The common room is quiet, save for the crackling fire. You sit on the couch, the weight of the past few days pressing down on you. It's been hard, adjusting to the sudden change in your life after the breakup. You had wanted to take things slow with your ex, but that was something he couldn’t respect. The betrayal still stings, but you’re trying to focus on the present—on Mattheo, who has been nothing but supportive and caring since you started dating.

As you stare into the flames, lost in your thoughts, you hear the soft creak of the door behind you. Turning around, you see him—your ex-boyfriend. His eyes are soft, like he’s unsure of how to approach you.

“Hey,” he starts, his voice almost too casual. “Can we talk?”

You hesitate but you nod, motioning for him to sit. He does so, but there’s an uncomfortable distance between the two of you.

“I, uh… I just wanted to know something,” he says, glancing at you with that familiar look he used to give you when he wanted something. “Does he make you laugh? Mattheo, I mean.”

The question catches you off guard for a moment. “At least he doesn’t cheat on me just because I wanted to take things slow…”

Before your ex can respond, the door swings open again, and Mattheo steps into the room. His eyes flick to you, then narrow as he spots your ex sitting there. Without a word, he walks toward you, a protective energy radiating from him.

Mattheo stands in front of you, his chest puffed out slightly as he faces your ex, his eyes locking with his in a silent warning.

“I think it’s time for you to leave,” Mattheo says, his voice low and firm. “You’ve said what you needed to say. Now it’s my turn to take care of her.”

Your ex stares at Mattheo for a moment, clearly sizing him up. But it’s Mattheo’s unwavering stance and the fire in his eyes that convinces him. Without another word, he stands up, throwing one last glance at you before he turns and walks out.

As the door closes behind him, Mattheo turns to you, his expression softening. “Are you okay?” he asks gently.