The wind tugged gently at your sleeves as you stood by the stone railing, your fingers drumming nervously. You weren’t sure why your stomach felt so tense. Perhaps it was the way Draco had looked at you during dinner, as though he wanted to say something but didn’t know how.

He arrived late, of course. He always did that when he was overthinking something.

“Hey,” you said, forcing a smile.

Draco didn’t return it.

Instead, he walked straight past you to the edge of the tower, gripping the stone with both hands as though he needed support.

You waited for him to speak first.

He didn’t.

Finally, you broke the silence. “So... what is this, Draco? You said we needed to talk.”

His head dropped slightly. He exhaled hard before turning to face you. "You know what? I’m not sorry."

Your brows furrowed.

"I don’t take it back," he added, stepping toward you. "Whatever you think this is, whatever happened between us, I don’t regret it."

You blinked, feeling the heat rush to your cheeks. The kiss. That night by the lake. His hand in yours, his lips on your neck, and then you both pretending it hadn't happened.

You swallowed. “Draco…”

He looked at you sharply.

You hesitated, “I thought we were just gonna be friends.”

"I can’t handle it!" he burst out. "I can’t keep my feelings all bottled up like you." His hands curled into fists at his sides. "You walk around like nothing happened. Like I didn’t mean anything to you. But I did. And I do. So tell me the truth—"

He took another step toward you. "Can you honestly tell me that you feel nothing for me?"

You looked away, toward the stars. “You make it sound so easy,” you whispered. “Like feelings don’t come with consequences.”

Draco shook his head. “Nothing about this has been easy. But I’d rather deal with every consequence in the world than go on pretending you don’t matter to me.”

“I’m scared,” you admitted finally. “If I let it be real… I don’t know if I’ll survive it if you walk away.”

Draco stepped closer until he was right in front of you. His voice softened. “I’m not walking away."