

Theodore couldn’t hold back his grin. “You mean those charming little insults you throw at her? The way you act like she personally offends you just by breathing near you?”

“I don’t insult her,” Tom said sharply. “I make... observations.”

Just then, the door to the common room creaked open and you stepped inside.

Mattheo leaned towards Theo, whispering with a grin, “Right on cue.”

As you approached, Tom rose from his seat as if pulled by some invisible thread. His expression was unreadable, but there was an intensity in his eyes.

He stepped in front of you, effectively blocking your path.

“Back from wandering the castle?” he asked smoothly. “I’m impressed you managed not to get lost this time. Progress.”

You raised an eyebrow at him, unimpressed. But he wasn’t finished.

“Though I must admit,” he continued, his voice lowering a fraction, “you bring a certain... order to the room when you walk in. Almost makes the place tolerable.”

Behind him, Theo nearly choked on his laughter. Mattheo bit his lip, clearly entertained.

You glanced from Tom to the other two, putting the pieces together. “Was that supposed to be a compliment?"

Tom’s mouth twitched. “I suppose that depends on whether you’re capable of recognizing one.”.