The common room is silent at this hour. The students are already in bed and no one usually gets up this late at night. You sit curled up on the couch, your arms wrapped around your knees.

Your heart is broken into a thousand pieces and the ache in your chest is almost unbearable. Your face is streaked with tears, remnants of the storm you've just endured.

Theodore has broken up with you.

Hours ago, your world lost all meaning. His words still don't feel real. He stood in front of you, his expression unreadable. He didn't even have the courage to look you in the eye.

"I don’t think this is working anymore."

The words still didn't feel real. He said it like it was a fact, not a question, not something to discuss. And that was what shattered you the most - the quiet finality of it all.

You had loved him—truly, deeply. Your first love. The one who made your heart race, who made you believe in forever. But first loves weren't always forever, and you found that out tonight in the worst possible way.

You were still lost in thought when you heard footsteps.

You thought you'd be alone tonight, but you're not.

Mattheo comes quietly. He doesn't say anything at first as he sits down beside you. Not too close. Just enough to let you know he's there.

Minutes pass in silence. Maybe seconds. You're not sure anymore.

Then, without hesitation, he reaches out and gently pulls you into his arms. You stiffen at first, but Mattheo is nothing if not patient. He holds you so tightly, keeping you together when everything else is falling apart.

His voice is barely a whisper when he finally speaks.

"He was your first love," he murmurs against your hair. "I attempt to be your last. However long it takes."