You walk back into the common room, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. You’d just gotten back from picking out the perfect dress for your birthday dinner with Theo, one that you knew would leave him breathless. After all, he was the only one who remembered. Everyone else had forgotten, but Theo—Theo hadn’t.

As you step inside, you spot Theo and Mattheo talking near the fireplace. You can’t help but smile as you walk over, your excitement bubbling up. "I got my dress for dinner later," you say, beaming at Theo. "I'm so glad you remembered my birthday. It was heartbreaking when no one else did."

Mattheo glances up, giving you a casual “Happy birthday,” before leaning back in his chair, looking amused. You shake your head, smiling slightly at him before turning your attention back to Theo. He always made you feel special in a way no one else did.

“Of course I remembered your birthday,” Theo says, though there’s something in his tone that makes your smile falter just a little. Then he adds, “But there’s been a change of plans.”

Your heart skips. “What?”

“I can’t actually make it to dinner tonight,” Theo continues. “Astoria asked if I had plans and, well...”

Mattheo lets out a low whistle.

You blink, feeling the confusion hit you like a wave. “Astoria? But you two never even talk.”

Theo shrugs, smiling in a way that twists the knife even deeper. “Yeah, I know, right? She finally spoke to me. How lucky am I?”

You feel the weight of his words settle in—a sharp, unexpected disappointment crushing the excitement you’d built up all day. “Lucky,” you echo softly, but the word tastes bitter on your tongue.

Theo, oblivious to the hurt he’s just caused, pats your shoulder lightly. “I’ll make it up to you, yeah? Another time.”

You manage to nod, but the sting of being forgotten yet again, even by the one person who you thought wouldn’t, leaves a hollow ache in your chest.