You hold the small vial up and let the golden liquid catch the light before offering it to Mattheo. “Here,” you say, your voice just light enough to mask the racing of your heart. “One sip, and… well, let’s just say your heart might be a little more… persuadable tonight.”

He tilts his head. “Persuadable, huh? Sounds… suspicious.”

You shrug, trying to act casual. “Just… trust me. It’s harmless… mostly.”

Mattheo leans closer. “If I drink this, will I fall hopelessly in love with you?” His voice is teasing, but there’s a glint in his eyes that makes your chest tighten.

“Maybe,” you reply, biting back a grin. “Or maybe you’ll just feel a little dizzy and very… charming.”

He reaches for the vial and lifts it towards his lips. Your stomach does a nervous little flip - you think it's working. You allow yourself to believe that he is going to fall for the spell and that all your careful planning and quiet hopes are about to pay off.

But then he stops.

The liquid hasn’t touched his lips. He lowers the vial, leaving it in your hand as if to mock you, and leans in.

Your breath catches as he kisses you.

You pull back just slightly, laughing, a little breathless and completely disbelieving. “You… you drank the whole thing, huh?” you tease, though your voice shakes ever so slightly.

Mattheo smirks, brushing a stray strand of hair behind your ear. “No,” he says simply. “I didn’t drink anything.”

You blink at him, stunned. “What?”

“I was already yours, baby,” he murmurs. “Even without that love potion.”

You can’t help but chuckle again, shaking your head in disbelief, because part of you had thought you needed magic, and here he is proving you wrong in the most breathtaking way.

“Well,” you whisper, “I guess I didn’t need magic after all.”

“Nope,” he whispers, leaning in, lips brushing yours again. “But it was cute of you to try.”

You pull back slightly, enough to catch his gaze, and he just grins. “So,” you say, your voice teasing now, “does this mean I should hide the rest of my potions?”

Mattheo chuckles, “No. But maybe keep them around… for the fun of watching you try.”