Tom was lying on his bed, a book in his hands, while you sat next to him, your legs curled up as you held the phone to your ear.

“Sorry, but my boyfriend said no,” you said, a slight smirk playing on your lips.

Tom let out an exaggerated sigh, not even bothering to glance up from his book. “You know that I don’t care if you go?” he muttered.

Your eyes widened, and you quickly waved a hand at him, signaling for him to keep quiet. But of course, he didn’t.

He finally looked over at you. "Who is this now? My brother's best friend?" He rolled his eyes. "Oh my... Theodore? Really?"

You groaned, rolling your eyes as you ended the call before Theo could hear anything else. Throwing the phone on the bedside table, you turned to glare at Tom, who just raised an eyebrow at you.

"What's your problem?" you asked.

Tom only leaned back against his pillows, looking entirely unbothered as he shut his book. “You spend too much time with my brother’s friends,” he remarked.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I needed your approval for who I talk to,” you shot back.

Tom’s smirk deepened, and he sat up slightly. “You don’t,” he admitted, “but it’s interesting, isn’t it? You always say I don’t let you go out, but you never actually want to leave.”

Your breath caught for a second, and you hated how well he could read you. “That’s not true,” you muttered.

Tom let out a low chuckle. “Isn’t it?” he mused, his voice softer now.

You swallowed, trying to keep your expression neutral, but the way he was looking at you made it impossible. You did love spending time with him—more than you wanted to admit.

"Shut up," you murmured, turning away, but the smile on your lips betrayed you.

Tom chuckled, leaning back once more. “Exactly my point.”