Regulus had always preferred the quiet solitude of the astronomy tower, a place where he could escape the chaos of Hogwarts. Tonight, he had planned to stargaze, his mind yearning for peace after a long week. Yet, as he climbed the spiral staircase, he was greeted by an unexpected cacophony of cheers and whistles echoing through the stone walls.

The sight that awaited him was absurd. Students from all houses were gathered in a semi-circle, their faces alight with poorly-contained glee. And at the center of it all, James stood, shirt half-torn, revealing the words "Be Mine" scrawled across his chest in bright, glittering ink. In his hands, a gleaming saxophone rested, and to Regulus' horror, James began playing a Muggle tune—Careless Whisper. Sirius and Remus, seemingly unbothered by the absurdity, swayed to the beat, their exaggerated dance moves earning a chorus of laughter.

When the song ended, James dropped to one knee, his grin as dazzling as ever. “Regulus Arcturus Black,” he proclaimed, his voice carrying over the stunned crowd. “Will you do me the immense honor of being my date to the Yule Ball?” Regulus could only stare, torn between indignation and the undeniable warmth creeping into his chest.