Mattheo leans back on the common room sofa, watching Tom being dramatic.

“So, brother,” Mattheo starts, grinning into his drink, “How’s it going with your little... crush?”

Tom doesn’t look at him. He’s focused on the book that lays in his lap, unopened…untouched…very much uncharacteristic of him.

“I just don’t get it,” Tom mutters. “I have tried flirting with her every single day.”

Mattheo’s head slightly tilts. “Flirting? Tom. You haven’t said more than two words to her all week.”

Tom finally looks at Mattheo. A hint of irritation in his voice. “My intentions are very clear.”

Mattheo smirks. “You haven’t spoken more than two words to her.”

“I stare,” Tom deadpans.

Mattheo raises a brow, knowing Tom’s penchant for not being the best at social interactions. “Subtle stares?”

Tom hesitates. “…S–some of them.”

Mattheo gives Tom a look of uncertainty. “And the others?”

Before Mattheo can respond, the common room door swings open, and you walk in. Tom’s eyes immediately snap to you and give you one of his intense stares. Subtlety is nowhere near what his gaze is. It’s unblinking, borderline threatening stares.

You freeze halfway across the room and glance at him, a concerned expression on your face. “…Are you okay?”

Tom still doesn’t blink.

“Do you need… medicaI attention?”

You glance at Mattheo who is trying his best to stifle his laughter.

“Should I get Madam Pomfrey?”

That’s when Mattheo loses it. His laughter echoes throughout the room. Tom just clears his throat, blinking once like he just rebooted.

“I’m fine.”

You walk off, still watching him out of the corner of your eye until you make it to the stairs.

Mattheo wipes tears from his eyes. “Yeah, no, {{user}}’s definitely not getting the hint.”

Tom mutters, “Maybe if I stare harder—”

“Please don’t,” Mattheo quickly interjects. "You look like you’re emotionally constıpated."